Approaching Fall and Beach Rides
Greetings from the off-grid Matagorda Peninsula barrier island, located approximately 5 miles off the coast of Port O’Connor, TX., with West Matagorda Bay to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico bordering the south side. Many people that are not associated with an isolated homesteading lifestyle, are not familiar with the off-grid concept, and what it mostly entails. Not to worry, in a not too distant future, writing, maybe a tad closer to my 20 year island anniversary, I shall explain in depth, what I like to refer to as “living beyond the sidewalks”, and the peaks and valleys that this lifestyle encompasses. So stay tuned!
Fifteen more days. . . just fifteen more days, as of me sitting at my little kitchen table and writing this, and glorious Fall will officially begin. Umm, YAY!! I distinctly remember telling myself last summer, that it was the hottest summer yet for me out here, at that time. Well, I can toss that hottest summer theory out into the lagoon now! The present summer has not only been the hottest, but by FAR has been the driest, with a mere 3.1” of rain falling on the island since June 1. Simply brutal conditions. Thank the Lord that a consistent Gulf breeze, along with shade and cool drinks, and a few Dewalt 20 volt fans, have helped during the hottest times of the day throughout the summer.
Corky and I have been making regular trips down to the beach to enjoy the cooler surf breeze, and so Mr. Dog can run in the water and chase little beach birds. The tar balls that had littered the beach a month or so ago have pretty much disappeared, thank goodness. The beach has been pretty clean lately, but a few seashell and sand dollar finds can be appreciated if you slowly walk with the sand beneath your feet. During the sea turtle nesting season, primarily April-July, I always keep an eye out for turtle tracks leading from the surf towards the dunes, and then back out again. Corky and I just enjoy the serenity of riding in the golf cart and walking along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the surf, and never knowing what treasures you might find washed ashore.
I’ve seen one hummingbird scout buzzing around the porch this week, so I filled my two feeders with sugar water, hoping that a few of them will make a stop-over on their trek south this Fall. This past Spring I had more hummers than ever before, so I’m hoping the trend continues every year now. It’s entertaining watching them fight for the feeders and hearing their unique chirping noises.
Well that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and have a great day. And please remember to tell those close to you, those that make you happy and smile, that you appreciate them. Life offers no promises. . kind words are priceless.
Clint Bennetsen is a retired police detective, now residing full time on Matagorda Peninsula Island for nearly 18 years. Clint writes his monthly Island Life column in the Dolphin Talk newspaper, telling of his adventures, beach finds and off-grid lifestyle. Clint can be reached for questions or comments at dolphin1@tisd.net, or ccbennetsen@yahoo.com.
