The Texas 200 has come to Seadrift, Texas. Sailors from as far away as Australia; Spokane, Washington; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Colorado; Missouri and across Texas gathered in Port Isabel, Texas for the fourth annual Texas 200 Challenge. With sailboats as small as 8 ft., mud ducks to as large as 26 ft., cruisers, catamarans to double masted ketches, to challenge the Texas coastal waters for 200 miles and six days.

This year’s 200 challenge was especially difficult with winds in the 30’s and four to six foot seas Traveling for some with compass and chart alone, with stories of demasting, broken rudders, ripped sails, capsizing, running aground, relentless waves and unbearable sun, sailors would recover refit and make do with help from fellow sailors to their ultimate goal of the finish line in Seadrift Texas.

Sailboats would gather at night at predetermined locations to camp. Making repairs, cooking dinners, fishing or going for a late evening swim, then settling for the night in conversations with there fellow sailors.

As the next morning arrived, boats would sail off with sails stretching for miles to the horizon, each day bringing a new adventure, Some sailors sailing alone, some with buddies, and some with spouses.

As sailors arrived in Seadrift, they would speak of the beauty of the Texas coastline –dolphins playing near their boats, the beautiful coastal birds, catching fish in the evening, and watching the clouds of sails move across the bays, One older gentleman stated, “What beautiful islands and water you have here in Texas, long stretches of unspoiled coastline.”

Other sailors would arrive in Seadrift, beach their boats, tired and worn out, saying, “ Can’t wait till next year. I will miss the silent swishing of the sailboat cutting through the water.”

But this Great Adventure could not happen without the hard work and dedication of a few individuals and civic organizations of Seadrift.

When asked why he founded the Texas 200 Challenge, Chuck Leinweber stated, “When sailing, I always try to challenge myself by remembering ‘good decisions come from good judgment, good judgment comes from bad decisions’” Leinweber, who sails a plywood ketch (cat-rigged) named “Pearl” said that the 200 has no rules and no winners, and it is not a race but a challenge. It gives one a chance to sail in challenging conditions.

There are approximately 100 members involved with the 200 and they can be reached at the Texas 200.com .

Other sailing groups joined in, including the Yahoo group Geezers, headed by Bill Tosh of Henderson, Texas and Noel Nicholls who have been sailing the 200 for the last two years.

Many sailors spoke of the welcome they received in Seadrift as members of the Seadrift Sail and Yacht Club headed by Commodore Jack LaBarge, who also completed the 200 challenge himself welcomed the tired sailors with cold water and help with their boats. LaBarge stated, “The challenge was different for every one of us and everyone does it for different reasons.” LaBarge has been working to bring the 200 to Seadrift for the last 2 1/2 years.

A shrimp boil awaited the hungry boaters later that evening “to our Aussie friends” there was Bubba’s Shrimp on the barbie as Bubba’s supplied the shrimp boil. “What a reception in Seadrift!” sailors would say as the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce, headed by Jason Jones, supplied the tables, chairs and bottled water. And the Seadrift Lions Club, headed by Peggy Gaines, turned out in force to serve all the hungry voyagers.

Sailors also commented on the new harbor improvements and the ease of sailing straight in. The City Harbor has been undergoing improvements under the direction of councilman Johnny Mikolas (Harbor Commissioner), who has been working to save the city harbor.

Seeing so many locals deeply involved in the community with no pay, donating their time to inspire fellowship in their community was inspiring.

Many friends were made and adventures shared on this voyage… until next year.

Sailors in the Texas 200 Photo by Vicky Grove

The Port O’Connor Lions Club is sponsoring swimming lessons at Clark’s pool from July 18 to July 28.

Monday through Thursday, 3 to 5 year olds will be given 30 minute lessons at a cost of $25 per week.

Ages 6 and over will receive a one hour lesson Monday through Thursday for $50.00 per week.

The instructor will be experienced swimming teacher, Carla Kurtz.

Call Lydia Strakos at 983-2003 to register.

A presentation of a research project being conducted in Calhoun County was given at the June 14 meeting of the Calhoun County Historical Commission Meeting. The research is being conducted by a Texas A&M Corpus Christi Student. It is background for her Thesis program. She is Jacalyn Gorzynski.

Her intent is to find as much geological information as can be found in the area around Indianola. She is using Powderhorn Lake as the center and moving out from there. The research involves making probes into the soil around the area and examining that small non-invasive probe for Hurricane residue evidence. If evidence is found a larger sample is taken from which the Hurricane deposits can be examined and dated and other geological information recorded. This type of research has been done extensively for East Coast Hurricanes. Jacalyn is in the forefront of that research for the Texas Coasts.

One of the constraints to the research is gaining understanding and permission of the land owners in that area. Jacalyn made the presentation to the commission in hopes of help in gaining those permissions and suggestions of who to contact. Some of the members who attended have already given permission Many suggestions were made to help the project.

Her hope is to uncover more geological information particularly about the 1875 and 1886 Hurricanes that devastated Indianola. There is not much geological evidence about those two storms. The Historical Commission is planning a celebration this year to mark the 125th anniversary of the later hurricane.

Anyone who wants more information on the research project or how to give required permission can contact Jacalyn through the Calhoun County Museum which is her local base of operations.

ATTENTION: POC LADIES! The next session of Bunco will be Tuesday, July 5th in the back room of the Community Center. Starting at 7:00 p.m., women are cordially invited to join an interesting and totally eclectic group of women, who have a great amount of fun playing. No stringent requirements in order to play; just the ability to count the spots on the dice and have fun. Hostesses in July will be Joyce Jordan and Sue Kubecka, and they are planning something really special. Call Shirley Gordon at the Library for further information, 983-4365.

Went to Clark’s the other day for lunch; it was so pleasant to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view of the barges and other boats going up and down the Intercoastal. The menu now offers a variety of dishes prepared in the Mexican cuisine, and the food is quite good.

Have you had a chance to read the listing of fishing tournaments scheduled in Port O’Connor this Summer? Wow! Just hope the gas prices drop a little more to help the local fishermen.
Does anyone know a good “Rain Dance” that works? We could really use the rain! Moderately, of course.

I’ve heard from several people that Jocelyn’s, the restaurant replacing Toastie’s, has an excellent menu and is open all day. Particularly good, if after a long day, cooking dinner is not on your list.
The Redfish Rodeo brought many entrants and families here to watch the action; also on the same weekend was the tournament with a musical festival to benefit Warriors’ Weekend. Hope the fish didn’t go on vacation and were able to provide boasting rights to all the fishermen. Headquarters for the Redfish Rodeo once again was Hurricane Junction and “Hoop” was the gracious host providing some delicious food for the participants.

Speaking of Hurricane Junction, have you seen the latest “Hoopism”? “Don’t cry over spilt milk, it could have been beer!”

Did you hear about the small dog abandoned in a culvert by Speedy Stop? The animal was found by a very alert individual who rescued the dog from the inside of a tied plastic bag!

Early Wednesday morning I was sitting on the deck at our RV, drinking coffee, and thinking about this column. It was approximately 6:30 a.m. that morning, the sun was just rising and the air was still somewhat cool and refreshing, and traffic on the Intercoastal was limited to several barges and a few fishermen. Getting up to replenish my coffee cup, I could not help but wonder if this was truly not a form of Paradise.

suekubecka@yahoo.com
361 798-0560
If the reader wishes to add any news at any time to this column, please contact me at the above address or telephone number. And thanks in advance.

Deja Vu Antiques and Gifts is located in Port Lavaca, just a short drive from Port O’Connor, but well worth it. It is the largest shop of its kind in with area, with 6,000+ square feet of antiques, collectibles and gift items. There’s something for everyone, with twelve different dealers with wonderfully eclectic booths.

In business for five years, Deja Vu is still growing. Leslie Henke deals in unique primitives, laces and linens. Terry Upchurch specializes in one-of-a-kind hand made mosaic items, lighthouses, picture frames, bird baths, planters, counter tops, backsplashes, and floors, custom made to your specifications.

Connie Moeller does all occasion gift baskets, baby diaper cakes, graduation, wedding, birthday, anniversary, holiday and many more. She also has a huge selection of home decor rugs, curtains, pictures and lamps. Pat Padilla has seaside and western decor. She also carries sea side clothing items, flip flops, linen shirts, cover-ups and some great vintage clothing.

Glenna White has antique furniture, silver, china, pottery, yard art and cast iron beds. She also has everyday furniture, couches, end tables, beds, tables and chairs – great for college students, new residents and for all of you starting over.

Deja Vu’s welcomes its newest dealers: Albert Nicolli specializes in “man stuff”, new, used and antique fishing rods, reels, tools and a wonderful assortment of lures. . Albert also is opening an area for a fishing reel repair service. Mary K has a large selection of silver serving pieces, collectibles, head vases and other uncommon items. Bea Gonzales has a true blend of items, chandeliers, crystal, glass. She has a selection of wedding and baptism items, baptism dresses, cake toppers, wedding figurines. Antique and vintage jewelry is another passion. Her motto is: “If I don’t have it, I’ll find it.”

Janet Marech is one of our dedicated military. She travels the world and brings a variety of European items as well as a growing selection of crystal and glassware. Jeremy Difenbach brings us his eclectic mix of antique furniture, old 1800-1900’s Victrola cabinets, tables, chairs, and his barbed wire crosses. Kay Miller has her wild-n-crazy personality in every piece of her one-of-a-kind jewelry. Deja Vu is now an outlet for her 1/2 price jewelry. Heather White has fancy-pants, new and gently worn name brand clothing, shoes, purses, hats and exercise.

Deja Vu also has native American jewelry, a huge selection of fashion jewelry and hair accessories as well as vintage jewelry, purses, hats and clothing. They will be opening another 1,500 square feet of space on July 15th, as well as their outdoor furniture, fountains and yard art.

Deja Vu is definitely worth the drive! They have lay-away, take Visa, MC, debit, checks and cash. They are located at 1303 W. Main in Port Lavaca. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 361-552-1545 or 361-655-0417.