Buc Days

Corpus Christi, Texas
April 22-May 4, 2008

During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates helped General Andrew Jackson and his troops defend New Orleans against the British. For this service, U.S. President James Madison gave Lafitte a full pardon for his crimes of piracy. Legend has it that Jean Lafitte then moved his band of pirates and established headquarters on the present site of Corpus Christi.

Buc Days Celebration begins on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 6 pm when the Pirate Queens sail into the Yacht Basin and capture the mayor. The mayor surrenders the city and the pirates raise their flag, complete with skull and crossbones, over Corpus Christi. Buc Days includes an illuminated night parade, PRCA Pro rodeo, BBQ challenge, Folklorico competition, carnival, Music and Fire on the Bay, 5k Run, live music and, new for 2008–Bikes, Bulls & BBQ . . . Check out the schedule of events.

So, start practicing your pirate talk. Arrrr, Matey!

For RV parks in the Corpus Christi area, please visit the TACO website.

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Now this is hi-tech! These Casio watches have something called waveceptor technology. The watches keep time by interfacing with an atomic clock in Colorado via antenna. The time is automatically set from time calibration radio signals.

I am going to ask for one for Mother’s Day, which is May 11, less than one month away (just in case you were wondering). I had quit wearing watches because the new ones have some much stuff on them that I cannot ever set them. Seriously, the last one I had could serve as a stopwatch and pedometer. I could never set it to the correct time and date, let alone use it as a pedometer or stopwatch, and do not mention moon phases to me!

If you are technologically challenged like me, you may want to take a look at these watches.

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While researching the information for the Big Bend Open Road Race, I found a wonderful tool to use to explore Big Bend. VisitBigBend.com has added an interactive map that allows you to take a virtual trip to Big Bend. There is a layer for Google Earth that you download.

However, if you do not want to download a layer for Google Earth, there are two other interactive maps you may view. These maps are annotated with photographs, points of interest, driving loops, trails and parks.

• River Road Flyby Video
• National Park Flyby Video

Over one million acres of public land in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer endless opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoing, kayaking, horseback riding and off roading. Click a link below to find out more about Big Bend activities.

• River Trips
• Backcountry Vehicle, ATV & Jeep Tours
• Horseback Trips
• Mountain Bicycles
• Hiking
• Bird Watching

RVers

Big Bend National Park has three campgrounds with paved access that are suitable for tent camping, trailers, and RVs. Campsites are $10 per night, and a small fee is charged for using the reservations system (www.ReserveUSA.com or 1-877-444-6777). Each of the three improved campgrounds has a dedicated group campsite available for reservation, for $3 per camper.

Rio Grande Village, located on the east side of the park, has the only available hook ups for RVs. No reservations taken, just register at Rio Grande Village Store. The campground has 100 sites, flush toilets, running water and a dump station.

The Basin Campground, Is rugged and hilly, most sites are unsuitable for RVs. The main road to the basin has lots of curves, and a 15% grade. Trailers over 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet are discouraged. Of 60 sites, 23 are on the reservation system.

Cottonwood Campground, on the west side of the park, is along the banks of the Rio Grande, near Castolon and convenient to Santa Elena Canyon. There is potable water pit toilets, but no dumping station. The 31 sites are open year round and are first-come, first-served basis.

Primitive Backroad Sites exist at 30 locations scattered along back roads in the park. Many of these sites require a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach. Camping at these back road sites is free, but a back country permit from Park Headquarters is required.

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If you are new to RVing or just want a source of information about buying and maintaining RVs, you should check out Mark Polk’s website, RV Education 101. Sign up for the newsletter and get useful information every month, direct to your inbox.

• RVING WITH MARK POLK ~ Feature Article: Spring Preparation Checklist
• This months RV Video tip is: “Carbon Monoxide Safety “
• Arm Yourself with Qualified RV Buying Information, Before you Buy Your RV!
• RVTV films more of Mark’s RV Savvy segments for season 5
• Searching for RV service doesn’t have to be a problem by Peggi McDonald
• Instant RV Education 101 video Downloads Money saving options!
• Q & A by Mark Polk and more…….

Click here for RV Education 101 April Newsletter.

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When I was younger, I worked with adults with disabilities.  I had heard rumors of an environmental (versus genetic) cause of autism.  I researched this topic on the Internet and I was directed to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s website and a document called Tobacco Science and the Thimerosal Scandal.  This is a research paper that changed my life.

I have written a post for Autism Awareness Month on my other blog, Endangered Spaces.  If you have a strong stomach and an interest in autism and other neurological deficits, please read it.  If it resonates as truth with you, please click through and read the 66-page research paper by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

It will break your heart . . .

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