I got out on the Vespa today. Not one of those rides around town where you never get above 30mph, but a real ride. Well, once I got off our island. The bridge was out for a tug and barge to go through...
With the bridge back in, it was up the street a bit, then take a right and onto the causeway... 2 1/2 miles of bliss. I didn't take a camera with me, so my phone is it, and there is no way to hold the phone for a photo while riding. Description: the water was blue green and lovely.
Across the causeway and onto South Padre Island, there was a Police SUV at the first intersection, lights flashing. They weren't stopping anyone - I'm assuming they were just making "a presence." The county opened the beach today, on a limited basis:
If the beach is open, it means there must be a relaxation of the "essential travel only" order.
I rode the Vespa up the island on the Padre Blvd (the main drag)... lots of places closed, including hotels and restaurants. Everything looks good, but it is a startling lack of people. I stopped on the main drag to take a photo...
On Gulf Blvd (the street that runs parallel to the beach), there were a few people walking, some on bicycles, a few in swimsuits. Looking at one of the small beach access parking areas, no traffic. Yet.
I expect people will start showing up. Hopefully in a smart manner so things don't get locked down again. I rode back across the causeway, through Port Isabel, and out past Laguna Vista...
Yeah, these photos look pretty similar, with no traffic. There were quite a few people on motorcycles; almost all waved. Being on a motorcycle or a scooter is a great way to socially distance. Or, in my case of riding by myself: anti-socially distancing.
On my way back on the highway, I called Joan to see if she wanted to split a breakfast tortilla from Manuel's. Those who know the area understand - this goes a long way towards feeling somewhat normal again. Joe, the owner, came outside when I pulled up on the scoot. I gave him my name and he went inside for a couple minutes... the grande-size tortilla was hot out of the kitchen.
Coming home from Manuel's, I turned at the Post Office. There was a cute blonde chick in a Honda SUV in front of me. We made eye-contact in her mirror. I waved. She waved back. Chicks dig the Vespa. Yes, it was Joan... she was on her way to the Post Office when I called. Seems that someone is getting a cool cat quilt wall-hanging, as soon as Priority Mail can get it there.
The tortilla was delicious.
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