I traveled roundtrip from San Diego to Austin, navigating the ongoing reconstruction at San Diego airport until 2028 by opting for mass transit to and from the airport. I utilized the 308 bus to Solana Beach Amtrak station, followed by the coaster to Old Town, and finally the free airport shuttle – an affordable and convenient choice. However, on my return journey, I missed the 308 connection, leading me to resort to an Uber ride.
Upon reaching Austin, I encountered the expected Friday night traffic in the bustling city. My stay at the Travelodge hotel proved to be below expectations, prompting me to unpack quickly, take a wake-up shower, and head to the downtown venue area. Despite scouting reasonably priced parking online, the actual cost turned out to be much higher. Before the concert, I enjoyed a pint and some barbecued wild boar ribs at a nearby venue called Lamberts, only to be disappointed by the venue's high prices for both drinks and parking (part one).
The concert featured Riverside and The Ocean Blue bands. Riverside's set impressed me, with two original members still part of the band.
However, The Ocean Blue's performance, witnessed from the back due to the crowded venue, garnered a more enthusiastic response from the audience.
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| The Ocean Blue, with guest sax player |
Displeased with the price gouging for a shot of Jamison and exorbitant parking fees, I decided to skip the next night's concert and proceed to Corpus Christi.
During my drive to Corpus Christi, I reflected on my decision to unload the concert ticket on Reddit. Although I initially regretted it, I found ample time to explore Corpus Christi, making significant observations, including revisiting places from my past. Notably, I located Mimi and Grandad's home, Mom's grave marker, and Aunt Bev and Uncle Wayne's marker. I drove around the city, discovering changes like a closed downtown theater and the Memorial Arena replaced by a park.
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| The obstructed view from a North Beach beach bar |
Switching accommodations to the Days Inn on North Shore proved to be a significant upgrade from the Travelodge in Austin. Observing the sunrise over the water, I marveled at the prevalence of trucks and large SUVs in Corpus Christi, reflecting the local lifestyle. The scenic drive on Ocean Blvd showcased homes with stunning ocean bay views, prompting me to check Zillow and find a mansion listed at $1.5M on Hewit Drive – a surprising comparison to my Solana Beach townhome.
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| Obligatory Chicken-fried Steak @ Luby's, after visiting Mom. |
Renting from Fox Rent-A-Car for the first time, I faced challenges with a poorly maintained vehicle. The windshield wipers were ineffective during rain, and the inside of the windshield was dirty, necessitating a self-administered clean-up at the gas station.
More Texas Concert and Corpus Christi pics.
