Yahoo boaters and other inconveniences
Mary Henkel Judson

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and copublisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at southjetty@centurytel.net.

OK. This weekend is the big Independence Day holiday with the Deep Sea Roundup on top of that.

Our streets and waterways are going to be packed, so get your mind ready for that.

Let's start with preparing for yahoo boaters (YBs). You know them: They speed through no-wake zones, run straight across your fishing line, toss their beer can in the drink and are generally obnoxious. Typically they know less about boating and fishing than anyone else on the water.

Murray and I encountered a YB Sunday evening in the Piper Channel. We were just cruising, checking out the incredible birds feeding in the shallows and oyster beds on either side of the channel as evening settled in. I hope the YB will read (ha!) this and recognize himself (ha, ha!) and get some manners (yeah, right).

As we were going out the channel, he was anchored on the south side, fishing with his buddies. Murray slowed down so our wake wouldn't rock the YBs boat. On our way back, he was wrapping up his fishing, but still at anchor. Again, Murray slowed down so our wake wouldn't rock his boat.

Soon after we passed the YB, the, uh, YB, roared past us, leaving a wake that rocked our boat silly.

It was enough to cause water rage (WR). We remained calm, especially since the YB had just provided me with timely column material.

So, experienced boaters need to be prepared for these selfish boaters who will probably be out in force this weekend since they've been let out of their cages for the holiday weekend.

Remain calm. These types seldom gain tenure as captains of their own vessels.

Let's move on to rubberneckers. Give 'em a break. They probably haven't been to Port Aransas since this time last year.

The strip center under construction as they get off the ferry is going to slow them down, as will The Harbour on Cotter Avenue, which is nearing completion. They're going to be gawking at the Port Aransas Brewing Company, the Community Center and Mercer House. At the other end of town, the golf cart bridge over the Island Road just south of Island Moorings may give them pause, and that may not be a bad thing. The list of new stuff to look at goes on.

Just be patient and time your trips.

So far this summer, it doesn't look like the price of gasoline is doing much damage to our tourism. If anything, folks are deciding to come to Port Aransas rather than go farther afield for their summer vacations.

If that's the case, rather than complain about the crowds, we should be rejoicing. They're helping put fuel in our cars and groceries on the table.

So, get your mind wrapped around the yahoo boaters and rubberneckers and have a great, safe Fourth of July.