Another of those "how did I miss this" destinations.
I have travelled across the Panhandle of Texas more times than anyone would like to admit.
The word ARID comes to mind. And HOT.
But we also took all three boys through one summer and stopped at The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
Before I met my late husband, Texas (to me) was this arid, desert, scorpion filled, tumble-weed and rattlesnake infested, brush strewn state to be crossed while going...well...elsewhere.
Remember that I had only ever crossed the Panhandle.
When he begin to discuss in earnest the idea of retiring there...I seriously thought he had lost his damned mind.
Then he introduced me to The Hill Country.
Where Arkansas Orange Barrels and Cotton Fields with bolls burst open like fields of snow in the summer heat...gave way to lush green...colorful wildflowers...limestone hills...live oaks...jadite green rivers and huge ancient trees.
A Paradise.
Filled with some of the most wonderful people...and musicians...you would every want to meet.
Playing at the A-Resort in the Blanco- 2010
Lennon and a row of live oaks.
And as we explored Wimberley, I finally really got it. Had he survived...we would definitely have retired there.
One of the places I always wanted to see was South Padre Island. A small spit of land off the Texas coastline.
And so today....that is where our Virtual Adventure begins!
A thin but heavily developed island with a long beautiful beach-side.
Reaching SPI via the Queen Isabelle Causeway
https://youtu.be/dbr672fDsuU
Beach-side and the Breakwater
https://youtu.be/21MnCYgk_IE
Or just join "Sandy Feet" and Learn to Build Amazing Sandcastles!
My personal favorite, I think, would have to be the surf-side horseback riding offered by a local livery.
https://youtu.be/mYedwmtR2c8
Also worth exploring The Port Isabel Historical Museum which gives you a look at the SPI history from wartime to present and Port Isabel Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Tour
https://youtu.be/2EO0OJzdCak
and from the air
https://youtu.be/6eI3Ty3MaDg
One place I had not heard of...but loved checking out virtually was this
A sea turtle rescue and rehab on the island.
Rescue
https://youtu.be/CO4m4k_oIpM
Rehab
And Release
https://youtu.be/R_64PNTQn5g
Sea Turtle Laying Eggs SPI
https://youtu.be/riGFyF9R478
And Hatching
https://youtu.be/afgsYchpD_Q
Ending the adventure with an evening fireworks show at Clayton's Bar.
Clayton Fireworks Show SPI
https://youtu.be/uB5hpHlfJic
Until next time...
And thinking I may have to paint the South Padre Beach and Dunes!