South Padre Island

 On April 15th we headed south for a couple of days. We needed to go to Sandpipers and pick up some chairs left behind. Achieved that goal plus visited with Bill and Jocelyne, our Canadian friends. Then it was on toward South Padre island. On the way we  stopped at Longhorn Cattlemans bar b que in San Benito. Good food and revived memories of previous stops when on bike rides on the Spyder. More info HERE 

 Then it was on to South Padre Island where we had been many times. This would be our first time spending the night. Our lodging choice was Isla Grand beach resort, details here It turned out to be a good choice. Room was nice, view better than expected. Enjoyed walking the beach, people watching and surprising entertainment.

 In all of our previous visits we had failed to visit Sea Turtle Inc, link . A great organization doing wonderful work. Of course one must stop and view sandcastle display if on the island, even if none are castles.

 Some scenes from our visit

Lost Maples

  After several false starts we were finally able to go camping for a bit. Our destination was Lost Maples Natural area near Vanderpool. It is best known for the bigtooth maples found in the canyon. They adapted and survived climate change over the last 10000 years. While not in bloom it is still a nice, quiet park to visit. We journeyed down to Utopia for dinner on Tuesday and over to Leakey on Wednesday. Decent meals but nothing special. Was just fun to get away and change scenery. At the park there was no cell service so we were offline for the two days.

Surprises

 Our trip to Blanco yielded some surprises, not with the campground, but other locales. We planned the trip not to include us cooking dinner. On that we were very successful. We made the run up to Bluebonnet in Marble Falls. It was consistent as expected. We also included a stop at the Texas Cannon brewery, here. Surprisingly good meal and a cold beer. Next up was The Bistro at Blanco River, more here. Wonderful pasta dishes and great service.

 Our next surprise was not a restaurant but a distillery, more here. Did a tasting and and two bottles followed me home. Also visited the quilt store and scored some fat quarters.

 All in all a great visit. We shall return multiple times as it is easy to get to.

gathering rosebuds, making memories...

Blanco

  On Monday, November 18 we headed out for a quick getaway. Our destination was Blanco State park. A nearby park we have been to previously. Nothing special planned, just a change in scenery. 

Gathering rosebuds...

Happy Halloween

 Today we took a trip over to Rockport, by way of Portland. Did a quick stop at a Big Lots that was closing for towels. Did the usual visit to tackle town but did not score any bargains this time. That led us to Ace hardware store. Have been told it is second largest in the country. We picked up a handful of items while there.

 The main objective of the trip was to eat at Paradise Key. We always enjoy good seafood there and today was no exception. 

Back at camp I enjoyed my third straight day of success catching white bass. Catch and release by choice, but have caught 36. Lot of fun.

Carpe diem

Lady Lex

  Today we went to Corpus to revisit the air craft carried USS Lexington. I say revisit because we had visited many years ago. Some exhibits were familiar, others not so much. A long day of walking and going up and down stairs. We were tired by the end of the day.

 We enjoyed a late lunch/ early dinner at Van's in Mathis. A little place with good food and large portions. 

Once back at the park I enjoyed catching more white bass.

Tomorrow we plan to drive over to Rockport for lunch.

Gathering rosebuds...

Return to Mathis

 After 5 days in Edinburg, we relocated to Mathis. Lake Corpus Christi state park has become one of our go to stops. Not the best but convenient location. Nice fishing pier where I have enjoyed success and disappointment. Tomorrow I think we will visit the carrier Lexington. Have been before but years have passed.

Carpe diem