South Padre Island Beach

Our friends, the Snyders, invited us to stay with them in South Padre Island, Texas.  Melissa and I drove the 400 miles down to the tip of Texas in about six hours.  We decided not to take the RV this trip and stay in a beautiful condo with a pool in walking distance of the beach.  As we like to say:"Roughing it smoothly."

As the coastal plains gave way to the more arid parts of south Texas, we began to see the vegetation change and felt the heat and humidity.  We stopped at a beautiful rest area (the only one for miles around) and were surprised by how nice it was designed.  Here are some pictures.  



Here is a tile mural in the men's bathroom.

  

Texas Flowers



Proud to be a Texan!


  
 



Burial site of Gen. Zachary Taylor



I first saw Padre Island in the 1950's when the first causeway bridge was built from the mainland to the island.  I was a "wee" lad at the time, but I remember there were no condos or hotels on the island.  Just sand and a small amusement park.  I was impressed with how much it has grown since then.  Here is what it looks like today.

There is so much to see and do, that we decided we would check out the RV parks for our next visit.   We visited Isla Blanca Park on the sourthern tip of the island.  This park was beautiful and remarkably inexpensive.  We can stay there with full hookups and cable TV for only $135 a week.   The beaches are just a few feet away and there is great fishing in the channel between the Gulf and the Bay. 



Beach at Isla Blanca Park

There is a monument called "El Cristo de los Pescadores " honoring all the fishermen who have died at sea.  There is also a Chapel by the Sea and a Bingo Hall at this park.


On the north side of the island we found some beautiful sand dunes.  There is horseback riding and ATVs available for rental in the dunes and on the beach. 



The sand often drifts over the road.



Sand Dune Artwork

 We stopped for lunch at Clayton's Bar & Grill.  It is described as the largest beach bar in Texas.  I had grilled shrimp tacos and Melissa tried the "turbo" Pina Colada. 





Kick Back at the Beach



Beach Patrol



                                                                            

YUM YUM!

 

                    Beach at Clayton's B&G



The Snyders prepared grilled red snapper with mango salsa the first night we were there.  It was wonderful.  The fishermen kept us supplied with fresh fish.  The next night Mark grilled steaks and Jeanie cooked fresh corn on the cob.  We ate royally and enjoyed every bite.  Melissa and I couldn't top those meals, so we provide KFC for everyone the next night.  ha



Gulf Coiast Red Snapper is good eatin'



 

We spent one of the days at the beach.  The surf was heavy and the jellyfish were present, but that didn't stop the young adults from having a good time. 

 

Beautiful beach


 

Beautiful day


 

Michael, Jessie and Christi


 

Christi catches a wave with sunglasses in tact


 

Michael catches one, too.

 

Boogie board experts

 Jeanie checked out the surf and tried to get Hannah and AnaLisa to come into the water.  



It's too cold!

 Jake and Michael tried crabbing in the surf, but caught only one.  Jake did manage to catch a jellyfish on his hand.  We told him about a wonderful treatment for jellyfish stings or insect stings ---Adolf's Meat Tenderizer.  Be sure and use the unseasoned kind. 



What's that biting my foot?  Michael and Jake

 The rest of us just relaxed on the beach and soaked up some sun. 

 

Jeanie


 

Hannah is thinking about Russell.


 

Mark isn't thinking about anything.



MacKenzie loves playing in the sand.   Colton got his first taste of beach sand. 

 

McKenzie


 

Colton

 Grandpa Mark loves his new grandson, Colton.



The best part of the whole week was spending time talking and laughtng with our good friends.   Thank you, Snyders, for a wonderful time at Padre Island.  We love you all.



Beach Bum with a Pretty Girl