Now Tessa Wants an Otter for Christmas

December 3-6, 2018
Corpus Christi, Texas

We've been in the South the last couple months, but Monday's drive takes us further south than we've ever been. Corpus Christi is popular with snowbirds and other RVers so there are several options for places to stay. On the water for less money seemed like a good combination.

I've been wrong before.

Puerto del Sol is really a dump. A rutted dirt lot, poorly maintained park and permanent residents, it's not some place you want to get out and walk around. The noise from the highway is non-stop. We do have a water view, the utilities all work fine, I'm able to get level. People are nice and quiet. We'll stay somewhere else next time.

Not a bad place, if you just look forward :-)

A short drive into town, we find a nice spot to enjoy late lunch on the marina. Blue skies and mild temps. Yummy eats at Harrison's Landing.

Back home I catch up on blog comments and find out Faye and Dave (The Wandering Camels) are in nearby Port Aransas! April of 2016 we were in the same park in Page, Arizona, and I got sick before we could meet up. This second chance has been a long time coming! We make arrangements to get together at their place during the week.

We spend Tuesday exploring the magical Padre Island National Seashore. The combination of grasslands, dunes, hard sand beach, and very few people makes for a wonderful day. 

The small visitor center has a nice video on the forming and protection of this barrier island. 

The unique landscape changes color in the wind.

I thought I saw a Great Blue Heron along the water.....

A ghost in the tall grass.

Most of the shoreline is only accessible by driving on the beach - 60 miles of access! Then you turn around and come back because there's no outlet, no other road. We do about 12 miles, stopping to watch the waves and birds, look for shells, laugh at the silly dog. A few others are driving, a couple have parked tent trailers for the day. It's a narrow beach in most places.

Wednesday is a lazy day at home until we head out to Port Aransas. Where we have the best time getting to know Faye and Dave! Dave cooks delicious fish and shrimp he's caught since they've been at their winter home here on the coast - aMAzing! Can't remember the last time we've laughed as much - so, so glad we finally caught up with these two. Already looking forward to meeting up again down the road.

Fluffy dog hanging with her new best bud.

With Dave and Faye in their beautiful holiday home.

Expecting cold and cloudy on Thursday, we decide to visit the Texas State Aquarium a couple miles from our park. Fortunately very few others have the same idea and it's a perfect day to see all the critters. And Tessa makes a new furry friend :-)

Petting and feeding the sting rays is fun for all ages!

Even sitting still, otters are so cute!

Many of the Sea Turtles are in rehab from injuries from fishing line and hooks.

Majestic Golden Eagle

Downstairs in the otter enclosure, Tessa and this cutie have a great time playing back and forth. Too fast for me to catch them nose-to-nose at the glass. It's hysterical to watch.

I could watch these hypnotizing jelly fish for hours.

You can feel the power through the glass.

Leopard Ray in the waves.

Vivid reef colors.

Flamingos are always silly looking.

Mr Pelican takes a peek at Ms Tessa.

Southern Screamer, native of the Caribbean.

Tortoise at lunch.

Just hanging out on top of the bird's enclosure.

Male iguanas wear this bright orange during mating season.

Because of the colder temps outside, the dolphin exhibition takes place "under water". The four males are between 11 and 18 years old, still learning, and so adorable.

Tessa is also entertained.

Shadow follows his staff through the water.

A happy wave to the audience.

Vocalizing

One last stop to watch the otters play from above. Tessa sees them and makes it known she really, really wants to go say good-bye. I take her back to the window where her pal returns to see her - I think it's love :-)

"Weeeeee....!"

Nice views of the USS Lexington from the top floor.

Numerous aircraft on deck.

In the other direction, the popular Harbor Bridge. Construction has started on it's replacement - looks like it will be done in a few years.

For the first time since we got to Maine in September, we'll now move away from the coast for several months. Of course it will still take a month to get across Texas :-))