Campin' in Corpus

 "Camping and the beach; I might have just combined my two favorite things."

-Me

The first time we went to Corpus Christi, John got left behind due to work.  This time the three of us, sans Karlie, decided to take a quick trip (before John was going to leave us for a month) to the coast for some much needed family time.

Since the coast is a long 7 hour drive, traffic permitting, we decided to take it in two days.  Our first

overnight we decided to go economy and boondock at the infamous Walmart parking lot.  We found a darker edge of the lot where other campers had set up, dropped our front bed tip out, made the dinette into a bed for Zoey (since we didn't want her bed to be sticking onto the road),  and settled in for the night.  First thing I noticed were the loud Semi-trucks roaring by and the other commotions of cities and parking lots, but either things settled down or tiredness won out and we all slept well.

The next day we found our destination at the Padre Island National Seashore where we would spend 5 days.  The $10 entrance fee was nominal and good for the week.  (Note: $20 gets you a year pass.)  There was a visitor center with park rangers educating young and old alike.  Zoey stood for nearly half an hour at a table where she learned of all the sea treasures displayed in front of her.

Although there are pay campsites just off the beach, we weren't there for that.  We went to where the road ends and he real camping begins.  Texas beaches are public highways, so you my drive right up onto the beach and park where safe. 

We chose not to venture far since there were few campers and our Armada is only 2 wheel-drive.

The week was a dream: waking up to crashing waves,...

morning walks along the shore,...

 bike rides along the waterway,...

 shell collecting,...

 castle building,...

dips in the chilly gulf water...

  lizard and crab chases, gull and pelican watching,...

 and even a small fire one chilly evening.  Going just after spring break, we found the crowds nearly non-existent and the wind often carried a chill but it was enjoyable.

We took a few trips into Corpus Cristi for lunch and a trip to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.  Even though it was a bit early in the year to catch many flowers the experience was wonderful.

One night we invited our friends from the area for a shrimp and crawdad boil.  They informed us that the tiny clams we had played with all week were edible coquina clams, so we made a delectable broth and had a good although sandy taste. The evening was a hit and we had a wonderful time together. 

Coming back to we decided to break up our driving once again and found ourselves at Kerville-Shreiner Park.  This time we weren't boondocking,  but at $35/night, we were willing to pay for the quick spot and hot showers.  It's a beautiful little park bordering the Guadalupe River which turned out to be the perfect ending to our wonderful vacation.

We consider this one of our favorite vacations and I highly recommend camping ON the beach if you ever have a chance.

What's that sound?

"Wild animals never kill for sport. 

Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow creatures is amusing in itself."

James Anthony Froude

I remember seeing this crazy thing they do in Sweetwater, TX every year on TV, and when I discovered I lived a mere hour and a half from it, I just had to go see what all the hoopla is about.  The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, a three day event full of snake exhibitions, milking pits, Miss Snake Charmer pageant, cook off, guided snake hunts, and lots and lots and lots of craft booths; most of which are geared towards, of course, rattlesnake items.  Karlie, Zoey and I ventured east toward the crazy event.

As a lover of all things furry, feathery, scaly, creepy and crawly, this was a fun event.   There were handlers and educators in the pits.  There was even opportunities to touch a snakes as they brought them around.  The demonstrations were great, Zoey learned of behaviors, anatomy, habitats, venom, anti-venom, and safety. Zoey wanted to stay near the demonstration pit all day. 

They had viewing ports into the pits for kids.

When held the snakes were ready to attack.

She ain't afraid of no snake.

Zoey's trying to get in on the pic...loved feeling them.

 
We considered a snack of rattlesnake bites for the fun of it, but the line was too long to make it even remotely fun, and they smelled less than appetizing.  We avoided the kill pit which was discreetly screened off for those of us who wished not to see it, and the skinning pit, which was in the middle of everything; since it made us a little sad to see so many creatures destroyed, and disgusted it is in such a theatrical manner.  We did enjoy the booths and all the oddities they offered.

Skins, so many skins.

Those curved bones at the top are raccoon penises.  Who knew?

We finished the day on a few rides set up nearby. 

Our friend Matt, who had come to meet other friends bringing in their catch of snakes from their personal farm, joined us on the rides...

... and even took Zoey on a few himself (since I declined paying for a pass myself)...

Zoey and Matt on the Gravitron, which she loved!  Thanks Matt!

....once Karlie learned that kiddie rides can be as sickening, if not more so, than adult rides.

I personally love animals of all sorts and have no problem with hunting for food understand the hunting of some to keep things in check in this world where man rules and habitats are declining.  The event was originally conceived to reduce the large rattlesnake population in the area to ensure human safety, but now it is a highly commercialized event purportedly comprised largely of farm-raised snakes.   Although it was a enjoyable experience for getting up close and learning about these fearsome creatures, I wouldn't be inclined to support the event in the future due to the killing aspect of the event.