Flowers Need the Rain

With the weather turning wet today, pickleball in Port Aransas was not an option.  Instead, after our morning walk on the beach to the fishing pier, we drove in the other direction to Padre Island National Seashore.

After paying for entry (more on that later), we warmed up with a quick stroll down the paved nature trail.  Julia discovered Indian Blanket flowers.

We drove on to Malaquite Campground to see how busy it was on a Saturday in January.  The campground was nearly full at 11 a.m., and the two remaining spots were getting filled.  One of the new arrivals was an Earth Roamer--my first viewing of one.

Then it was on to the Visitors' Center and the beach.  The red flags were flying with high winds and a churned-up surf.  

Dog access permitted on this trail

 

It looks like I'm waving, but I'm just trying to keep my balance on the log with the wind blowing.

I've been to this beach half a dozen times during my life.  What's different about this time is that I walked away with something valuable after paying the entry fee.

Recent birthday:  Lifetime Pass eligible