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The Cruise--Details

I didn't include more details in the prior "The Cruise" post for two reasons. 1)  I didn't think anyone would be interested; and 2)  This trip didn't include much of the normal topics:  good beer, good coffee or John-style travel. But there are details, which may be useful to some people contemplating how such a trip is put together. On the first day of the trip, we drove three hours to pick up my mother in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  At 85, she isn't comfortable driving for long distances and hadn't flown for many years. We then drove 3 1/2 more hours to Chicago, where we checked into the Wyndham, where you can get a room that includes the cost of parking for up to 12 days.   We were up early on the hotel shuttle to O'Hare, where we then boarded the a non-stop American Airlines flight to New Orleans. Here, we checked into a Hampton Inn near the port.  My mother was pretty tired, so Julia and I went out for a Cajun dinner and live music.   Rememberi...

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


Comments

greg said…
Yee-ha!

A card-carrying geezer now!
John said…
My plan is to wear that card out, starting this spring.

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