South Padre Island

I spoke to the women's Bible study in the morning. They asked for a testimony, and I think I got a bit long winded telling about our call to missions and the ways God has led us. But they smiled and laughed in all the right places and hopefully got the message of how exciting it is to let God direct your life instead of sticking to conventional expectations.

Afterwards the Etchers took us to South Padre Island. It is a long drive, and we were so deep in conversation that we missed the turn off, but we just went a different route along the canal where we could see a half disassembled aircraft carrier. We came home the original route. We stopped for a nice lunch in a seafood/Mexican food place just before the bridge. Lots of cars were parked in front of it--a sure sign of good food, and it was. The bridge is this amazing arch over the water. The south part of the island is full of condos, hotels and restaurants. This sand castle is in front of the tourist info center. We saw several other smaller ones elsewhere. Barbara said they are sprayed with glue to withstand the rain.

Lots of wonderful detail

We drove up to the northern part of the island. I had said, "If there is a South Padre Island, then there must be a North Padre Island," but was told you can't get there.  After seeing the north part of South Padre Island, I could understand why. The sand drifts across the road until they have to use bulldozers to remove it.

 

At the end of the road was a carload of teenagers stuck in the sand. We were careful not to get in too deep. Not enough time for walking on the sand or scrambling in the dunes as far as I was concerned, but then it wasn't exactly a beach day. Besides, Mom hadn't worn her tennis shoes.