Day 192. February 14, 2014. Exploring South Padre Island

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent the whole day outside.  We rode around the campground on our bikes...about 600 sites....like a small city.  At first, I was excited to see campers with MN license plates, but now realize that about every other vehicle is from MN, so ts no big deal.  

After lunch of tuna/cucumber sandwiches, we started our outing....

  We hopped on the free island bus, and hopped out to visit the birding center.  Very nice, with boardwalks overlooking the lagoon and inlet.  Then we walked to a bar that proclaims to be the biggest beach bar in Texas.  We didn't stop, but people-watched.  There was a band and people everywhere

Then we hiked to the sea turtle rescue center.  It is similar to the one we visited in the Keys, but smaller.   Recently, here in South Padre Island when it was unusually cold, hundreds of turtles washed ashore.  They had "cold shock".  So, many are at his center, recovering until they can be returned to warmer water.  One was attacked (they think by a coyote) while on the beach, and is in their ICU.

Others are missing fins, usually due to fishing line or other human trash

One of our neighbors said he came across one of these "cold-shocked" turtles on the beach, and led the rescuers to take it back to their center

 This island is famous for its sand castles.  Here is one at the Turtle Rescue Center

And, here is one at the Visitor Center

 

We hopped back on the bus, and got out at a nice Italian restaurant.  We had a glass of wine.  They were packed for Valentine's Day, so we didn't stay to eat.

 We joined our neighbors for a bit for the daily happy hour.  Everyone brings a chair and a drink.  Pretty much the same group everyday...from Michigan, Ontario, Washington, British Columbia, Missouri, and us from Minnesota.  

 For dinner, we had salad, sautéed peppers and onions, and leftover potato/tomato veg bake.