The projected drive time from Del Rio Tx to South Padre Island is 6.33 hours, but we putz, so we alway have to add 1.50 hours. We got an early start before sunrise at 7am.

The landscape was so difference. We passed through farmland and groves of pecan trees as we headed towards Laredo. Later we passed through areas of immense space...nothing but brush. Not sure where it was, we passed a correctional facility with a cautionary sign that stated, "Caution! Hikehikers may be escaping inmates". We had a good chuckle, but we were on the look out. One thing that was constant was the temperature ...a warm 105 degrees, but more humid as we got closer to the coast.

We had planned on having lunch at a reststop, but made the "cool" decision to have lunch at DQ followed by a soft cone.

After having highways and country roads to ourselves, it was an adjustment to be on a four-lane highway from McAllen thru Harlingen, but it was all worth it for the drop in temperature to 95 degrees and the anticipation of nice cool gulf breezes.

We arrived at the South Padre KOA resort at 3:30pm. Palm trees galore. We could have been in Florida. First order was to setup. Then, immediately to the pool. We met two couples that come down regularly to fish. One couple is from Alabama. The other couple is from Houston. This is quite the fishing mecca for reds, flounder, and sea trout.

For dinner, we had planned on preparing an nice Italian dinner featuring Bob's souped up Prego sauce, but the scents of ocean life carried on the warm sea air enticed us to feast on the catch of the day. Pier 19 was within walking distance, plus we got a 10% discount. The blackened flounder and shrimp accompanied by hush puppies and cold slaw was really very tasty and the service was stellar.

Tomorrow, a day of exploring South Padre Island.