South Padre Island is at the most southern tip of Texas. It is only 1/2 mile wide and the commercial end is about 7 miles long. You can't get lost. We were there in the off season, which I am told is when you want to visit to experience South Padre without hourdes of tourists.

The reason we drove down to South Padre Island is because of what we read about SeaTurtles.Inc. It is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured SeaTurtles for release back to the sea. We wanted to learn what they do. It is not a glamorous facility like the Birding Center, which also a "must see" on the Island, but it is special. Especially, after you see first hand the current patients and hear their stories. One special turtle is Allison. She has only one flipper. They made her a custom rudder that has made it possible for her to swim somewhat normal. She will never be released back into the wild, but she is thriving. Check out their website, SeaTurtlesInc.com. Also, they have a benefactor that has pledged to match contributions up to 1.3million dollars towards a new center! Do check out their website.

If you are into birding or just enjoy a nice walk while being entertained by funny noisy little creatures darting, swimming, sunning all around you, you will fall in love with the Birding and Nature Center on South Padre Island. There is over 3300 linear feet of boardwalk over the lowlands and marshes. You might even catch a glimple of an alligator. Also, you can take the elevator or climb the stairs in the 5 story tower with spectacular views of the Laguna Madre. They don't serve food there, but they have tables on the back deck. One of the best places we have lunched.

Another draw to locals and tourists are the beaches. They are wide and the sand is so soft. They even allow you to drive on the beach. Walt was tempted to try, but our record of getting into "situations" was pretty high. So we just walked down to put our toes in the warm gulf waters. Also, the sand is suppose to be the best grade for building sandcastles. They have a yearly Sandcastle Festival in October to kick off the season.

It didn't take us long to drive the three main streets and view the million dollar homes and business section, so we headed back to lounge by the pool before we served up Bob's souped up Prego Red sauce over cheese Ravioli, Grilled veggies, and caesar salad.

Tomorrow, we head for San Antonio for three nights and two full days of sightseeing and eating.