October Trip - South Texas - Rockport/Corpus Christi

On October 4th we left Plano with good friends, Dave and Nancy Steffel, for a trip to south Texas, where we had never been before.
We drove some 400 miles to Rockport, TX which is on the Gulf of Mexico.

Found our campground (Drifters' RV Resort) and were very impressed with the CG.  Our site was paved and heavily shaded with full hookups including WIFI and Cable.  Temperatures were still in the high 80's/low 90's so shade was good!

On Monday we drove down to Corpus Christi to tour the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier that is on display there.  Glad we went in the morning because it would have been hot later.

Thought this sign says it all.

We toured a majority of the ship - up and down the narrow stairways to see everything and then went above to the flight deck and looked at the many planes on display.

Later in the day we drove from Corpus over to the beach - North Padre Island and checked out the beach.

On the way back to Rockport, we saw an oil rig (not in operation but looked like it was dry docked, for repairs maybe).

Saw several oil tankers in the bay.

The next day we drove to Aransas Pass, took the ferry accross and then toured Port Aransas and Mustang Island.  Found a German bakery that a friend of Nancy's suggested we go to.  Went for a late breakfast on Wednesday.
Fabulous food.

We also went to the Rockport beach on Wednesday afternoon and spent the time walking the beach and collecting snails, etc.

No, we did not bring them home!!

Rockport also had a Seafair festival while we were there.  Many booths and also a huge tent with food, drinks, etc. and music.

We also drove down to Corpus Christi Bay and found this restaurant.  Judy and I were there many years ago when Belinda lived in Corpus.  Food was excellent then and was very good now.

One of many sunsets while there.

One attraction in Rockport is the Fulton Mansion.  Rising above Aransas Bay, it must have appeared incredible in 1877, as it does today, with its mansard roof and ornate trim.  Interior gas lighting and flush toilets were progressive for this part of Texas.  Today, visitors to the restored home get a glimpse into the life of an affluent family in the late 1800's.
We toured the grounds and a gift shop while there.  Couldn't tour the house as it was being renovated.  Took 3 years and was going to reopen the week after we left.

On another day we drove up and down the beach at North Padre - found a neat restaurant on the water and some an excellent lunch while sitting on the deck with a cool breeze off the water.

The week went by very fast but we did see alot and felt that it was time to move on to South Padre.