Lake Casa Blanca (Laredo, TX) & Choke Canyon (Calliham, TX) - State Parks

 We had a few weeks of down time until our next on-purpose destination so we took the time to stay at a couple state parks, a week each to be able to relax, do laundry, catch up on our rest and just have some non-travel time! We stayed at Lake Casa Blanca in Laredo, TX and then Choke Canyon in Calliham, TX in order to make our way up to Austin, TX. Lake Casa Blanca was complete desert- reminded us of area's of Arizona - Bullhead City / Phoenix- mesquite trees, cactus, very hot and dry. Choke Canyon was completely gorgeous - wooded, tons of trails and tons of wildlife. Both next to lakes for fishing or swimming.

 Lake Casa Blanca - - 

Ernie napping after we arrived - his usual! 

Choke Canyon - - 

Definitely one of our top favorite parks thus far! 

Trail walk with Ernie - 

One of the most gorgeous trails we've been on. Tons of butterflies and birds in this canopy of trees that are covered with green vines intertwined everywhere and wildflowers and 'weed' flowers lining the path. The sounds are amazing and there were deer right off the path each time that we'd see. Ernie and I pretty much walked this every morning. We'd slowly stroll in the quiet together taking in the sights and sounds. It truly was magical like we were all alone in the woods together- no people sounds, boats or car sounds just us two in nature. So peaceful.

Bugs - -

An owl camouflaged in the middle....can you see it!??

Lunch at our campsite. There are benches just past our campsite in the middle of the field area under the trees for just bird watching.

Drove 10 minutes into the tiny town- rolling hay fields, cattle and little white churches along the way-

Hard to leave such beauty but excited to move onto our next location and adventure together.

South Padre Island, TX Travels & Our daughters 21st Birthday!!

 It's hard being out traveling and having one of your kiddos have their birthday on the road - - what do to, what to see -  - how to celebrate. Plus this is a big one - 21! We decided to do something special that she'd like and travel down to South Padre Island. We heard that it was a completely different world than the other areas of the gulf coast and she had really been wanting to see the beach/ocean (and not just bay areas we'd been in). We also took our family for her birthday to Sea Turtle Inc to see the turtles!

https://seaturtleinc.org/

Sea Turtle Inc is a great organization - their mission is to educate the public, rehabilitate injured turtles, and lead with conservation efforts. We've been following them on Instagram for awhile seeing all the amazing work they do.

South Padre Island is a resort town on a barrier island of the same name, off the southern coast of Texas. It’s known for its beaches and calm waters. South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is home to a 5-story watchtower with views of migrating birds. The South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center offers boat tours and touch tanks. Sea turtles are rescued and rehabilitated at Sea Turtle Inc.

South Padre Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Swimming, fishing, kiteboarding, dolphin watching, horseback riding adventures on the beach, ecological tours and access to personal water craft rentals are available on the island. 

South Padre is also super dog friendly -on the beaches, at restaurants so Ernie got to participate in the fun too - https://www.sopadre.com/experiences/pet-friendly/

 Beach time - - 

Our campsite walk to the water --

Sea Turtle Inc time - - Birthday trip - - 

Patient - rehab tank area --

Walk across the wetland marsh area to the amphitheater and resident building - -

Turtle talk - -

And the resident tanks and resident building - -

Inside the education building with educational displays to learn more - -

The boys had a boys dinner night together too while we stayed on the island - - 

Restaurant cat - greeter!

Great 3 days on South Padre Island! Between the beach, relax time and seeing sea turtles we all had a wonderful time and birthday celebration time!