2024.12.01 Corpus Christi and Home

 December 1, 2024

We left Galveston and Jamaica Beach RV Resort 

...and our cute little yard with a palm tree.

We arrived in Corpus Christi at the Sunset RV Resort.

…After unknowingly going on Texas Toll roads. Tried calling, tried going online…can’t figure out how to pay. Guess we will wait for the bill to show up in the mail.

December 3, 2024

Al took the truck to a Chevy dealer to have a recall fixed which really wasn’t a fix but a software update that will TELL US when the part is going bad. Makes sense, right? 

We went to the Visitor Center and then walked around the Seawall area. Stopped for scones and coffee at a little shop.

December 4, 2024

We went wandering to Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island and Port Aransas. 

What we learned:

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest section of undeveloped barrier island beach in the world. It appears much the same as it did when populated by the Karankawa Indian’s hundreds of years ago.

There were Rip Current Warnings on Padre Island the day we were there. I asked the rangers about that. Over 80% of all ocean surf-related rescues are attributed to rip currents. Nearly 100 people die each year in rip currents. If you get caught in one, float, don’t fight and swim parallel to the shore to get out of it.

18000 years ago, the sea level along the Padre Island was 300-450 feet lower than it is today.

2800 years ago, the sea level was the same as it is today.

Hmmm... So much for the theory that the ocean is drying up!

How waves form...

The Kemps ridley Sea Turtle was once in danger of becoming extinct but is now protected and growing.

A display of baby turtles hatching and climbing to the surface to find the ocean.

This display showed the size of the huge turtles!

We stopped at the LB Magee Beach Park and saw the Christmas Sand Sculptures.

We stopped for a gelato at Coffee Waves. I had amaretto cherry and Al had double chocolate brownie. 

December 5, 2024

Al replaced the den/TV side left upper slide cable. Yes, this is the second one that broke on this trip! Good thing I have a handy-man on board!

December 6, 2024

We toured the USS Lexington. It was a long tour. Much more than expected. We parked sop close to the beach that the water and sand came up to the sidewalk. There were so many stories on this ship. We climbed stairs and ladders and all the way at the top, there was an elevator right next to the stairs. I got some exercise that day!

We got in this simulator for a ride! It jiggled and wiggled and tilted...we laughed and it was fun!

A model of the ship.

Al got in all the photo op planes!

It was so windy!!! My hair just wasn't going to cooperate!

The flight deck was so huge!!!

The barber shop. That is officer material right there!

Back at the truck. The sidewalk is right there!

The different levels of the ship. Some of the passageways were so narrow and the stairs were really ladders. It was a great tour!

December 7, 2024

We left Corpus Christi to head home. It feels important to be there right now. Stayed in Waco TX at Creekside Resort.

December 8, 2024

We had a tire blow out on the interstate!

THEN......

Got stuck in a traffic jam for 2 ½ hours! This is NOT a perfect day.

Stayed in Oklahoma City at Twin Fountains RV Resort. Had to stay a second night because it took a whole day to get a new rim and tires. The dealership we went to was quite inept. We had to return twice because the new tires were leaking air!

Saw this billboard and had to chuckle!

Inside the main building of the RV Park.

There was recliners and a big TV. Free coffee and cookies. The coffee was some of the bet I've ever had and the cookies were warm and delicious! A gift shop that had anything you might need for camping, souvenirs, and decor.

This is Max...he lives here and there was a sign telling me what he could al say. He was quite comical!

 December 10, 2024

Arrived in Homewood KS at Homewood RV Park. Great little park. The manager, Carrie, said they are part owners in the Green Bay Packers. Camper wouldn’t level. Lippert Tech Support was wonderful in walking Al through fixing the problem. Winterized Mona at this campground because it will be too cold going further north and -2 degrees at  home!

December 11, 2024

No mishaps today but we are nervous! Only opened Mona enough to uncover the furnace vents in the dining room. Something is wrong with the slide and we don’t want to get stuck here! We stayed at Teds RV Park in Decatur IA. Nice long site. Great bathrooms and community room. There was a restaurant next door owned by an ex-Amish guy who raised the beef he sold. Great burgers. Nice warm place to sit a while…

Not fancy but definitely warm, comfortable and good food.

December 12, 2024

 And finally...It always feels so good to see this sign.

Got a chip in the windshield on the last leg home. Finally, we got here and unpacked necessary items. Will go back and completely unpack Mona in a couple days when it warms up a bit.

Word of advice…I left canned items and new jars of mayo to get when it warms up. The mayo separated. 

See my video below!

We're home for the winter...flannel sheets are on the bed and the furnace is keeping us toasty....until we travel again. Who knows where we may go next...