Padre Island, USS Lexington

The sun promised to returned Monday afternoon. We drove down to Padre Island to meet it.

 Padre Island is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.

 We walked along the beach and checked out the campground.  It is right above the beach in the dunes-very nice- no hookups.

 It was a great way to enjoy the return of the sun.

 On our drive back we saw several raptors hunting for supper including a female American Kestrel and a pair of Crested Caracara.  Of course I could not manage a picture, but it was exciting to see them especially the Caracara - a new bird for us.

 Yesterday, the sun went back into hiding but it was warmer.  A good day to tour the USS Lexington.

We started with the flight deck just in case a shower decided to come through.  There are several aircraft displayed with information about the planes and how they were used.

 This helicopter was very confident in its ability to hit a target.

 We climbed up to the bridge to get the Captain's view.

 Wow.  It is a big ship, but I still can not imagine landing a plane on it.  The USS Lexington was commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1991.  She was struck by a Kamikaze on November 5, 1944.  The rising sun on the right side of the photo below shows where she was hit.

The Lexington was the first ship to have female crew members and the first carrier landing by a female pilot, took place on her decks. ( I learned this in the women's restroom.) They do a great job of utilizing all her space for exhibits and displays.  It is really a fantastic museum- a must see when in this area.

 We grilled some fish and veggies for dinner and watched the dog show-the pekingese - really? 
Today, we are meeting Gail and Rick-Gypsy Turtles- for lunch.  We are looking forward to seeing them again. See you down the road....