The weather was rotten, cold and rainy, but renewing old friendships and a couple good birdwatching expeditions made this a memorable trip.  South Padre Island, Texas, is a overrun with retirees in the winter, but that brings bargains in food and drink, so it evens out.

Click thumbnails for larger photos

Miles of clean beaches and gulf waters attract many to South Padre Island, Texas, each winter.

La Quinta is far from the crowded west end of the island.

It is right on the water, which unfortunately was not very inviting during our stay.

It is directly across the street from the city of South Padre Island's Convention Center and World Birding Site.
 

The "whaling wall" of the convention center.

Roseate spoonbills were among the many birds seen on the nature walk.

A tri-colored heron takes shelter from the cold winds.

Turtles try to catch the few rays of the sun that appeared.

You can walk on a bridge over the Rio Grande to Matamoros, Mexico, from Brownsville. This was the long line to return to the U.S.

The visit started with a meal, including this colorful soup, at Mi Pueblita.

After some shopping, we stopped for margaritas at Dos Republicos, where they were said to have been created originally. (Click for the story)

There we met the owner Luis (right) and were serenaded with traditional music.

Roger, Jay and Jack (not shown) were interviewed about their mutual broadcasting careers by Theresa Najera for the Island Breezes newspaper.

Jack and Mary managed to take off for a couple birdwatching expeditions. Above are Mexican or green jays.  Click for photos from the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Preserve and the Sabal Palm Audubon Center.

A view of the Rio Grande River in Sabal Palm Audubon Center. It is narrow, but the current is swift and dangerous.

South Padre Island is loaded with places to get cheap drinks and food. Our favorites were the Sea Ranch and the newly renovated Fish Bones (above).

The two Marys' favorite critter of the trip was this friendly tabby at Fish Bones.