A Day on the Beach at Padre Island National Seashore, Merry Christmas to All from the Coastal Bend

The forecast was  for temperatures in the 80's and so we had to head for the beach. We hadn't been to Padre Island National Seashore this winter and as it was officially the first day of winter we donned our shorts and beach gear and headed out.
Its about a thirty mile drive and we had to cross the ferry, but it wasn't very busy and we first stopped at the Parks Headquarters to inquire about the driving conditions. It was rated good to fair and it really was pretty good for a while. We drove along the beach until we passed the five mile sign where it states that four wheel drive is recommended.
We continued on until we started to notice many small shells. Backing up to the waters edge I set out two poles while Renita busied herself with the lawn chairs and it didn't take long before we were both busy with fish and wildlife. I caught a whiting and as soon as I landed it a great blue heron approached, hoping for a handout. It didn't get any as we believe wildlife should find their own food so the bird decided Renita was an easier touch and stood near her for most of the time we were on the beach.

About then my pole doubled over and I knew it was a good fish as it worked the surf rod pretty good, but it really wasn't that difficult a fight as it was my new pole and reel. a special setup for big fish and I soon was able to land a whiting and a twenty four inch black drum,dinner!

We fished some more and then ate our lunch, which of course brought in gulls and other freeloaders. I wonder if the dinosaurs used o crowd each other for handouts, or at least scraps. I returned to fishing as Renita walked the beach in the never ending quest for the perfect shell and she did find some sand dollars.
The tide was coming in and we headed back toward the beach access point, making several stops along the way for more shelling excursions. More sand dollars and a few new shells made it into our truck and I wondered where we would put them all but there always seems to be more room.
That night we had grilled black drum on a halfshell,(black drum fillets with their skin on), grilled to perfection. Seasoned with cajun spices and basted with a little butter it was about as good as it gets and fresh black drum is one of my favorite fish. We both felt a little guilty as we cleaned our plates and Molly was a little put out as not only had she missed happy hour but she didn't get any fish.
Sitting on the beach we talked about our Christmas past memories and we both agreed that our favorite Christmas event was spending a day in the Bighorns, sledding, cross country skiing, and finding the perfect Christmas Day. We have been so blessed in our lives and every day is a blessing, a day on the beach isn't so bad a memory either. Merry Christmas everyone and of course clear skies!