On the west end of the causeway that connects SPI to the mainland lies the village of Port Isabel. Port Isabel is home to about 5,000 people who mostly survive on the tourist trade. Established by Mexican ranchers in the 1700's, it was abandoned prior to the US declaration of war with Mexico, but the site was used by General Zachary Taylor to receive supplies shipped from New Orleans. A lighthouse was constructed to aid in shipping, and the port became an important outlet for cotton grown in the South both before and during the Civil War.
After crossing the causeway, we got a photo of one of the few things not commercialized in the town.
Turning south, a short drive got us to the dock area, where the dolphin watching boats, parasailing shops, and day-trip fishing boats were located. Cameron County maintains a large campground in the area and KOA has a large facility. Both campgrounds had some advantages, but the sites were very, very close together. A quick turn sent us north on Padre Boulevard, and we eventually left the condos, hotels, bars and restaurants behind.
The wind was still blowing pretty hard, covering a large part of the road with sand.
Large portions of the beachfront on SPI are usable by motor vehicles. It was a long way to the beach where we stopped, so we didn't try it, but we saw several lifted four-wheel-drive trucks spinning through the sand!
We bundled up, hooked up Sasha, and walked to the beach. She really wanted to cut loose and run!
The surf and waves were angry today, churning up a lot of sand, and scattering sea shells up and down the beach.
Before entering the causeway to return home, we stopped at Dirty Al's for a pound of New Orleans style peel-and-eat shrimp, a dozen Gulf Oysters on the half shell, and an order of onion rings. Oh, yeah!
Pretty beach, in spite of the weather. Love to look over sea shells! Nice lighthouse, also.
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