October24- 26, 2024

Knowing we had a relatively simple six-hour drive from Lafayette to Corpus Christi and since it was a Friday, that Stephanie and Lee would be working that day, we had no need to rush out of town for the journey.  So, we stopped in at Poupart’s again for some coffee to go, some pastries to eat and take with us, and a loaf of their sourdough bread as well. 

We were making good time once we got on the road until we got to Vinton, Louisiana and hit a full stop traffic jam.  We would move inch by inch a few feet at a time, making little progress, keen to know what was holding us up.  Was it construction or an accident?  We would never find out.  This wasn’t the first time we’d hit turbulence on this stretch of road, indeed traveling in this direction a few years back when the Sabine River, which forms the border between Texas and Louisiana, flooded and closed the highway.  We were able to detour, but it added many hours to the journey.

That would be the case here, turning our six-hour drive into one that lasted twelve, landing us in Corpus Christi close to midnight.  We had a stiff drink when we arrived, an hour or so of conversation and then hit the bed hard for a well-deserved night’s sleep.  The next day, Friday, Lee had to work so while Joanna and Stephanie went for a manicure, I got the car washed (it needed it) and grabbed a cup of coffee at Istanbul Coffee. 

I picked the girls up when they were finished and the three of us drove to Mustang Island State Park at Padre Island to walk the jetty and the beach, taking advantage of a nice day near the water.  Finished we drove back towards Corpus Christi, stopping just short of the causeway to the mainland to have lunch at Snoopy’s Pier and where we would catch up with Lee.  Joanna and I split an order of fish tacos, and I disposed of a pint of Yuengling in short order. 

With the afternoon in front of us we set out to do what we do best when in town, that is find some interesting place to consume an adult beverage and so we returned for the second time to Aerodrome Distilling for a round of delicious cocktails.  Joanna opted for a refreshing Gin and Tonic while I went for my signature drink, the Old Fashioned.  The bartender spends quality time preparing each concoction and it shows in the final product, meaning it’s hard to stop at just one, but that is what we did as we finished the day at the house watching TV and getting caught up on life in general. 

The next morning Joanna and I set out for a short but satisfying 11-mile ride from the house, riding down to Laguna Shores Drive, turning right and heading to its termination at the Laguna Madre Boat Ramp, then turning around and retracing our route and continuing on until just short of South Padre Island Drive before reversing course and returning to the house.

For our afternoon’s activities we drove downtown and had a great time at the city’s Dia de los Muertos festival, an annual celebration of local culture.  Now in its 17th year, the festival has become one of Corpus Christi’s most popular events.  A national holiday in Mexico, it is a time when deceased friends and family members are remembered, honored and celebrated and it is a poignant time, both solemn and joyous, with colorful customs, pageantry, and whimsy despite the sobering subject.

The festival that day featured live entertainment on three stages: Latin-influenced rock & pop music, Mariachis, Ballet Folklorico and cultural dancers, youth performers, local DJs, and regional up-and-coming bands.  At the start we enjoyed viewing some custom low rider cars and then worked our way down the street, stopping at the many booths and checking out one or more of the performances. 

After consuming a couple of large beers, we finished up at the festival and walked a short distance to the downtown outlet for Lazy Beach Brewing where we kept the afternoon’s consumption of adult beverages flowing by consuming one apiece of their excellent products, watching participants in a soon to be held play coming in and using the bathrooms to change into their costumes. 

By now hunger had set in and a block or two away was our destination, El Camino Comida and Bar.  We’d power through a couple of pitchers of good and strong margaritas while demolishing a basket or so of chips and salsas.  Seated on the patio, the warm air cradling us I can’t think of a better place to be than with friends sharing the experience. 

We all split an order of the Dynamite Sticks (Crawfish and shrimp flautas with guacamole & chipotle sour cream) and then Joanna and I split the Dueling Chili Rellenos (beef picadillo & chicken Tinga stuffed poblano peppers served “Christmas style” with ancho and tomatillo sauces).  This ended up being much more food than we could possibly finish but we gave it a good effort and at the end felt we had acquitted ourselves admirably.  It was a fitting way to finish up or short stay with Stephanie and Lee as a long drive beckoned us the next morning and thus, we’d be leaving early.  But knowing us we’ll be back here in the future for more fun with friends. 

Links

Mustang Island State Park: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island

Snoopy’s: https://snoopys.cc/

Aerodrome Distilling: https://aerodistilling.com/

Lazy Beach Brewing: https://lazybeachbrewing.com/

El Camino: https://elcaminotexmex.com/