USS Lexington

 Well, we've been here for a couple weeks and haven't done much except drive around so we figured its time to see some of the local sights. About 10 minutes down the beach is the USS Lexington museum.

The Lexington is a WW2 aircraft carrier, built in 1943 and was the last one to be taken out of service about 20 years ago. It was called the blue ghost because of its colour and the fact it was declared sunk 3 times by the Japanese. This is the hanger deck, one floor down from the flight deck and was where planes were stored and repaired. There is that much room again behind me.

 Anytime I can fly in a plane and shoot guns is a good day.

Apparently I shouldn't have done that.

 After I was let out with a warning, I decided to give an anti aircraft gun a try. This has an optical sight and actually moves so I ended up trying to shoot people who were sitting down the beach in a cafe. Good thing I didn't have any ammo.

This is where the captain ran the ship. He didn't even get a wheel to turn, that was left to more lowly sailors. To my left was the flight deck and straight ahead was the pointy part (bow).

 This is the aforementioned bow. I was sitting behind the upper row of glass windows in the last picture. All of the different types of planes which flew off the Lexington are located here on the deck. They range from WW2 planes to this Apache helicopter.

They shouldn't have left this one running, I almost got sucked into the engine. Fortunately I weight more than I appear to. This was the most challenging plane to land on the carrier because it flew at over 1400 MPH and landed way faster than most. The F4F was used in Vietnam mostly.

 You may find it hard to spot but in the centre left in the picture is a Japanese flag. During the battle of Leyte Gulf a Kamikaze Zero hit the island where the flag is, killing over 20 and injuring over 200. 12 of the dead were pilots who couldn't take off so went up there to watch the fighting. This carrier suffered the most damage of any carrier which didn't sink. 

It is an amazing thing to see. We spent hours walking through the different levels and areas of the ship. Over 2600 people worked here and hundreds died during its various battles. The size of the sleeping areas, the galleys(eating areas) and the heads(washrooms) are huge. Notice how I picked up some sailing lingo. 

After a day of wandering the nooks and crannies of the Lexington, we walked about 100 feet down the beach for refreshments. Notice how close the ship is. When we found out the Margaritas were $1.00 apiece we stayed a little longer than planned. Seafood appetizers were $2.00 off so we had some of them as well. I think we'll be back; we just won't bother with the ship next time.

The building in the centre is where we stopped for a break. Behind that is the bridge to Corpus Christie and the grey building to the left is the Corpus Christie Aquarium. I think we'll go there soon; probably when we get a craving for Margaritas and sea food. Its only another 200 feet down the beach. What a great spot. Too bad we weren't camped right here.

Our Journey from Home to Here

Its been a long and winding road from home to finally arriving at Corpus Christie Texas. Perhaps a refresher on where we've been is in order. A quick and dirty rehash if you will. After leaving home on October 15th., our first stop over was near Flint Michigan, 195 mile trip due west taking 5 hours and $58.00 in diesel.

Next, we drove 207 miles south west to Elkhart Indiana for the RV tours and museum. Took 5 hours and cost $68.00 in diesel.

Through Chicago going due west for 248 miles took us to Colona Illinois in 5.5 hours using $115.00 in diesel.

Then a 5 hour drive going west took us to Des Moines Iowa. It was 196 miles costing $65.00.

Took time to do a bit of house cleaning after driving 227 miles in 6 hours to York Nebraska. Spent $80.00 on diesel. A sunny but windy drive again going due west.

Now 6 hours almost straight north took us to Valentine Nebraska in 268 miles, using $95.00 in diesel. This was a real western spot with the stock yard next door and the smells and flies to add authenticity.

Rapid City South Dakota became our longest stay so we could go to Mount Rushmore, Custer's Last Stand  and the Badlands. Going mostly north west, it took us 5 hours and 222 miles to get there and burned $85.00 in diesel. This is our farthest west and we'll turn south from here.

Due to the distance, this was the only stop over we made where we weren't at a campground but at a Flying J truck stop in Cheyenne Wyoming. The noise of the trucks coming and going made for a restless night, but it was just one night. We drove south west for 6.5 hours, going 312 miles and using $128.00 in fuel to get here.

 Monument Colorado was our next stop after driving 150 miles in 3.75 hours going due south. Fuel costs were $52.00. Although we had been below freezing before, this was our first snow. A beautiful spot though.

Going due south again brought us to Santa Fe New Mexico after 7.25 hours and 357 miles. Fuels costs were $123.00. Hopefully the last of the snow.

Straight south brought us to Las Cruces New Mexico in 6.5 hours and 290 miles, using $119.00 in fuel. Nice and warm, it really feels more southerly here.

Now we're into Texas, getting close! 289 miles and 6.25 hours going south east (notice the direction change) brings us to Fort Stockton Texas. Took $88.00 worth of diesel to get here. Texas wild country with rattler warnings and thorns/briers instead of grass. Lots of room to ourselves though.

More south east travel brings us to Bourne Texas, just west of San Antonio. The drive took 6 hours and was 289 miles of flat relaxing drive. Used $105.00 worth of diesel to get there. Got to see the Alamo and San Antonio's beautiful River Walk while staying here.

Finally, our last leg of this journey to paradise. A good days drive too with only 4.5 hours and 189 miles of south east driving. Fuel use was only $43.00. So, if you've been doing the math, we drove 1563 miles west to South Dakota then turned and went south 1109 miles. Turned south east into Texas and went another 767 miles. Based on the picture above I think the drive was worth it.

Looking along the side of our home you can see across the bay to Corpus Christie. Warm sunny with a distinct tropical feel. A palm tree rustling beside our front door adds to the ambiance. I think we'll enjoy it here. If you want to know the gritty details we got just over 11 miles per gallon on the trip. Not too good for a car but darned good for a home I think.