Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the Aransas Observation Deck and Tower in Austwell, Texas — a quiet but powerful vantage point overlooking one of the most ecologically rich wetland systems along the Texas Gulf Coast . Elevated above the surrounding marshes, this observation platform opens up sweeping views of bay waters, tidal flats, and endless sky, making it a perfect stop for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and slow, scenic appreciation. From the top of the tower, the landscape stretches outward in every direction, revealing just how vast and interconnected the coastal wetlands really are. This is the kind of place where subtle movement — wind through grasses, distant birds lifting from the marsh, shifting light on the water — becomes the main attraction. 🌊 Where Freshwater Meets the Gulf The wetlands surrounding Austwell exist at the intersection of freshwater inflow and saltwater tides, creating a highly productive estuarine environment. These marshes support a wide range of wildlife an...

Simba and I visited the La Salle Monument near Port Lavaca, Texas — a striking historical marker standing along the shores of Matagorda Bay . The monument commemorates the 1685 landing of French explorer René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle , whose arrival marked one of the earliest European claims in what would eventually become Texas. Rising from the coastal landscape, the granite figure faces the bay that carried La Salle and his expedition into this unfamiliar territory. Visiting on a foggy morning added an extra layer of atmosphere, making it easy to imagine tall ships offshore and uncertainty hanging in the air as history quietly unfolded along the water’s edge. 🌍 A Monument Born from Exploration and Ambition The La Salle Monument was erected during the Texas Centennial celebrations of the 1930s, a period when the state sought to honor defining moments from its deep and complex past. La Salle’s failed attempt to establish a French colony here would ultimately influence Spani...

Simba and I visited the Wind in the Sails sculpture in Corpus Christi, Texas — a beautiful piece of public art featuring two sailfish leaping out of stylized waves along the bayfront. This sculpture celebrates the city’s deep maritime heritage, its connection to Gulf waters, and the constant coastal wind that shapes daily life along the Texas shoreline. Designed to capture movement and speed, Wind in the Sails reflects the energy of sailfish rushing through open water — a fitting tribute in a city known for offshore fishing, sailing culture, and steady bay breezes. Positioned where water meets sky, the sculpture blends wildlife, wind, and motion into the urban waterfront landscape. If you enjoy public art inspired by nature, coastal culture, and meaningful landmarks, Wind in the Sails is a must-visit stop along the Corpus Christi bayfront. 🌊 Sailfish as a Symbol of Coastal Life Sailfish are known for speed, strength, and elegance — qualities that mirror the rhythm of life along the ...

Simba and I visited the Friendship Monument in Corpus Christi, Texas — a historic landmark honoring Blas de la Garza Falcón , an early Spanish settler and founder of the predecessor settlement that would eventually evolve into the Corpus Christi region. The monument celebrates the spirit of cooperation and the deep historical ties between Corpus Christi and the Spanish colonial era, reflecting relationships that helped shape South Texas over centuries. The word Friendship in the monument’s name goes beyond a single individual. It represents shared history, cultural exchange, and the blending of communities that influenced this part of the Gulf Coast. Standing near downtown, the monument serves as a quiet reminder that modern Corpus Christi grew from layered stories of exploration, settlement, and cooperation. If you enjoy historical landmarks, cultural history, and the lesser-told stories that connect people and place, the Friendship Monument is a meaningful stop in Corpus Christi. ...

Simba and I visited the Queen of the Sea sculpture in Corpus Christi, Texas — a striking piece of public art that celebrates the city’s deep connection to the Gulf of Mexico and the people who live, work, and build their lives along the coast. Positioned with views of both water and city, the sculpture carries a strong sense of presence that feels perfectly suited to this coastal setting. Created as a tribute to maritime culture and coastal spirit, the Queen of the Sea reflects strength, grace, and resilience — qualities closely tied to life along the Gulf. As part of Corpus Christi’s growing public art landscape, the sculpture transforms an everyday waterfront space into a place of reflection and inspiration. If you enjoy public art, coastal culture, and discovering places where creativity and community intersect, the Queen of the Sea sculpture is a beautiful and memorable stop. 🌬️ A Tribute to Coastal Life The Queen of the Sea feels grounded in its environment. With open views of t...

Simba and I visited the Selena Memorial (Mirador de la Flor) in Corpus Christi, Texas — a waterfront monument honoring Selena Quintanilla , the beloved artist known worldwide as the Queen of Tejano Music . Set along Corpus Christi Bay, the memorial stands as a place where music, culture, and community continue to meet. Unveiled in the late 1990s, the site features a life-size bronze statue of Selena gazing out toward the bay. The pose symbolizes remembrance and her enduring connection to the city she called home. For fans from around the world, this has become a space for tribute, reflection, and celebration of Selena’s influence on Latin music and pop culture. If you appreciate music history, cultural landmarks, and places that honor influential figures, the Selena Memorial is a powerful and meaningful stop in Corpus Christi. 🌊 A Waterfront Tribute with Heart Positioned along the bay, the memorial’s setting adds to its emotional impact. The water, breeze, and open horizon create a c...