Trying to scape South Texas heat

We've been in Texas for 1 1/2 month now.

And the heat has been tremendous. Lots of days above 100!

So we thought we'd scape to the beach (about 3 hours away), and see if the gulf breezes would cool us off.

Lot's of people had the same idea. All state and the National Park on North Padre Island were full.
So we took off for Goose Island State Park, just north of Rockport.

It's on the mainland, separated from the barrier islands by Aransas Bay.
But for us form further South Texas, it is just the northern most extent of the Laguna Madre. That's our opinion anyway.

With so much marshland, there is a very bountiful animal here:
It is the mosquito.
Yes, as mean and as abundant as in Canada and Alaska, if you can imagine that!

And unfortunately, it just didn't seem any cooler here than far inland.

So, drinking water, tea or beer and sitting under a tree was the extent of our activities.

They have somethings that are interesting to note.
One is the Live Oak tree that is over 1,000 years old.

Yes, they do help it stay up with a few "crutches" to support it.
But it is neat to see something old enough to have lived before recorded history in this area.

Now, you might ask:
Why didn't you just get in the ocean and cool off?

Well, look a little closer:

Those oyster shells can be a little rough on your feet.

and....
look at the name of the beach:

The hot shallow water is great for sea weed to decompose.
Oysters love it.
Birds love it,
Fish and, therefore, fishermen love it.

But, it is not a beach bathing paradise.

May we recommend, that for beach fun, you go to North Padre or Mustang Island.

And leave Goose Island State Park for the winter.
Then you'll enjoy great weather, no mosquitoes
and see migrating birds such as the Whooping Crane:
the tallest bird in North America,
5 feet tall, with a 7.5 feet wingspan.
Now, that is worth coming here to see!
.