Getting warmer! Today reached 21C, not quite as hot as the 27C forecast, but at least it was warm and dry.
We headed back to Aransas to visit the University of Texas Maritime Research Unit. There were a series of small aquariums with South Texas marine life in them inside the building and a self guided walk outside that showed what life lived on the beach and dunes, as well as how dunes form. In fact S. Pardre Island is basically a large sand dune, and is one of the largest barrier islands in the world. Towards the end of the walk we passed by a number of pelicans sitting on a wooden rail looking over the water. Every so often one of them would dive into the water and grab a fish and then return to the rail.
Pelicans UofTx Maritime Research Unit Aransas, Tx
Pelicans UofTx Maritime Research Unit Aransas, Tx
Once we had finished the walk we headed down to the beach just in time to see a large(ish) tanker passing by.
Tanker and Pelican Aransas, Tx
Lyn spotted 3 dolphins frolicking right in front of the tanker, they were actually swimming and jumping within the bow wave directly in front of the ship! This was our second spotting of dolphins in their natural habitat this trip.
We headed back home across the ferry, and while we were in line to board we saw another three dolphins playing in the channel.