Chuck, Great place! But I must say I didn't feel too welcomed when I put the inner tube in the water like you said. As I was paddling away, your neighbors started yelling and gesturing. They seemed to be pointing to a SUV tire lying nearby. I don't know what all the fuss was about. I PROMISED to bring the tube back. I just needed a little bigger size than the regular car ones. I guess they finally decided it was no big deal, though; they signaled me that I was 'number 1' in their book! Whew! Glad I didn't cause any trouble for you. This is my first trip to Padre Island. It reminds me a little of the Marshall Islands- tropical plants, lots of ocean, and humid. I worked up a sweat paddling around, so I'm ready for refreshments. I'll pass on those drinks you're mixing up- they smell scary to me, but then so do those cubanos (!)- so I'll just have a raspberry iced tea, if you don't mind. The music is great! I've never seen such a diverse group: bass, guitar, accordion (I'm wailin'!), bagpipes, dulcimer, banjo... only in ArmstrongLand! And the dancing is not to be believed! I've seen the Hokey Pokey, but I mean THIS was the HOKEY Pokey! I didn't know anyone could actually put their belly button in and out like that! By the way, maybe Vicki, Patti, and I should bring our single sons out your way. Maybe the reason they haven't got married yet is they don't realize that there really is a place where the Chicken Dance is THE dance of choice at weddings! And before I forget, who are the Armstrong matchmakers? Thanks for having me! I've had a blast! :-) I've gotta be movin' along-- before your neighbors show up. Somehow I don't think I want to get up close and personal with them. No offense. Jill