The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16, is a World War II-vintage aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1943, she served the United States longer and set more records than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation.The ship was the oldest working carrier in the United States Navy when decommissioned in 1991. Lexington, an Essex-class carrier, was originally named the USS CABOT. During World War II, the final work on it was being completed at Massachusetts' Fore River Shipyard when word was received that the original carrier named USS LEXINGTON, CV-2, had been sunk in the Coral Sea. A campaign was launched to change the new carrier's name to Lexington. The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16, was commissioned on February 17, 1943.
Next stop was the Aquarium.
The dolphins were in a playful mood
and played to the crowd of spectators.
After a busy Sunday we decided to
take a look around the Botanical Gardens
on Monday morning.
Plenty of fruit on this orange tree.
A variety of Cacti.
Does this butterfly look familiar ?
After the gardens we went to Padre Island
and had a picnic on the beach.
Padre Island National Seashore is the longest section of undeveloped barrier island in the world, protecting rare coastal prairie; and the Laguna Madre. The National Seashore and surrounding waters provide important habitat for marine and terrestrial plants and animals, including a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species. Situated along the Central Flyway, Padre Island is a globally important area for over 350 migratory, overwintering, and resident bird species. The National Seashore's remote location also makes it one of the few places where you can observe the night sky with minimal interference from light pollution. The National Seashore is also one of the few places the public can go to see sea turtle hatchlings being released into the wild.
The 'scurries' enjoying our leftovers.
