PINS (Padre Island National Seashore) is simply beautiful, but you will most likely need a 4×4 to get down to the really good part.  It’s the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, with approximately 60 miles of coastline you can drive on and camp on at will.  I went on a camping and fishing trip there in October 2013.

Welcome to PINS. Note 4×4 warning sign. When the tide is up, you really do need a 4×4, but nothing too extreme. At other times you can drive closer to the water on the packed sand most of the way, which is like driving on a regular road almost, and you won’t need a 4×4.Our camp from above.  We brought too much gear but it was nice to have it – just a pain to setup and then pack up later.  We called this a recon trip because we didn’t know what we were doing.  We didn’t get much fishing in because we didn’t plan as well as we should, but next time we will know what to do and will do more fishing.  We had a great time regardless.Sunset.  There was a violent storm the first night but we woke to clear skies.

I call this one “Camp Toilet at Dusk”, suitable for framing.  It doesn’t seem like it would make much difference, but a simple camp toilet is a good investment (about $20 for a good one).  Especially on a two night or longer camping trip.  OK, too much information I am sure.

All in all it was an awesome trip.  But don’t tell everyone about PINS.  It is really great and too many people down there would mess that up.  Next time:  Fishing Pics.