After leaving Port Aransas behind, we decided to go into Corpus Christi the following day. Literally translated from Latin, Corpus Christi means "Body of Christ". It got it's name from the Spanish Explorer Alverez who "discovered" the bay on the day of the feast of the "Body of Christ". There were several eclectic and weird things in Corpus Christi so we went in search of them. Here's what we found....
First up was the USS Lexington. This aircraft carrier was active during WWII. Originally named Cabot, it was changed to honor the original Lexington which was scuttled after suffering major damage during the Battle of the Coral Sea while this ship was in construction.
It is an Essex class carrier, 872 feet in length and built to carry 110 aircraft and 2600 officers and enlisted men and women.
Near the USS Lexington, we spotted this tourist trap selling clothing, beach towels and tattoos. Debi and Jasmine checked out the JAWS!
This was actually the way into the building with the doors about midway through the shark.
Corpus Christi is also home to the Port of Corpus Christi, this country's 5th largest port. It handles over 6,000 vessels and over 80,000 tons of cargo each year.
Port Corpus Christi operates without receiving any city, county, or state tax dollars.
Corpus Christi skyline as seen from Texas Highway 35.
A closer view of downtown Corpus Christi.
Like McDonald's restaurants nationwide, Whataburger restaurants are popular in the State of Texas. This one in downtown Corpus Christi is their first.
The City of Corpus Christi is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by Padre Island. It does, however surround the Corpus Christi Bay which offers many boating, fishing and water related activities-both commercial and recreational.
This marina, and the one above serve many of the people of Corpus Christi. There are others, of course, but these two are adjacent to the downtown area.
In front of a chuch along the boardwalk, a likeness of Jesus in a boat welcomes anyone who wishes to enter. This statue is made of bronze and is lit at night overlooking the bay harbor.
Looking west from the downtown marina. Notice how groomed the sand is along the boardwalk.
Turning around and looking toward the marina, you'll see empty beaches and blue water.
We spotted this interesting piece of "art" near the downtown area. It's a replica 1953 Chevrolet Corvette made out of cement with two statues, a male and female looking over the car as if to buy it. There is a "For Sale" sign in the window.
The "car" is not really for sale. There was some confusion as the car was originally in front of a car wash and people assumed the two statues were washing it. The woman appears to be looking at it through the windshield while the male is kicking the tires. The For Sale sign was added to clarify the artists intent.
This one was creepy. This huge demon holding a pitchfork overlooks a recycling plant just to the north of town. Originally designed for an amusement ride, it now draws attention to the recycling plant. I think it's interesting to see a demon of this size in a town whose name means the "Body of Christ".
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