In mid March, I visited some old friends in Corpus Christi, Texas. On Friday the 16th, we took their 4x4 on a long drive down Padre Island.

Padre Island is the world’s longest barrier island, sweeping some 130 miles in a golden arch from Corpus Christi south towards Brownsville. Except for a small area at both ends, the island is entirely natural -- sand dunes, sea oats, and beach morning glory. All but a few miles at the north and south end require 4-wheel drive. It's pretty slow going, even in a 4x4.

I sat in the back seat, with both windows rolled down, and slid from side to side snapping photos as we bumped along. This candid, “gorilla” photography is not the type of photography I usually do. But, I had fun, shooting out a window, attempting to capture a small slice of American life on a warm day, along a Texas beach, while bouncing along in a 4x4.

I hope you enjoy these candid snippets of life along a Texas beach.

For larger view, click on image.