I always try to get to an ocean if I am 3-4 hours from one. This does not happen too often but I was pretty excited to get to the Gulf Coast this year. I had always wanted to go to South Padre Island as a child and it never worked out for me to go. Isn't it funny all those things you hold onto from growing up that you become determined to experience regardless of how old you are? I certainly have been fufilling these missed opportunities as a kidult. A stop at a spectacularly crazy shop for trinkets was also in order. Hence the giant mermaid. Go off on Adventure!