Week ending Feb 27, 2014 Texas: Laredo, Del Rio, Seminole Canyon

Friday morning we watched the men's gold medal curling.  We went into Laredo to do some shopping. We both got shoes and then stopped for Japanese food for lunch. The day was a perfect day so John spent time outside reading and Joan answered email. We watched a small bunny and a black bird have a little disagreement, before going their separate ways. We had never seen rabbits and birds fighting. 

Saturday morning we went into downtown Laredo to visit the Museum of the Republic of the Rio Grande. The museum wasn't open yet, even though it was after its regular hours, so the concierge at the hotel next door opened the Washington's Birthday Celebration Museum for us. It had several displays of debutante gowns based on the Martha Washington era.  When we returned, the Republic museum had opened, and we found that the staff had been delayed because roads were blocked in preparation for a parade.  Laredo is one of the few places in Texas that has been under 7 flags, instead of the usual 6.  In 1840, (before Texas separated from Mexico) a group got together on a ranch near Laredo to declare the Republic of the Rio Grande composing the 3 north eastern Mexican states.  Their rebellion only lasted for a bit more than a year, before the insurgents were defeated.  After finishing with this museum, we did the historic walking tour of downtown Laredo, and came across the parade being held as part of the month long celebration of George Washington.

After coming back to the park and having lunch we went for a walk and watched the black ducks in the reeds by the edge of the lake.

Sunday morning we got up early to watch the gold medal hockey game. What a treat to see the Canadian Men win the gold medal. After the game we did a 3.1 mile walk on a trail through the park. Joan is still looking for a roadrunner. They seem to be elusive, even though the past couple of parks promised us they are a common bird seen in the park. Later in the afternoon, as we were relaxing after our walk, there was a knock on our door. A young woman asked if we were going to use the table associated with our campsite. We said no, she could use it. The wind blew the campfire smoke away from our trailer so it didn't bother us. We did have to ask them to turn their music down, because getting kicked out of the park due to someone else's music on our site didn't seem like an attractive thought.  Around 7:30 the same lady came over with a plate of food as thanks for letting them use our table.  About 8:30 fireworks started. It lasted about 1/2 hour. This explained why the park was so full and the people using our table were there after dark.  The fireworks display happens every year the last Sunday of February as a windup to the month long celebration of Washington's birthday.  In between various activities we watched the Daytona 500, the kick-off to the Nascar season. This year the race started at noon and was rain delayed and finally finished up about 11:00 P.M.  We were pleased to see our favourite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. hang on for the win.


Monday was moving day and because we had a longer distance to go than our usual trip this winter, we left the campground by 8:30. All was going well until we drove over some debris on the road heading north out of town. Sometimes you just can't miss stuff on the road.  A while later, a driver flagged us down to point out that one of the tires on the passenger side of the trailer had shredded.   We have had a tire on the trailer go low before, but this was the first one that needed to be replaced before getting to a shop, so we had to figure out how to change the tire. Our first step was to figure out how to get the spare off its hanger under the trailer and then we hope the spare had air in it. It has never been used, was new in 2006, when the trailer was new. Lucky for us, the "air gods" were looking after us as it still had good air pressure. A bit further down the road we went through a border patrol stop.  Since we arrived at the Corpus Christi area, we have seen numerous border patrol agents around, but this was the first check stop we have seen. While we showed our passports to the agent, another one went around the trailer with a dog.    We drove on to the next town, about 40 miles ahead, and didn't see any tire shops, other than small ones who 'repair flats', so we continued to Eagle Pass.  The first tire shop we found on the GPS wasn't there anymore, so we returned to the Goodyear shop we had passed.  They didn't have the correct size of tire in stock, but phoned another shop, we fortunately did have the right tire.   The tire was 120.00 +-. We paid 70.00 for the same tire in Ottawa and 80.00 in Amarillo.  By this time any advantage to our early departure had long since gone. We were tired, sore from crawling around under the trailer and lifting heavy tires, so we decided we would stay in a hotel for the night.  While they were putting the tire on the rim, mounting it, and putting the spare back on it's hanger, we checked at the hotel next door, but they didn't have room for us to park the trailer.  The tire shop recommended the Casino (one of the very few in Texas), but that was heading the wrong way for 8 miles or so. Instead, we carried on up-river to Del Rio where we were recommended to a Ramada by the second hotel which had nothing available. The bonus was that they gave us 2 free drinks in the lounge as part of the room.  After getting moved into our room we headed to the lounge for our complimentary drinks, and dinner. We are very adventurous today ;).  Joan had salmon and John had steak.



After a good nights sleep, and great omelet breakfast we carried on about 40 miles to Seminole Canyon State Park, where we are staying for a week.   Again we had to stop for a Border Patrol check stop. The only thing we can figure is because we are traveling along the Rio Grande River they must be on the lookout for illegal Mexicans or perhaps drugs smugglers. They just ask for I.D. and sent us on our way. By lunch time we were already set up, so we had the other half of our breakfast omelets for lunch.  There were several Border Patrol trucks near the campground.  The host informed us that there was a report of suspicious activity nearby, and they were searching for illegals.   We walked around the campground as well as did a short birding trail in the afternoon, and set up the hammock, to enjoy some more sunny weather.  We also had a good Skype chat with our friend Janet.

Wednesday morning was a cloudy, damp day, so we put off our walk until the sun came out in the afternoon. We walked to the Presa overlook, where Presa Canyon joins Seminole Canyon, about a 2 1/2 mile walk along the rim of the canyon.  

We also had a rare chance to get a picture of a jack rabbit.

Thursday morning we went on the guided hike into the canyon to look at the native rock paintings that are over 4,000 years old.  They are painted on the overhang where water had washed out lower levels.  The shelter this formed is one of the largest natural shelters in North America.    The  1 1/2 hour tour lasted 2 1/4 hours. It was an interesting hike along the bottom of the canyon to the shelter, lead by a very knowledgeable guide.  Because of the fragile nature of the area and the artifacts, only guided tours are allowed to the site.   Even though the paintings have been on the walls for 4000 years, they are deteriorating so fast now that they are expected to be gone in about 25 years, so were very happy to be able to see them.    The theory is that the increased humidity in the area due to the Armistad Reservoir, just downstream on the Rio, is weakening the limestone structure.   In addition to the rock paintings, there are also many fossils.

While surfing, we came across a very interesting blog done by an other couple which has a section on this area. Check it out.  http://52wednesdays.com/2012/04/03/seminole-canyonpetroglyphsdesert-drivecanyonsbon-firepecos-riverrio-grandejudge-beanseminole-negro-scouts/

Week ending Feb 20, 2014 Edinburg, Falcon State Park, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

Friday, another hot sunny day, was spent lazing around the park, watching Olympics and then going to the Valentines Day Social held for the park residents. 

Sunday we took advantage of the hot weather to lay around and get sunburned.

Monday morning we moved to Falcon State Park. Our site gave us a bit of a view of the reservoir.

The sites are pull-thrus with a paved arc along the edge of the road.  We would have figured that they were designed by the highways department, as they had enough slope to the inside of the arc to drive through at about 75 mph, except that the highways we were on today had no slope on their curves.  This was the first paved site where we had to stack our leveling blocks three high on one side. 

I can't imagine what it would be like to be here in the summer as it is 28 C today and feels nice and warm.  There are trees, but they are short and do not offer a great deal of shade.  All the tables at the sites have corrugated iron shade structures over them.


Tuesday turned in another great day, but we decided it was time to wash some of the ocean salt off the trailer and clean the outside of the windows. That pretty much took care of the morning.   After lunch we did a 3 mile walk on a loop trail around the park.  On our way back to the trailer we stopped and talked to 2 separate groups here from Ontario as well as some Texas fish and wildlife workers.

Wednesday we watched Olympics and then went for a walk on the trails in the park we had not done the day before. We spent some time in the boat launch area, watching birds fish.

There are warning signs in the boat area advising boaters to report to customs or border patrol anything you happened to pick up across the lake in Mexico, or from another boat on the lake. We figure that this may be one of the closest views we get of Mexico on this trip.  At the end of the trail, we walked through the butterfly garden next to the rec hall. This was the only butterfly that would stay still long enough for us to take a picture.

Thursday was moving day. After watching the women's gold medal curling game, we got ready to go. As we hooked up, as usual John needed to push on the  slideouts to assist the motor in performing their duties in bring them in. As we were just getting the last slideout in,  a couple from Pennsylvania, pulling a Titanium, stopped and asked if we needed help pushing.  We found they have the same problems with their slideouts that we do, and have had since they bought it new. This is their second Titanium and both have had the same problem. Interesting bit of information. We headed to Laredo to stay at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. It is quite  a nice place, with our site about 5 feet from the lake. As usual the wi-fi is not very strong, but sometimes allows us to get our email. Before supper we went for a short walk, checking out some of the park facilities. Laredo seems to have numerous interesting historical sites, so we plan on checking them out over the next three days.

Week ending Feb 13, 2014 Palo Alto Battlefield, Edinburg

Friday was one of the coldest days we've had since leaving Amarillo. We had to turn on our propane heater to keep the trailer warm.   It has been a long time since that had happened. The good news is it did not go below freezing.  Since the weather did not lend itself to doing much, rainy, cold and windy, we decided it was a perfect day to do housework and watch the final few draws of the Scotties.

Saturday we went to Palo Alto Battlefield in Brownsville.   This was one of the main battles in the dispute between Mexico and USA about where the border should be.   The Americans wanted it at the Rio Grande, but Mexico thought it should be at the Neuces River, which flows through Corpus Christi.  After watching the 15 minute video giving us a overview of the events, we walked through the battlefield, which showed the position of  both the Mexican battle line and the American battle line.   Thanks to the Americans winning this skirmish, basically because their cannon was newer and had a better range than the Mexican's,  south Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and most of Colarado are part of the USA instead of Mexico.  Where would snowbirds spend their winters if Mexico had won the war?  

 

We were amused by the warning signs in the sites parking area.  

On our  way back to the trailer park we stopped at  Ornela's Bakery in Rio Hondo, just on a whim.   It turned out to be one of our better ideas, as the baking was delicious.  We chatted with a couple from Ontario who where very glad to hear any news we had about the Scotties, as  they stay in the same motel every year and of course it only has American TV channels.

Sunday was a bit warmer and sunny. We went for a short walk around the RV park and then spent the rest of the day watching the Scotties bronze medal game and the final, as well as the Alberta and B.C. men's championships.  It was with great pleasure that we saw Kevin Martin lose to Kevin Koe. But then John Morris won the B.C finals, so I guess we can't have everything.

Monday was moving day.   It was a hot sunny day, a shame to waste such nice weather moving.   We moved to Edinburg, to Valley Gateway RV park.   The park, which is owned by a retired rodeo clown has  large sites and friendly neighbours.   By the time we arrived at the park the temp was in the high 70's F.  After we got set up we took a trip into McAllen.   John bought me a new camera as a birthday gift.  Trying to get close-ups of birds at the nature centers convinced us that we could use a camera with better features than our little one.  Then we went to La Jaiba Shrimp House for dinner.  It wasn't fancy as we expected, but the food and service were great.  We got back to the RV park in time to watch the Russia/Canada men's curling.

Tuesday the wind had shifted to the north, so it was a cool rainy day, so a good day to do a museum.  We started by driving to the Rio Grande to view the only hand-drawn ferry still operating across the Rio Grande between Mexico and Texas at Los Ebanos.  As we headed toward the  ferry landing a fellow wearing a balaclava (because it was cold?) opened a door in a metal shed and told us it would cost us to walk to the rivers edge where we could see the ferry.  We figured giving money to someone wearing a balaclava didn't seem like a good idea, so we said 'thank you but we won't not bother' and left.   He was not happy with us.    We headed back to Edinburg and stopped at the Chamber of Commerce visitor center in the old Southern Pacific RR depot  pick up some information.  

Then we went to the Museum of South Texas History, which is the main reason we stayed near Edinburg.   It has a very well done displays, covering the history of the Rio Grande Valley area from prehistoric times through to 20th century.   

Wednesday morning we (that is Joan) woke up in time to watch the Canada/Great Britain women's curling at 3:00 A.M.   After the game was done and breakfast over with we headed to El Sal Del Rey about 5 miles west.  It is a salt lake that has historically been a source of money in this area.  Before Texas became a state, salt was used a currency, so this lake was an important piece of real-estate.  We walked the mile into the lake and then decided to walk around it. The total distance was 7 miles, most of it along the lake shore.  We saw many birds, numerous deer and three coyotes.  There was evidence of old salt works with tailing ponds. I had my new camera with me, but forgot to charge the battery in the camera, and left the spare in the truck in the parking lot, so wasn't able to take many pictures with it, but we did have the old camera with us.  I charged the batteries when we got back to the trailer, so hopefully this won't happen again.

 Thursday morning again was an early day. We woke up at 4:00 A.M. to watch Olympic Canada men's curling.   After a lunch we did the walk through the nature trails at the RV park.  There were enormous flocks of red-winged blackbirds. It was warm and sunny, so a perfect day for walking.

Week ending Feb 6, 2014 Kingsville, Arroyo City, Port Isabel, South Padre Island

Friday was a gloriously hot sunny day, with a high of  27C feeling like 33, due to a warm breeze coming in from the south.   After visiting with John's parents via Skype in the morning we went to Harrel's, an old fashioned drug store with neat gifts and an old soda fountain. Today was the perfect day to have an old fashioned milk shake for lunch. 

 

We then walked down historic main street past the railway station to the original school in town. We then came back to the trailer to enjoy the rest of the warm day by the pool.   We spent the early evening at the community barbeque by the pools.  It was great for Joan to be able to do fish, which we can't cook in the trailer due to John's allergies.  

Saturday was a another warm day. By the time we got done breakfast and pilates it was already up to 27 C. Joan cut Johns hair and then we headed to the pool.  Now the water was just warm enough for John to have a quick dip, but it is very pleasant just to  sit in the sun by the pool, listening to the water fall.  We had a great day just soaking up the sun and relaxing. 

Sunday again dawned warm, but cloudy.   After arranging for our next rv park we went for groceries. When we walked out of the grocery store we found the temp had dropped from 25C to about 10 with the wind blowing vigorously from the north.  We got back to the trailer to find our satellite had blown over.   John moved the dish and then reset it so that we could watch the Scotties.

As usual Monday morning was a cold, for here, 7C, but we got the trailer packed up (with help from a handy neighbour to push in the kitchen slide).  We discovered that we had indeed finally reached tropical Texas as driving along we passed fields of orange groves and sugar cane.  By the time we got to Hummingbird Cove RV Park on the Arroyo Colorado near Rio Hondo, the wind had died down so was a much more comfortable.   After getting set up, we walked down to the docks along the Arroyo, where there were several fairly tame pelicans and herons using the docks .   

The Scotties were very cooperative and did not have a Monday morning draw, so we didn't even miss a draw during our move. 

Tuesday morning we headed out to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, which is an interesting area with numerous birds, many which we have never seen before.  Nearly half of all of the bird species in the continental US can be seen here.  

Chachalaca 

 

Green Jay 

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker 

We also saw deer and rabbits, but the rest of the animals they say are prevalent in the refuge, like javelina and ocelet,  eluded us.  The drive through the ocelet habitat has been closed to keep them from being disturbed, but we did a nice walk along the Laguna, past an alligator pond (no alligators, in fact not even any water) and back through a shrub forest.

 We started our day  on Wednesday at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park, just east along Arroyo Colorado, north of the wildlife refuge.  We were lucky to see a passenger ferry stop at the boat ramp to drop off a passenger or two, and pick up another.  It was quite a procedure.  Although the ferry stopped quite close to the dock, it wasn't able to tie up at it, so they dropped a tender in the stream  to bring the passengers in to the dock. The ferry stirred up the water which attracted many fish-loving birds.  As we watched them fishing, we found out that the big guy doesn't always win.  A gull caught a fish and was immediately chased by a group of pelicans. The gull managed to keep his prize.   After having lunch at the park we went on a hunt for a fruit stand to which we had been given directions which luckily John remembered.  We eventually found the stand and purchased some local oranges, grapefruit and corn.  Our next stop was the bank. Using Bank of America ATM's is great, with their agreement with  Scotiabank not to charge transaction  fees, but we have to be organized as most small centres do not have a Bank of America.  As this drive had taken us into Harlingen we stopped at the Texas State Travel Information Center to pick up info on the next portion of our tour through Texas.   In the info centre we encountered a couple from Ontario. They were interested in our full timer life style, so we chatted with them for some time. After parting ways, we headed to the Marine Academy to visit the Iwo Jima memorial, before heading back to the trailer  in time to watch the last two ends of the afternoon draw of the Scotties.

Thursday was a cold miserable day, with a cold north wind again.  We decided it was a perfect day to visit museums. We headed to South Padre Island. Our first stop was at the seashore. 

 The water was quiet tumultuous and walking on the beach in the wind was unpleasant, so we headed to the Port Isabel Lighthouse. It is the only lighthouse on the Texas coast that is open to the public, but it was closed today.  We looked through its museum then proceeded to the Port Isabel Historic Museum, a review again of the American Mexican war.  Our final museum of the day was Treasures of the Gulf Museum which focused on wreck of three Spanish ships which occurred just 30 miles north of Port Isabel way back in 1554.   The museum contained many interesting artifacts, such as silver 'ingots', cannons and rifles which had been salvaged from the wrecks.   We again got back to the trailer in time to watch the last half of the afternoon draw of the Scotties.