Falcon State Park in Falcon, Texas

I love these parks that are desert like, lots of dirt, brush, cacti, little birds, Bob Cats and Picary. Falcon Lake is formed by the dam across the Rio Grande River. It harnesses the water to control the water in the bordering small cities below the River in Mexico and Texas. The lake is filled with fish and the land bordering the river is lush farms in many areas. There is plenty of recreation for all to enjoy, from bird watching to boating, fishing and swimming.

The dam across the Rio Grande forming Falcon Lake.

The railroad used to pass through here but another bridge was built after the lake blocked this track. Bill and I followed a dirt road to get to this point and then were escorted out by security. We had entered government land too close to the dam. I knew the unlocked gate with a huge padlock was not a good sign. Bill said we were looking for a birding spot the ranger told us about,

as the security guy locked the gate behind us. He said, ‘Have a good day!’

The border Crossing at Cuidad Guerrero Mexico.

This is one of the blimps that floats above the border watching for illegal persons crossing into the States.

Roma is a tiny border town

The International Bridge over the Rio Grande River. The river is called Rio Bravos in Mexico.

It was a very warm day and children are swimming in the Rio Grande at a city park in Cuidad Aleman, Mexico.

This is the park from the States side.

Looking down on of the streets. See the pony eating grass?

Here he is! So cute.

The Rio

Another View. Very beautiful and lots of Birds

A migratory path.

The bandleader Lawrence Welk had a vanity license plate in California that said what?

Stay tuned!

Hope you all had a great day.

Go West Weary Traveler’s, ..........Not!

We were going to stay in the area a little longer but we were ready to move. It was overcast and we thought of what was ahead and decided to scoot. There were quite a few border towns along the way but we set out sights on Falcon State Park, Falcon, still in Texas. We are losing the greenish brush, and seeing more cacti. Many of them are beginning to bloom along the way.

The stately Yucca

This little guy was guarding

I couldn’t get him in the same framers the nest. Putz.

Among the thornes 

Spring is coming to the desert

Natures Palate 

Flower on a stick

Picky Picky

You could always tell where the Rio Grande River was because of the band of green. Many farms along the way.

This farmer was heading to the market in town. Not sure where he got this stuff. Oranges maybe, Watermelon not so sure.

We made it to the campground and set up for a few days.

Papa enjoying a beer!

This little collard picary decided to pass by. There were three of them but they ducked into the scrub before I could get a shot, I mean with my camera. 

No sun, but still impressive.

Good night to all. 

God Bless America.

Finally the Sun and Sand!

The drive down to Brownsville, Texas was an easy one. The sun was out and the temperature was rising. We have never been to the most Southern tip of Texas. South Padre Island was our main destination here, but we wanted to see some of the other towns we have heard of in the southern most tip of Texas. And it was sunny and warm here. Our first stop was at Parkdale R.V.  Resort in Los Fresnos. We planned on only staying a few night and that was perfect. It was A snow bird destination so they had lots of activities planned, a pool, hot tub, shuffleboard, coffee and donuts each morning. The nicest part was we could walk Toby on nice streets each evening while we enjoyed the sunset and passers by.

Some beautiful landscaping around some of the park.

We tried to get Toby to warm up to this guy but he was suspicious and we were worried he would tinkle on the yard art. Sparky’s bowl had treats for your four legged friends.

The sunsets were so bright that sunglasses were necessary to enjoy them. The temperature really drops after that so we toddled home.

First thing the next day we headed toward South Padre Island.
Gorgeous

If you have ever watched TV show CSI Miami the approach to Padre Island off the causeway was jam packed with high rise buildings and beaches. Very touristy.

One side

The Other

There were only three campgrounds on the island, a KOA, a county park and a small private campground at the other end, and of course they were all full. Glad we chose to stay on the mainland.

It was a bit windy that day and the sand was blowing.

The white dunes crept over the road. It was awesome.

Crossing the dunes to the Gulf

More of the Dunes

This was as far as we could go on the Island. The Port Mansfield Channel is the water just beyond the barrier which is partially covered by the living sand. The sand is so white. It almost hurts your eyes to look at it.

Back in town we found the local watering hole.

We were able to sample their Brews and were delighted with their Craft Beers. They also had specials on their fresh Oysters on the Half Shell. Yummy. A very nice combination, oysters and beer.

A very wise man.

The work room 

Not sure what they were thinking!

One dollar per can. Hummmmm!

This is a picture of the bridge to the Island.

This Pirates Ship took people around the harbor and served a nice dinner with cocktails aboard the vessel while sailing.

Our last view of Port Isabel Lighthouse just off the Island.

It was a good day.

Hope you are all well and counting the days until Spring and Easter.

Love Barb and Bill 

South Padre Island, Texas, Here We Come!

I have a few pictures of our camp in Mathis, Texas. It was our home base for Corpus Christie. It was the campground that Bill really liked.

Very Nice Group 

The clubhouse, pool, laundry and the library. They had the best Ice Cream Social ever.

This is the Lake Corpus Christie Dam above the park.

Our Spot. They were roomy with a cement slab for the picnic table. This park had some brushy grass and  Texas trees. A lot of the parks so far have had issues with fire ants. This park did not. Phew.

I could see us come back another time.