Thursday, February 1, 2018 - Morning Walk; Grocery Shopping; Riverboat Tour on Rio Grande River; Plate Size Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Thursday, February 1, 2018 - Morning Walk; Grocery Shopping; Riverboat Tour on Rio Grande River; Plate Size Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

We are really making an effort to get back into a routine of walking every morning.  It's warmed up this week which really helps us get outside.  This morning we walked 2.71 miles.  I enjoy the walks very much even though the views are not as great as I had hoped, there is still beauty in the park and sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the quiet of being in nature.  Most of the people who walk early in the morning are there to take pictures of the birds so they prefer quiet, and a few bicyclists - and they just fly by us.  Maybe we'll be one of them someday!

Today is the first day of February - we have already spent 4 weeks here in South Texas.  It has flown by.  We've had a great time even though the temperatures have not been what we expected.  Fortunately, we haven't had but a few really cool days/evenings - and nothing below freezing.  We are not sure of the exact date we will leave yet but probably sometime in mid-March.  Our trip down here was done in 3 long (6-7 hours driving) days.  Our plan is to take our time heading back north making stops along the way and spending a minimum of 2 days at each stop and more if we find several things to see and do.  We need to be back in SEK or SW Missouri by April 9 for our first doctor appointment, one of many we need to fit in during April and May, prior to leaving for our trip to New York to meet Grandchild #13 - Samuel.  

We need to do some grocery shopping today, and I plan to check out the pocket cameras at Best Buy, Walmart and Sam's.  Our first stop was at Best Buy and they had a number of cameras on display.  I took pictures of each one so I can research them once I have a little time.  We have been staying really busy and I'm now behind on the blog as well so it comes first.  I get a little edgy when I let things pile up on me - so it's in everyone's best interest for me to get it done!  Lol!

We used the last of our bread from Breadsmith this morning, so it was our next stop where I purchased one loaf.  We'll be back in this area again next Tuesday, so I'll get another fresh loaf then.  I'm sure we'll need it by then.  It is just sooooo good!

When I returned to the truck I googled "dry cleaners near me" and found there was one right across the street from where we were setting at Breadsmith.  I am going to attend a class that our friend Pam is giving at the park where they stay.  It is how to cover hangars with yarn, so I needed hangars.   I asked for 4 and they brought me a dozen and would not take any money for them.  How nice is that?   I remember my mom had some of these hangars, and I would guess that either she or one of my grandma's might have made them.

Our next stop was at Sam's.  We found the cameras and they had a couple I was interested in, so again I took pictures to check out the reviews later.  I only needed a few things here and we quickly gathered those up, using the app on my phone called "Scan & Go" to scan the barcodes of our purchases, and then paid with my credit card on the app.  It is so much quicker to do this than going through the register line and paying.  Once I reach the door, they just scan the bar code on my phone, and out we go.

Our last stop was Walmart.  I have decided to only buy a few things we need and not to purchase any more food items until we have used what is in the freezer, which would probably get us at least half way through the month, maybe longer. We end up eating lunch or dinner out often enough we might make it through the month without purchasing any groceries except breakfast items - since we almost always have it at home.   

We stopped at the park office when we returned to see if we have received any mail.  No postal mail but we did receive a new calendar of activities here in the park for the month of February, our first electric bill, and a form to reserve a spot for next year if we want to do that.  We are not ready to make that decision.  We'd really like to go to Florida for at least a month next year, and then possibly work our way back west, but we'll see how it all plays out . 

We are taking a Riverboat cruise on the Rio Grande Valley this afternoon at 3:30.  Around 3:00 we drove next door where our Heartland friends are staying.  We offered to drive today and Jay and Stella rode with us.  The cruise location is not too far from us so in no time we were there.  We purchased our tickets inside, $10 per person for a 1 hour ride.  We thought it was very reasonable.  

We didn't have to wait too long at all until it was time to board.  I took a selfie with our group as we were waiting to board and didn't realize until later I did not get Dean or Jay in the picture.  

 From left to right:  Stella, Peg, Flora, Nancy, Dave, Corbin, Mike, Lin and Deb - and I don't know who that lady with the silly look on her face is!  Lol!

Once we were on board, the captain pulled away from the dock and began his interesting talk.  I wish I would have had Dean set his phone to record it so I could remember more of the highlights.  It was a beautiful warm day and we were actually glad for a little breeze as we scooted across the water.  

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Deb (blue shirt) & Lin (red shirt) at the back

Waiting to take off - From right to left
Mike, Peg, Corbin, Flora, Dave & Nancy

One thing we did notice is there is more development of park areas on the Mexico side of the river than the US.  Of course, for both sides some development is private and some is government owned.  There were a number of folks on the Mexican side either working or enjoying one of the parks.  They always waved as we passed by.  

One of the items Dean remembered was before Trump became President the number of illegals crossing the border was much higher - like 250/300 per day at McAllen, TX alone.  That number had dropped to about 100 per day, until recently as DACA discussions have ensued, the numbers have risen to about 150 per day.  Another thing I found very interesting is a very small percentage of those coming across the border are from Mexico - most are coming from other countries through the Mexican border to the US.

As we are leaving the dock, beyond the boat is Mexico.

One of 3 surveillance towers we saw on the boat ride.  Two are equipped with cameras and one is always manned.

Unfortunately, since we were seated in the middle of the boat, I had to shoot around people, so I apologize the pictures are not any better.  All of the pictures below are of Mexico, until I note otherwise. 

I cannot remember all the details of these thatched roofs - but they are from the palm trees and I believe they have about 4-5 layers each.  They will last for a number of years.

This particular property is often used as a venue for weddings, and other important events.  The light blue is an infinity pool. 

Boat passing us is Border Patrol and since we are nearing the dam, to the left is the US.

Still in Mexico

Anzalduas Dam

This is the dam and all pictures after this are of the United States unless otherwise noted.

This building is on the Mexico side.  It houses parrots and a toucan but unfortunately I did not manage to get pictures of them.  The toucan was in the far upper left corner.  The colors were amazing.

Another surveillance camera.

Riverside Cafe & Boat Dock

Mexico purchases electric from the US.  Their tower on the left.

Chimney Park RV Resort and the Boat Ramp used by the Border Patrol.

Chimney Stack that gives the park its name.

 I was interested in the history of the Chimney Stack, here is what I found.

Chimney Park RV Resort

I would enjoy taking this cruise again, especially if I could snag a seat on one side or the other for a clear view, and I'd take a few notes on the information they provide.  

We had a wonderful time.  When we returned to the dock and disembarked, we moved into the restaurant where they seated the twelve us at two tables for six people.  I think everyone ordered the pork tenderloin sandwich with either onion rings or the battered french fries.  I wish I would have remembered to take a picture of our meal, so I'll just have to explain it to you.  The pork tenderloins are HUGE.  On the large bun, the tenderloin hangs over the entire bun by 3-4 inches.  Dean and I shared the sandwich and the french fries.  It was delicious and we would not hesitate to return here and probably will do so before we leave the Valley.

Once we finished eating, we headed back to the RV Park.  We dropped Jay and Stella off at their park (next door to us) and then we returned home to settle in for the evening.

Friday, February 2, 2018 - Short Morning Walk; Another Walmart Visit; Having Lunch at Tower Burgers; Bicycles

Friday, February 2, 2018 - Short Morning Walk; Having Lunch at Tower Burgers; Visting one of our SKP Friends; Another Walmart Visit; Bicycles

We did get out to walk this morning but it was very short, only .4 of a mile, or one time around, inside of our park.  

We have plans for lunch today with Dennis and Pam.  We've heard about several area establishments that make these gigantic burgers - and one they had mentioned to us was Tower Burgers.  We asked them a day or so ago if they would like to go with us to eat there.  They did and suggested we wait until after the lunch hour to go since it gets very busy.  Dean drove today and we picked them up about 12:30 to head that way.  

There was little parking available when we arrived sometime after 1:00 - but we managed to find a place for "Max - our truck".  When we walked in there was still quite a long line waiting to order and all of the tables were full.  As we stood there looking around, two guys got up to leave right by the door, so the guys grabbed the table while Pam and I went up to order.

Dean wanted the tower burger (1/2# burger, fried egg (over easy); onion strings (LOTS of them - very thin and crispy); tower sauce, cheddar cheese and LTPO - Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle & Onion - I asked them to leave the pickles off as he does not care for them on his burgers.

I chose the Bleu Buffalo (1/2# burger, bacon, avocado, original wing sauce; bleu cheese, LTPO (without the onions).  It typically has caramelized onions on it but I asked they put them on the side as I'm not real fond of onions - and I gave them to Dean.

I ordered Dean a combo which was to include his drink and a basket of onion strings, but when they brought it there were no onion strings.  Looking at the receipt - she did not charge for a combo.  Dennis shared a few of his with us, but I'm really glad now we did not get a full order because there was no way we could have ate them.  Since we did not get the onion strings, we both ate every bite of our burgers.  That means little or no dinner for us tonight!

Oh my goodness, these burgers were excellent!  

We waddled out, full and satisfied, heading to Max!  As we started the return trip home we made a stop at a nearby RV Park where one of our Escapee members (Pete) stays for the winter. We are having a luncheon on Tuesday at Gatti's.  I left a phone message for our friend but I have not heard from him, so we wanted to make sure he knew about the luncheon. We drove by his motorhome.  His truck was parked at his site.  A couple of neighbors were walking by.  They told us Pete was up at the activity building playing cards.  We continued through the park and stopped at the activity building.  We walked in to find a group of men playing cards - about 7 of them.  As we walked toward the table, the guys looked up to see who it was, and Pete just kept staring at us until he finally realized who we were.  We made sure he knew about our Tuesday luncheon and then we let him return to his card game before working our way back to Dennis and Pam's park.

The couple that live across the street from Dennis and Pam recently sold their home in the park to Dennis and Pam.  The park is having a park wide garage sale next week.  The couple have three bicycles they are going to sell.  We walked over to see if we could look at them.  Pam introduced us and explained we were interested in their bicycles.  The couple was very nice.  They asked if we would like to take a tour of the home and of course we said yes.  I am so happy for Dennis and Pam.  Such a cute house with lots of room, and it comes with all of the furnishings.  After our tour of the house, they took us to the garage where the bicycles were.  They told us they had not even decided on prices yet, so they'd get back with us on that.  

We visited with Dennis and Pam at their site for awhile.  On our first visit there, Pam showed me a beautiful poinsettia the neighbor behind them had planted in their backyard.  I wish I had taken a picture of it that day because it was just gorgeous and very full.  Since then the weather has taken a toll on it, but it is still not like any poinsettia I've ever seen.

Poinsettia is the backyard of Pam and Dennis' neighbor.  Pam asked her where she got the plant, and she had just taken a piece from a regular poinsettia and planted it here.  It was only about a year old.  WOW!  

We left to run a couple of errands before heading home.  Sunday the Heartland group is having a Super Bowl party.  I'm not a fan of football, but the get together means really good food and that I am a fan of!

I've been wanting to make a cheesecake in my Instapot, so I made sure I had all of those ingredients.  I also plan to make spinach artichoke dip and I needed a couple of items for that.  Once we made our trip to Walmart, we also stopped and topped off the diesel in Max.  It's the first time we've purchased fuel since we arrived in Mission.

Later I walked up to the office to pay our electric bill - $69.44 and that was for 27 days.  Since this is the first time we've ever paid an electric bill dedicated for Bentley's use only I wasn't sure if this was high or not.  I can say we've run the electric fireplace and a small electric heater quite often due to the cooler weather here over the past several weeks.  We only run the furnace (propane) when the temperatures dip really low to keep the underbelly from freezing.  Since then, we have talked to other RVer's and we've determined ours was pretty reasonable.  I don't remember that anyone had one any lower than ours.

Pam emailed me later with prices for two of the bicycles.  The couple had one bicycle with a motor on it.  While we were there, they mentioned someone had already asked about it and they would check to see if they wanted it or not.  We will go over tomorrow and try them out and decide if we want to purchase them or not.

We settled in for the rest of the evening, me working on the blog and Dean watching TV.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - Morning Walk; Golf for Dean; Tea Room Lunch; Set up SKP Luncheon for Winter Texan's;

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 -  Morning Walk; Golf for Dean; Tea Room Lunch; Set up SKP Luncheon for Winter Texan's

We haven't walked for the past few days so this morning we headed to Bentsen RGV State Park.  We walked 2.38 miles.  It was a beautiful morning.  We have not seen as many birds recently.  It doesn't seem like they are feeding them as early as they were. 

Sunrise this morning as we rode to the park.

We took a different trail this morning.  This park doesn't have what I would call remarkable views.  I find the trees somewhat haunting as we walk the trails.  So many of these trees are bent, dead or without any sign of life, yet there is a beauty here all of it's own.

One of our Heartland friends, David, suggested that we visit the nearby National Butterfly Center.  Here's some information I copied from their website.  Yes, I think we need to visit here soon!

You never know what you'll see at the National Butterfly Center!

Did you know nearly 150 species of North American butterflies can be seen only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, or by traveling to Mexico?

In fact, more than 300 species of butterflies may be found in the LRGV, and more than 200 species have been seen at the National Butterfly Center, including a number of rarities and U.S. Records!

Incredibly, almost 40% of the 700+ butterflies that can be found in the United States can be seen in this three-county area at the southernmost tip of Texas, where the subtropical climate makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year 'round.

We returned to Bentley, ate breakfast, and soon after Dean left to go play golf with Dave and Lin.  Flora made a reservation for the ladies at "The Tea Room" here in Mission.  Corbin and Jay were good enough to drive the six of us to the restaurant and then return when we were finished to chauffeur us back home.  

From left to right:  Stella, Debbie, Nancy and Flora.  I'm not sure where Peg was when I took this picture.

Peg checking out the items on display.

What a wonderful little tea room this was.  It was] decorated in a Victorian motif, with many things similar to what we remembered our mothers and or grandmothers having in their homes.  Flora and Peg were really enjoying walking around and looking at all of the items on display for purchase.

The menu included stuffed tomatoes or avocados with either grape chicken salad, or tuna salad, soups and salads.  I chose the avocado stuffed with grape chicken salad.  In addition it included a few crackers, chips, and fruit slices (grapefruit, apple and orange).  The meal was delicious and I am so glad that Flora suggested we do this.

We were back home around 2.  I visited with Dennis and Pam about setting up a luncheon for all of our Ozark Chapter 17 Escapee group that are here for the winter.  In the past they have held these at Gatti's in McAllen.  They said it works well and that if we have it there we should plan to be there when it opens at 11.  They serve pizza, spaghetti, etc. and have a couple of meeting rooms.  I sent a message out to all of our Chapter 17 members on our Facebook page, as well as an email to all members (in case anyone else is in the area we are not aware of) to invite them to attend.  I hope we have a great turnout.  It will be good to see some of our group that we haven't seen since spring of 2017.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working on the blog and updating our month end budget.  Dean didn't get back from golf until later in the afternoon.  I made grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner, and we relaxed the rest of the evening.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - Laundry, Harlingen TX, Lunch at La Playa Mexican Cafe, Brownsville and Boca Chica, TX

January 30, 2018 - Laundry, Harlingen TX, Lunch at La Playa Mexican Cafe,  Brownsville and Boca Chica, TX

I was up early this morning so I could shower, gather up our laundry and visit the laundromat before get on the road to Harlingen where we will spend time with friends of ours who are also wintering here in South Texas.

We headed to the laundromat about 8 and we made it back to Bentley a little before 10.  I did 5 loads of laundry @ $1.75 per load and I used 3 large dryers at .50 for 12 minutes each.  It took $1.50 per dryer to get the clothes dry enough to hang up.  Once we returned I hung clothes up - in both the bedroom and bathroom so they could finish drying.  Soon after, I realized I could not find the dryer sheets or the pill bottle we use to keep our left over change in.  Dean spent another $5 on quarters so I would have enough to keep the dryers going and most of those quarters were in the bottle.  I decided I must have left them behind.  Dean drove back to the laundromat.  I went in to ask if anyone had found them but no luck.  Once we returned to Bentley, we gathered up our things to head to Harlingen when it occurred to me, maybe I had put the bag that I carry my clothes hangars in, in my closet - and sure enough the hangars, as well as the dryer sheets and the change were in the bag, laying on my closet floor.  Silly me!

Today we are meeting up with Dale & Donna, friends of ours from our Ozark Chapter 17 Escapees (SKP's) Club.  We really enjoy being around these two!  The drive from Mission to Harlingen took about an hour.  Our directions were pretty spot on per the GPS until we were almost to their RV Park and it just stopped.  I quickly input the name of the RV Park and it took us right to the front entrance.  Dale was waiting at the gate on their golf cart and escorted us to a vacant spot, just a few lots away from where their park model is located. 

We visited for awhile and then Dale took Dean on a tour of the park in their golf cart.  When they returned, Donna and I took a tour. Dale works each morning here in the park.  He likes to stay busy. Their park is quite a bit larger than where we are staying, with quite a few more activities.  Harlingen has much to offer and it seems the traffic is not quite as busy here.  The downtown was busy but the traffic was not overwhelming.  It is very busy in the Mission/McAllen area - possibly due to the Interstate.  After sitting in their home visiting, we decided to drive to Brownsville, but before we left town we stopped for lunch at La Playa Mexican Restaurant.  What a wonderful meal we had.  It started with tortilla chips and warm salsa, and a small cup of spicier salsa that tasted like a mixture of avocado and jalapeno.  Both salsas were very good.  We were so busy visiting I forgot to take pictures of our food.  When they brought it to the table, it looked so appetizing and I was so hungry I couldn't wait to dig in.  I ordered the fish and shrimp street tacos.  Each of the four tacos were on 2 small corn tortillas, with the meat (2 were shrimp and 2 were fish) cabbage and cheese.  There was a nice sweet sauce/dressing to top the taco with.  They were delicious!!  The plate also included rice and charro beans.  The more I have these charro beans, the more I love them.  Dean chose the carnitas street tacos, and he really enjoyed his meal as well.   

From LaPlaya's website - this is what I ordered

As we left Harlingen and headed towards the Gulf we took Interstate 69E, also known as US Highway 77, to Brownsville.  In Brownsville we continued south until we reached Texas SH 4, which is also known as Boca Chica Blvd.  We  headed east, then northeast on Boca Chica Blvd.  After driving a number of miles Dale took a turn to the right that headed south where a few houses were located.  This area was fairly close to the Mexican border.  There were two "homesteads" with a few RV's sitting within the fenced areas.  There were a number of dogs at each place, barking at us as we slowed down when we drove by.  

Then we ran across these two metal radio communication dishes with a sign that stated Space X.  Dennis and Pam had mentioned this yesterday.  Of course, I had to do a little research to find out more about this.

Two radio communication dishes on site at Space X.

Space X will be a private launch used for commercial launches, and to send supplies to the International Space Station.  Read here if you want to know a little more about Space X.


A short time later we came across this large black tank with the words "Boca Chica" painted on the side, located on LBJ Blvd.  

We first drove north where we found a house almost hidden behind trees and brush that took us to an area where water from South Bay works its way into a very large sandy area.  

Hidden amongst the trees as we drove by towards the South Bay area.

As we drove towards the sandy area, we could now see the back side of what we believed was a house, but discovered it was actually an RV with a large cover over it and a nice metal building that appeared to be the shop.  We turned around and drove toward Weems Street in Boca Chica Village.  Before we turned down Weems Street, we were interested in  a large building that appeared to have either been apartments or possibly a small motel.  You could tell each unit had a blue tiled area that we believe was a bathroom.  The units were not large and each one sported a door opening, although the doors and windows were no longer there.

I'm not sure what we were expecting to see when turned on to Weems Street, but we were quite surprised to find it was a pretty decent paved street, with a nice planted median down the center, with approximately 30 houses total located on one side of the street or the other.  Many of the houses were vacant and boarded up, although they did not appear that old.  By the style, I would guess they were built in the 60's-70's.  There were a few nicer homes, including at least two where folks are living today.  One couple was sitting on their front porch and waved to us as we passed by.  The second house we noticed a gentleman working outside.  He seemed to be scraping paint from the house trim in preparation for a painting project.  They were all brick homes.  About half of them appeared to be inhabited and were in fair to very nice condition.  The remaining homes were very run down and several had the windows and doors boarded up.  Here are a few pictures.  

Most of the homes had large containers in front at the side of the homes.  We wondered if this was some type of holding tank for water. 

Notice the large black container in the picture above.

I remember we remarked about the tag on the car of the couple sitting outside, but I cannot remember the state it was from, however Dean and I both think it was far north (possibly Minnesota or Michigan).  I have spent quite a bit of time this morning (Sat 2/3/18) looking for information on Boca Chica Village and finally found this.  Here are a couple of other sites that are interesting if you wish to know more about this little spot at the east edge of South Texas.  From Wikipedia - see here.  From Texas Monthly - see here.  As I've read and learned more about it, I would love to revisit Boca Chica Village, and have the opportunity to visit with the folks that were outside to learn more about the details of the home and how their utility services are handled (can you tell I worked for a city before?).  When looking at a map of the United States, it is almost due west of Key West.  Having never visited this part of Texas, I did not realize the state dipped so far south.  

Satellite picture of Boca Chica Village

Our last stop before turning and heading back toward Harlingen was Boca Chica Beach where you know I had to snap a few pictures.

Across the bay you can see the hotels of South Padre Island.

Boca Chica Beach - we drove out on this beach as well.  However, the sand was much softer than it was on South Padre Island's Beach and we turned around after a short distance.  It was getting later in the day and the tide was also coming in.

We saw this turtle on the beach.  It had died and Donna suspected it was due to the recent cold spells.  She told us the news was talking about volunteers trying to save them because of the very cold weather hitting the are this year.  

If you want to read more about how they were working to save turtles during the cold weather, click here.

We enjoyed the ride back to Dale and Donna's park while visiting together.  We visited for a short while at their home before we drove back to Mission.  It was about 7:30 or so when we returned home.  We enjoyed watching the sun set.

Thank you Dale and Donna for spending your day with us and for buying our lunch.  We really enjoyed our day.  I have to say RVer's are some of the best people ever.