GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS - DAY 1

Mac and "me and my shadow" enjoy the beach

SandPiper Campsite #31- adjacent to beach

Picture identifies building

Same building in 2013

White Pelican waiting for shrimp boat

Three dolphins greeted us during our cruise

One of three masts of the 1877 Elissa

Figurehead of Elissa

Elissa's 3 masts - Official Tall Ship of Texas

During "The Great Storm" of 1900, water reached the top white marker. This was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history; more than 6,000 people lost their lives.

Chess board is set up In the middle of the city

Coffee is made from fresh pecans

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

 

Brought my passport, so I could go shopping in Mexico this year.

Rio Grand River separates Mexico from USA-(on right)

Have I mentioned the WIND in south Texas/Mexico?

Sue, after crossing bridge - zillions of shops are straight ahead

Dentists are sought after--as are pharmacies

Delicious lunch with entertainment

Mexico was fun and exciting, BUT glad to be back "home"

JANUARY ACTIVITIES

Took up my neighbors offer to join the Friday morning bike ride on their tandem bike. Leaning to the left before starting, stopping with your left foot on the ground, plus giving arm signals made me an efficient co-pilot.

The King Ranch, established in 1853, has grown to almost one million acres. King Ranch’s “W” brand is cleverly displayed with these cotton picker machines within a cotton field. 

Long horn steers

Their racehorse, Assault, won the Triple Crown and became known as the Crippled Champion because of his permanently deformed front right hoof. To date, Assault remains the only Texas-bred Triple Crown winner.

 Handmade King Ranch horse blankets are sought after for their workmanship.

King Ranch produced a new breed of cattle, the Santa Gertrudis. 

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The All Valley RV show in Mercedes was held at the Rio Grand Valley Livestock Fairgrounds facility – I loved this impressive entrance.

CHRISTMAS IN PHARR

888 sandwiched in between my tree lights and fence lights

Santa wears shorts when visiting Texans

Last night, Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus residents of Tip O'Texas, gathered to sing Christmas carols throughout the Park. Three different groups assembled: those who chose to walk; those to chose to ride as a group; and those who chose to drive a golf cart and/or bike.  I rode my 3-wheel bike with Mac in the basket.

Mac in basket listening to caroling

Residents passed out glasses of cider to carolers

Residents listened to accordion accompaniment of songs with Santa and carolers

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Last night, Santa and Mrs. Claus plus residents of Tip O'Texas, gathered to sing Christmas carols throughout the Park. Three different groups assembled: those who chose to walk; those to chose to ride as a group; and those who chose to drive a golf cart and/or bike.  I rode my 3-wheel bike with Mac in the basket.

Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge

Grackle and Green Jay

Russ, Sheryl, and Casey invited Mac and me to join them for a visit to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge located about  a 1-1/2 hour drive northeast of Pharr.

Ocelot
The ocelot is a small, wild cat found only in south Texas. Among thorny trees and shrubs, ocelots find food and shelter as they search for their mates and raise their young.  Thorny forest habitats are being protected, so that ocelots can survive.

  Aplomado FalconAplomado Falcon was reintroduced from Mexico after disappearing from south Texas in the 1950’s because of pesticide use, habitat change, and egg collection. It is currently seen in coastal prairies of Laguna Atascosa.

Vulture and Gull with fish at Gull's foot 

Great Blue Heron

TIP O' TEXAS

Bike group (I'm on left with orange/yellow vest) rides to breakfast on Friday mornings.  It's a nice way to learn more about the area and get exercise. 







Re-positioned 888 to sit facing east (instead of south). Now the south and north winds flow through the windows of 888 keeping Mac and I comfortable inside. Also sitting on the north side of 888 blocks out the wind and sun -- so Mac sits on his hammock and me on my chaise and we relax. Saw a great egret outside my window; the next day I saw it fly from one post to another - magnificnt.

Rio Grand Valley Roadtrips

Gerry, an Atlantic Green turtle, was stranded during a mid 80’s hurricane.  After his capture, he became too friendly with humans making it unsafe for him to be released. Hence, he lives in a 20,000 gallon tank where he interacts with the public and eats lettuce. Gerry has met both Johnny Carson and David Letterman.

Gerry

 South Padre Island is a lifesaver for birds migrating from Southern Mexico and northern Central America. Its Word Birding Center includes 4800 linear feet of boardwalks and seven bird blinds.

Reddish Egret

Bales seen as we drove to Jaber Estate Winery, the first vineyard in Rio Grand Valley

Grapes left over after Feb/June harvest

After years of working in the Texas oil fields, Mr. Jaber began his dream of a vineyard in 2009 to prove great wine can become a reality in the Valley.  Cattle, horses, sheep, ducklings share his 200+ acreage. We wine-tasted his red and his white wine - produced from 100% of his grapes creates a dry and unique taste.

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