And The ADVENTURE Continues...: February 2016

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February 15, 2016 Sunset Cruise on the Rio Grande

Monday, February 15, 2016 Sunset Cruise on the Rio Grande

Today was a hot one. The temperature got up to 90 degrees with very little breeze but I have to be happy that it isn’t cold. Mike and I are taking a sunset cruise down the Rio Grande River. The sun started to set and the temperature began to decline. The water on the river was very peaceful and calm. This river separates the USA and Mexico. As we continued down the river we could see all kinds of border patrols as this happens to be a popular area for people to cross. They do catch on a average of 1000 Mexicans trying to come into the USA every month.

We were able to see some wildlife as we ventured down the river and the sunset was very impressive.

Nice evening spent on the water with Ron and Linda.

Mike, Ron Doerschug, Pat and Linda Doerschug

Our boat

Private Recreation area in Mexico

The Rio Grande below the dam

The Dam

Texas State Police boats

Chimney RV Park on the river

Sunset on the river

Sunrise with an Osprey Silhouetted

February 13, 2016 Dog Parade

Saturday, February 13, 2016 Winter Ranch’s Dog Parade

Today was a beautiful day and at the park it was time to see the parade of dogs. It was nice to see all of the different dogs that came out and paraded down the street. Everyone was well behaved and seemed to enjoy all of the attention. Max was not in this parade as he doesn’t know how to behave around other dogs.

Nice outings and we saw it all from the front our coach!

February 12, 2016 Sea Turtle, Rescue Center and Bird & Nature Center

Friday February 12, 2016 Sea Turtle, Rescue Center and Bird & Nature Center at South Padre Island, TX

Today we drove again to South Padre Island to visit a sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation center. Even though it was fairly small there was a lot to learn and to see. It is completely funded by privte donations. There is no entry fee but donations are always welcomed. This place rehabilitate over a few hundred sea turtles every year. Some do make it back into their natural habitat. Over 90,000 tourists visit each year and now they have enough money to make a new center. I would have liked to have seen the hatchlings hatch but that is in the summer.

We also decided to visit the Bird & Nature Center. We walked on their boardwalk which was about a mile in all seeing different birds, ducks and we even got to see some baby alligators. I saw more than I thought we would. It is winter and most birds have flown farther south. Nice way to spend the morning and be outdoors enjoying the nice weather while the rest of the country is dealing with snow and cold weather.

Happy Birthday to our brother in law Carl and yes we know it is on the 9th but we didn't write anything on that day.

Hula-Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Fred - Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Great Blue Heron

Common Moorhen

Purple Gallinude

???? Check out his feet

Black Skimmer

Redhead

Great Blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill

Baby Alligator

Thursday, February 11, 2016

February 6, 2016 Winter Ranch RV Resort, Alamo, TX

February 6, 2016 Winter Ranch RV Resort, Alamo, TX

We arrived at Winter Ranch RV Resort January 21, 2016. We came to this park on the recommendations of Ron and Linda Doerschug who we met through our Virginia Winnebago Club over 5 years ago. We also wanted some warmer temperatures. So for 5 weeks we will stay put before we begin our travels again.

This resort welcomed us with open arms and we have been quite busy since we arrived. First the park. It has everything to accommodate everyone's hobbies. There are assigned times for card games, boards games, pickelball, swimming, yoga, painting, woodworking, stained glass, sewing and quilting. I probably missed some but you get the idea. They have food lunches, dances and entertainment. We have heard some of these jams sessions and they are great. We also went to listen to a 5 piece brass program and really loved it.

Yesterday we took a short road trip to South Padre Island. This barrier island runs for about 130 miles but only 30 miles have paved roads. We stopped and walked up to the top of the Port Isabel Lighthouse. which was built in 1853. Out of 16 lighthouses that are along the coast of Texas this is the only one that is opened to the public. We then continued on to the Convention Center to watch some indoor kite flying. I never have heard of it before and I didn't know what to expect. These kites are ultra light and seem to glide on nothing. They had people from all over the country showing us their love for this sport. For 2 hours we were mesmerized by these kites. What an very enjoyable evening.