Initially we weren’t sure where we were going to spend the next few nights, but we had heard so much about McAllen and the surrounding area, that we decided to head in that direction. Apparently this part of Texas was “Winter Texan” heaven, and RV parks were plentiful. McAllen was also hosting the Snowbird Extravaganza at the Convention Center, so we made this our first stop. This event featured well known entertainers Michelle Wright and Liona Boyd, as well as other not- as- well known entertainers that, none the less, were still entertaining. Sponsors of the event had booths set up giving info on their product, the main sponsor being the Canadian Snowbird Association. We spent a few hours in the large, packed auditorium, getting some tips from other Snowbirds about some of the RV parks located here.
We checked out a few recommendations and decided to spend the next week at Victoria Palms Resort, in Donna. The biggest draw was Wifi at the RV site and cable hook-up for the RV also at site. The park was very well maintained and the main street within the park was lined with non-native palm trees. We were lucky to be parked right across from the clubhouse, pools, showers, etc.
Victoria Palms Main Street
Victoria Palms Pool
Today started out half decent weather wise, so we booked a tee time at Llano Grande Golf Course. Part way through the game, gale-like winds started up and the temperature seemed to drop. The wind picked up the ball in mid air and always seemed to deposit it in the most unlikely locations. At the 9th hole we decided to pack it in and get a rain check for the last 9 holes for another day. As we were leaving, many die hard golfers were still out there, not seeming to care about the cold or wind. Are they nuts? I must admit I am a fair weather golfer, I can put up with the cold already, but the wind defeats me every time.
We knew that the weather was going to be nasty today, rainy, windy and cold, and it did not disappoint us. Rather than sit in the RV all day, I put on 3 layers of clothes, and we headed toward the Mexican border, parked the RV on the US side and crossed into Mexico to get a check-up and our teeth cleaned for $25. The streets of Progreso were quiet, with only a few shop owners braving the cold to try to entice visitors into their stores.
The dentist was recommended to us by someone at the RV Park, so we felt safe going there plus we were only having our teeth cleaned, nothing invasive. When we arrived the waiting room was fairly full of over the border patrons, boosting our confidence of the place we choose. The cleaning took about 45 minutes, and we were back in the wind and cold again. Carl stopped for a $5 haircut and shave, which he desperately needed, at a recently opened hair/nail place and we purchased 3 pirated New Release CD’s for $10, before stopping for lunch at a restaurant recommended to us.
This restaurant was obviously recommended to a lot of people because it was full of USA patrons. White tablecloths graced the tables and waiters were dressed in black and white, making it look quite formal. We both ordered Mexican dishes and they were delicious. If I were to return to Progreso, though, I would eat at a more off the beaten track restaurant, because this place was pricey for a lunch.
We returned to our RV without incident, the US customs agent barely glancing at our Passports. The fellow ahead of us had purchased liquor and was told to stop and pay tax on it, but failed to do so. One of the officers ran out and asked him to return and escorted him back. That was about the only excitement we had today.
We spent a total of 2 weeks at the beautiful Victoria Palms RV Resort and enjoyed every minute of it. The park includes cement pads for RV’s, a hotel and cottages, and permanent single or double wides, with lots of space available in all areas. An amazing amount of activities are available for anyone that is interested. Many types of card games, ceramics, wood carving, dancing and exercise classes, are just a few. I learned how to play Texas Hold’em, “31” and Shuffleboard and tried to partake in the Ceramics class, but I needed at least a month to complete a project so I had to abandon that idea.
While walking around the park we noticed that most of the licence plates from Canada were either from Manitoba or Ontario, with a sprinkling from Saskatchewan and Alberta. The majority, though, were from the colder states and some were permanent residents of the park. A large group from the park were heading out to Trails-end Bar to listen to a favorite singer, so we joined up with them. The bar was only allowed to serve beer and pop, but looking around, quite a few people had brought their own liquor and just bought the mix. We were also told the Margarita mix was a little more potent than advertised. In one corner they had a dozen VLT’s that were very busy. Another strange rule since gambling is illegal in Texas.
I will just mention a few of the things we did while we were here. Valentine’s Day supper was at the Blue Onion, which had a bar-like atmosphere, not very romantic but good food. We did end up returning to Progreso, Mexico once more. I had been looking for a pair of Western boots, and after checking out stores in Texas and in Progreso, a store in Progreso won out. Fortunately the border was only a 20 minute drive from the park, and the store located just over the bridge.
Cactus in bloom
We’ve been watching the Olympics whenever it was available, which wasn’t often, and cheering for our Canadian Olympians. We’re looking forward to watching the hockey finals.
The park hosted an Eagles Tribute on our last night and we were lucky to get a seat for this sold out show. The band performed very well and we enjoyed hearing all of the old Eagles tunes. Tomorrow we will be returning to Corpus Christi.
Beach at Corpus Christie
We stayed 2 days on Mustang Island, located NE of Corpus Christi, at the Pioneer RV Resort. Our original plan was to take a tour of the USS Lexington, but the shortest route there required taking the ferry and because of low tides, the ferry was closed to RV’s and trucks, consequently we chucked that idea for today. Instead we golfed at the Palmilla Beach Golf Club, which was located right beside the RV park. It was the nicest course we’ve seen in a long time, well kept greens and fairways. The course was located along the ocean, and by the last few holes, fog and mist rolled in making it a challenge to find our balls. I’m not complaining, we enjoyed golfing here.
Golfing in the fog
Ferry crossing
I was really eager to do some bird watching and we were told that the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was a great place to see both birds and other animals. Fortunately the ferry was letting RV’s on this morning, so we were able to take the shorter route to the refuge. I must admit it was a bit of a disappointment. The Visitor Center was closed for the start of the week, but the refuge was still opened to visitors and a few pamphlets were available for us to take. There were various paths that could be taken to get closer to the water to get a better view of the birds. The first one we took was blocked off and Carl would not go past the blockade. The next path had a boardwalk that led to a dried up lake, no birds to see there.
The Observation Tower was the highlight. A very elaborate boardwalk took us to an observation deck which had high-powered telescopes. From these telescopes we could see 3 Whooping Cranes in the distance along the water. These cranes are on the endangered list and spend from late October to mid-April in the saltwater marshes. By mid-April they depart in pairs or small family groups for the journey 2,400 miles north to nesting grounds at Wood Buffalo Park in the NWT. These elegant, white birds can stand up to 5 feet tall and have a 7 and a half foot wing span. We actually spotted 2 more cranes on our drive out of the park, closer to the road.
Aransas Wildlife Refuge
Whooping Cranes
We finally made it to the USS Lexington, the museum on the bay. We only had 2 hours to explore this massive aircraft carrier, so it was a rushed tour.
USS Lexington
The Flight Deck
Kills made by the Lexington
The USS Lexington spans 910 feet, is 33,000 tons, has 16 decks and is the 5th carrier with the same name since the 1800′s. There were 4 different areas to explore and we headed down the stairs to the kitchen, sleeping quarters, engine room etc. Around every corner, up every ladder and down every passageway , a story unfolds.
We then headed up to the carrier deck and took a walk around the aircraft located here. There are also interactive Virtual Battle Stations, Flight Simulator and informational films located throughout the carrier. Exhibits from over the centuries of the Lexington’s existence are also located on every floor.
We ended up staying until closing time, then headed over to Pier 99 for supper. It looked like an old wooden, worn down restaurant, located near the Lexington and was known for its fresh seafood. It also had a number of big screen TV’s, one which happened to be tuned to a hockey game. We had probably the best seafood meal of the trip so far, a 2-thumbs up choice.
Pier 99 Restaurant
The next morning we thought we should take a walk to the beach before leaving. A number of other people were along the beach, some walking dogs, cycling, and others just going for a walk. The beach had nice, soft sand, but also allowed vehicles to drive on it.
Padre Island beach in the fog
After leaving the park we headed over to Moby Dicks Sports Bar to watch the 11:00 am Men’s Canada/US quarter finals hockey game. Sadly, I think we were the only ones watching the game and there were quite a few other people present. Of course, Canada won.
Our next stop would be San Antonio.