A Trip Down South

March 20 we left on a road trip to south Texas. Our destination was SeaWind RV Resort in Riviera, close to Padre Island and south of Kingsville. It's a Passport America park, which means you pay half price for your campsite if you have the pass.  We had full hookups and 50 amp service. Lots of things blooming down here. The corn is already a foot high in the fields. And the mosquitoes are small and in high numbers here.  Oh well.....

Lots of wind made for tough fishing.

I loved how the sand was baby sea shells.

We brought our baby trailer on this extended camping trip. We haven't had the opportunity to make sure it is road ready for our upcoming Alaska trip.  It's quite cozy and comfortable. Glad it has the 2 a/c's as this is a really warm afternoon.

We have never spent time in Kingsville, home of the King Ranch.  This ranch is 825,000 acres making it one of the largest in the world. In comparison, it's a little bit larger than the state of Rhode Island.  It was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King.  I know you're familiar with Ford truck's King Ranch trim package. Yep - this is the same King Ranch. (The Ranch needed a LOT of trucks and Ford was looking for a good brand opportunity.) The "running W" brand has been used on the King Ranch since the 1860's. 

They have a great museum in the town of Kingsville.

In 1852, Capt. King bought a 15,000 acre Spanish Land Grant for $300.  He continued buying contiguous land along the only fresh water creek around the area, the Santa Gertrudis Creek.  The foundation of the ranch would be longhorn steers. They also had up to 2,900 quarter horses. There were hard times in the 1920's and 1930's, like most of America was experiencing. But they completed an active oil well in 1939. The Borregas oil field was discovered shortly after.  And the rest is history.

Longhorns

Oh, for those of you interested in cattle.  They developed the Santa Gertrudis breed, the first American cattle breed. They are comprised of 5/8 Shorthorn (my favorite breed) and 3/8 Brahman breed.

They also farm cotton (one of the biggest producers in America according to our tour guide), milo and corn. They own grass farms not only in Texas but also in Florida. Also sugar cane.

The best part of the day?  A trip to the famous King's Inn for dinner.  There are no menus here. Everything is served family style. They have an awesome house salad (tomatoes and avocados sliced over lettuce) served with their famous tarter sauce, which is out of this world.  You can drool over the pictures!

Everything is served family style.

The next day we took a drive to Padre Island National Seashore and to also check out Mustang Island State Park which is on the north end of the island outside of Corpus Christi.  Believe it or not, we have never visited either of these areas. That tends to happen when you live close to something - you don't do it because of tourists, or some other excuse, or just not enough time because you have to get back to work.  It was a great day for a walk and a picnic on the beach.  These beaches are much nicer than those around Surfside and Freeport, where we grew up.  The campgrounds at both parks are on the beach.  The state park does have electric but we didn't like their setup. The National Seashore has great sites, but no hookups, unless you are the camp host. They are also first come, first serve. We will explore applying for a volunteer job here, although I am sure they are already booked up for the cooler months.  And of course as in so many of the parks in the national park system, you will learn that President Lyndon Johnson had a hand in getting the park established.  There were pictures of Lady Bird at the dedication of Padre Island National Seashore. The rangers told us a story that LBJ wasn't interested in making this a National Seashore, but as soon as he left on a trip out of the country, Lady Bird and Stuart Udall make it happen. Thanks Lady Bird!

Do you see the bird feeding?

Loved the guy playing his guitar on the beach,

You can almost imagine a sunken pirate ship!

Next up we are meeting up with friends at a Polka Fest in Hallettsville, followed by some hill country time at Pedernales Falls State Park, and then a Sausage Festival in Schulenburg.  It's gonna be fun!

From Polka Fest to Mardi Gras!

Our traveling life has been a little slow these last few months, but don't worry!  The days just keep flying by with small adventures and good quality time with family and friends. The first of February we made a move out to the San Bernard River to our friends' river lot. Thanks Donna and Greg!  Now it seems like we're camping once again.  Ron, bless his heart, is following through on his commitment to work a small turnaround at the refinery. He should finish up mid-March and we will be glad to get back to traveling and exploring.  The good thing is that I'm having a blast spending this extra money!  It's all going to either (a) doctor bills (yes the old ankle is healing well) and insurance premiums and (b) our epic upcoming Alaska trip - making reservations and buying new "toys".

And this is a benefit of life on a river!

One of the things I enjoy watching go by on the river are the tugs pushing the tankers up the river to the Phillips Terminal.  Here's a couple of pictures to give you an idea of the river we are on (can't compare to a Texas clear, tumbling river) and the size of the barge.

Headed for the terminals upriver.

This can be a busy river sometimes, especially on weekends with skiers.

One Sunday we struck out to Taiton Hall for their polka fest.  I have really missed going to these.  Here's what we always observe, and what I love about these things.  Observation will show that a large majority of those that attend arrive and park in the handicap parking places. They shuffle slowly up the ramp (not the steps) into the hall. Then a miracle happens!  Those canes and walkers are discarded and these folks can dance!  They will waltz, polka, two and three step around the floor just as smooth as ever.

All ages come here to have a great time!

At this event, there were 3 bands that performed. They were all good and they all had different styles.  We were even honored to have the Polka King and Queen there, along with the Polka Prince and Princess.  The polka dance club is a big thing!

On a Saturday we went to La Casona, not necessarily to eat but we did. One of the local bands we like was playing!  Triple Play consists of 3 really great people!  Fred was my journalism teacher back in my high school days. Later on in life when I worked as the technology coordinator for the district, he became my boss.  Was a really great time!

Carol and James have a great time.

Donna what kind of tea is that? Oh, "technology tea". The best!

Gary, Cindy and Fred. The best.

And then there was Super Bowl! We hung out with Ron's twin Don and wife Rene'. We had a great menu!  Jalapeños with cheese wrapped in axis back strap, pulled pork nachos and wings!  And beverages.  It was a really great game.

What a feast, even if on a Christmas plate!

Aiden is playing basketball so on Saturdays we get to go watch him.  He's good! I have to say that my grandkids are both artistic (thanks to their moms). Check out these Valentine boxes!

Went to a crawfish boil and had a blast visiting with old friends!

Our Texas weather has just been crazy.  I am glad we won't be here this summer.  It's hot already. Can't imagine this summer. We headed to Galveston Island to watch some of the Mardi Gras parades. They are pretty colorful, very entertaining, and the safest way to catch beads!!!  We stayed at the State Park on the island.

My "score"!

Lots and lots and lots of bands!

Everyone gets beads!

Loved this band!!!!

Our next trip will be back out to the hill country to catch some wildflowers, go to a few more dance halls, seek out some new breweries, get a good hamburger and spend some time on the river. Until then......

Great meal on the island! Glad we split the plate!

Making kolaches with the last of the apricots from Capitol Reef.

Trail rides heading into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo got in my way.

Oh and have to mention Aiden shot his first deer!