The last days in Mission & Heading North

April 2nd ( Monday)
Little to report. Just relaxing and enjoying our last days here.
April 3rd (Tuesday)
Little to report. Just relaxing and enjoying our last days here.

April 4th (Wednesday)
Starting to Pack up for the move north later this week
April 5th (Thursday)
Packing up. Didn't think we had a lot to do, but seemed it took the whole day to accomplish the task. Of course the weather had some impact on that, as it was 100 F and felt like 110 F, so there were several water breaks inside, in the air conditioned motorhome. We did stop for a brief period this morning before it got too hot, and went over to the Butterfly World. Now I did not take many butterfly photos, but I did take a few of other interesting subjects!

The weather today from my weather station

A friendly little guy

and two more

A Thresher

A Baltimore Oreole nest - Only uses it once

Close up of same

We are seeing lots of them around here so we knew there would be lots there, as they have planted all the flowers that attract the various species if them. After taking some pictures of the rather elusive little guys, and of course some pictures of the bird population, we returned home to the packing and, Alas, all was accomplished by 8:00PM. Then I even had time for a short time in the cool swimming pool to lower my elevated temperature.
April 6th (Friday)
Well today was final Day in Mission. Hooked up TOADONE and on the road by 9:00AM. First travel day for 3 months, and so we started slowly with only 150 miles northward on Highway 83. We had routed in a stop for the night at Loredo in the State park there but when arrived they informed us being the long week-end that we would have to book for 3 days. "I don't think so!" so moved on north another 20 miles to Los Boitines RV Park. We have stayed here many times before. It is rather basic, but good people so checked in there by 1:00PM. Had some lunch and then wandered around the park for a bit. The prickly pear cactus are all in bloom and are especially beautiful. We took photos of yellow, red, pink, and orange blossoms on them. I mentioned that this RV park was very basic, but as we wandered around toward evening found a tremendous upgrading in progress, even since last fall when we stopped. Many new concrete pads have been built, and a pioneer village is in the works complete with a little church, bar, prison wagon, barber shop and store. A very large new building is also in the works. Looks as it might be a gift store and maybe a restaurant. We will have to see next trip down.

As a post script: yesterday we paid 10 bucks to go and see all the butterflies in Mission, today we had very close ups of them all, as they were plastered all over the front of ELTORO!!!!!

Saw a lot of Scissor Tail Flycatchers today, Apparantly they are just starting to return to this area for the summer. We have seen them before, but they are rather unique as they have a very long tail that they open up as they fly down to catch flys, then they usually return to the same spot on any high wires then wait for another fly to be within striking distance.

April 7th (Saturday)
Again on the road by 9:00AM on 83. Very good highway with little traffic. Followed 83 this time north rather than taking the highway along the Rio Grande and Mexicn border. This route took us into new territory for us and into Texas Hill Country. The road was perfect, the traffic very sparce and the scenery exceptional. Even though it has been hot here, spring is blooming in Texas and the wild flowers are out of this world.

As the traffic was so low and the two lane highway had quite wide shoulders we stopped several times just to photograph the blooming plants (no pun intended) Arrived in Junction, TX by about 1:00PM and checked into a Good Sam RV Park
April 8th (Sunday)
Today we wanted to see another cavern that was fairly close by our route. Sonora Cavers are west of Junction on I 10 and about 60 miles up the road. We have been past it before, but never took the time to stop and go for a tour, As we are in no rush this year we decided to just take the time and do it. Drove up I 10 and then south 7 miles to the caverns. We were concerned being the long week end that there would be too many people there for us to enjoy the time there, but were pleasantly surprised at how few people were there. In fact our tour was only 4 persons ourselves and an other couple. It was great. The next series of pictures are just random ones that I took as we were guided through the caverns.



Access Road to Caverns



This is a lake that is 5 feet deep.  Sooo Clear!!!

Another of the lake

A popcorn formation

Close up of same

Bacon Formation

Chrystal Formation

 

The Caverns of Sonora is recognized as the most beautiful cave in Texas and one of the most beautiful show caves in the world. The Caverns of Sonora is located on Interstate 10, about half-way between Big Bend National Park and San Antonio Texas. We are located 15 miles southwest of Sonora, Texas and the Caverns is a great place for people of all ages to experience the wonders of nature. Along with guided tours of this beautiful cave; there are many other activities to enjoy such as gemstone panning, exploring the nature trail, enjoying a Group Tour, Specialty Tour, or one of our many Workshops, camping out in an RV or tent, or just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
The Visitor Center and gift shop, built in 1961, is a ranch barn design with vaulted ceilings and exposed oak beams. Come in and browse the wide variety of merchandise including sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, handcrafted stoneware, and unique rocks, minerals, and fossil specimens from around the world. Try a sample of fresh cream and butter fudge made right here at the Caverns of Sonora.
In 1966 the cavern was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior, and is one of the most active caves in the world with over 95% of its formations still “growing”.
National Speleological Society co-founder, Bill Stephenson said, after seeing Caverns of Sonora for the first time, “Its beauty cannot be exaggerated, even by Texans.”