Day 75 - March 23rd - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Tour day today!

Up and have quick breakfast and the Denice and I head for Mustang Island. John and Brenda "Take a Rain Check" on the invitation to join us, so we are on our own. To get to Mustang Island the road crosses the Red Fish Bay. From Aransas Pass across the Aransas Bay is on a high bridge and causeway to a channel Island. Then you must get on a short ferry ride of probably less than one half mile across the shipping channel. About 6 small ferries work continuously transporting about a dozen cars at a time in each direction. Once across here we drove through the town of Port Aransas, an interesting little town. Certainly a tourist type merchant base. We may want to return there another day and search out some of the interesting spots. A couple of miles out of town we elected to get onto the beach. It appears that every few miles the is access to the beaches. We actually expected the beaches to be much busier than they were. A fair amount of people were there but I guess Spring break is over so most of the young peple have gone back to school by now. We drove about 10 miles down the sandy beach, taking interesting photos as we went. But once you have seen 1 mile of the beach, the next mile is just a repeat of the last. After 10 miles we returned to the main highway that is still only 1/2 mile off the beach. We contunued south an crossed from Mustang Island to Padre Island, only over a small short bridge. A small town is here, but it is actually part of Corpus Christi. Travelled on south to our destination of Padre Island National Seashore. Stopped at the Visitor Center, were we were able to but some junk food for lunch. Went another couple of miles until the road came to an end, and then we were on the beach again. Only went a mile or so and then parked facing the water where we ate our lunch. Tide was coming in, and although there is not more than a couple of feet difference from high to low, by the time we were finished our sandwiches, pop, and chips, water was lapping at our front wheels. Of course Denice was nervous about this. Maybe it would undermine our tires, and then wash us away -----. We could have continued on south for nearly 50 miles on the beach, to the Mansfield Shipping Channel between Padre and South Padre, that we had driven part way to last year when we were vacationing on the South Padre Island. Anyway we had seen enough, so returned to Corpus Christi, over another very large high bridge. I wanted to drive the seashore of Corpus, so took the first right street. Well, that was the wrong one. Ended up at a Naval Base Security Check in. Guard reasonable and allowed us to turn around inside the gate. Resolved best just to follow freeway that our Jeeps GPS was indicating. One more high long bridge out of Corpus across Corpus Bay and then follow Highway 35 home - enough for today. Didn't know what to have for supper, so when John and Brenda suggested we go out we were all in agreement. Decided to try "Crabbin" just down the road. Food was OK. Denice tried a soft shelled Crab appetizer - Same food the Whooping Crane eats while down here, I have Cajun Catfish, Denice Grilled Catfish, John, crawfish, Brenda, shrimp and angel hair pasta. Brenda says, best meal she has ever had. Isn't that right Brenda??

Day 74 - March 22nd - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Lazy DayDenice up and made breakfast for us, and John and Brenda, of sausage and white gravy and Bisquits. Her white gravy was much better than you get at the local restrauants.Didn't do a lot more that for the rest of the day, but rest and read. I have been reading a book, "A Time to Die" by Wibur Smith. I have found it very good, with non stop action, so have had a hard time putting it down. All his books are about Africa, and this was no exception. It starts with a hunting trip for Lions and an Elephant, but continues when the subjects encounter waring African Factions, and they get caught up in between them. I just had to get to the end, so did little else, and finished it in the evening.

Day 73 - March 21st - Last Resort RV Resort - Rockport, TX

After breakfast we went with John and Brenda out to King Ranch at Kingville. That is about an hours drive from here to the west on the other side of Corpus Christi ---

Oh Donald, I'm surprised you didn't see us on TV when we were at "Knockdown" in Corpus the other night -- I knew you would be watching so I waved !! ---- That's OK all , its a private joke!!

Anyway arrived at the King Ranch about 11:30AM, too late for the 12:00 noon tour so wandered around for a while and , of course, took a bunch of snaps. The Prickly Pear Cactus are just coming into bloom. Then went back to Kingville for lunch at the suggestion of the registration lady. She suggested the Drug Store , so that is where we went. Found them to have a nice little nook, the food was good and it was CHEAP!! I think I had "Steak Strips", fries, and Soup for about $4.00. The rest had equally as good of food and drinks and the total bill was under $20 for the four of us. You don't find that very often in todays world! Then we went back and went on the 1:00PM tour. They took us on about a 10 mile bus tour through the area of the ranch surrounding the central part nearest their headquarters.

Here is Denice about to be charged from the back by a mad bull!! We did see Santa Gertrudis Cows that they are famous for, quarter horses, javelinas, longhorns, etc etc. The driver/narrator was rather boreing with a sing-song Texan drawl. He had a "Rehearsed Canned " speech. Any distraction, threw him off his line and then it took a while to get him going again. Several things he said were obviously incorrect, but it was trivial, and not worth the time to question him. The tour took about 2 hours until we were back at the starting point. Then we went back into Kingville and went to the King Museum. No pictures were allowed, and that ticked off the ladies. I snagged af few anyway, unbeknownst by anybody. But they didn't turn out too well !! Then we went through their Saddle Shop Outlet. Lots of good stuff, but its something like having the emblem of Caterpillar, Cadillac, or Lincoln - Really expensive!! Returned to Rockport, but as you guessed, it was time to eat again. Stopped at the "Big Fisherman" and filled up with Shrimp, Clams, Oster Rockerfeller, Stuffed Crab, Pilapia. Could hardly finish it all. I scooped John on this one. I bought cheap dinner. He bought a more expensive Dinner. We'll get evened up some where along the line I'm sure.Once home and relaxing went to our other neighbors behind us, Daryl and Charleen, who are from Omaha, Nebraska, Denice's home state. So even though she is Canadian through and through, she still akin to Nebraska Folks. Chatted with them unti well after dark. Back home realized that I am days behind in my Blog, so started to try to catch up. About 10 minutes until my eyes got real heavy. Tomorrows another day.

Day 72 - March 20th - Last Resort RV Resort - Rockport, TX

Did nothing today - It's called retirement!! Biggest excitement we had was watching the birds at our bird feeders, And then along came Mr. Squirrel, so we had to watch his antics at trying to get food from a bird feeder. And he was pretty good. I was trying to make it more and more difficult and he was trying to be more and more initiative to find ways to reach that food. Reminded me a little of Bill Murray in "Caddy Shack" and that gopher he was trying to outsmart. Not much more to tell.

Oh Yes:Breakfast - Just coffee - out of Bacon and Ham - need a HEB run

Lunch - I think a peanut butter and jam sandwich - now is that good or what !!

Supper - Denice's Bean Soup

We did go grocery shopping - To Walmart in Ingelside, and then to HEB in Ingleside for some things Denice needed and didn't find and then to HEB in Aransas Pass where she was Lucky - Now she can make Mini Hamburger Bites Appetizers.

More Food !!!

Day 71 - March 19th - Last Resort RV Resort, Rockport, TX

A quiet Day Today - Not much on the Agenda, except a hair appointment for Denice at 11:30. Took her down the Harbor Oaks Village to Hair Affair in Rockport, and I went on about my way. Over to Ace Hardware to see what they had and then on down to the Copano Bridge. Beside the new 2 mile long bridge there is an old one near water level that is now dedicated to a fishing wharf. With nothing else to do for a couple of hours I wandered about half way across. Took a few shots and talked to a few of the locals. Poor fishing today one told me, not warm enough. Not sure what that has to do with it, but any excuse will do.

1:00 o'clock I was back at the hair dressers and Denice was standing outside waiting for me. Not sure what they all do in there but she goes in for $75 and comes out looking like a million bucks, and 20 years younger. Wonder what they could do for me --------

By now, of course, it was after lunch time, so we stopped at Charlotte Plummers Restaurant on the beach front. I had Gigantic shrimp, and they were big ones, Denice had a shrimp salad. Returned home and rested the remainder of the day. Seven PM went over to John and Brendas for dessert, Pear crumb cake and ice cream. A couple of their RV Dreamer Blog Friend, Rod and Loyce, came over and we chatted till my eyes got heavy.

Goodnight all

Day 70 - March 18th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Quiet Day today - Laundry Detail - The park that we are in only has 3 washers and 3 driers and is somewhat ageing - Denice wouldn't put her clothes in until she cleaned the machines first. I think next wash will be down town. I think there is a couple of good ones down there.
Watched John polish his RV next to me. Wonder if some of that energy will rub off onto me. I did get him to stop and visit for a while to give him a rest, but then he was after it again. Sure hope he doesn't polish the paint right off! I guess these new rigs just don't have the quality paint mine has. Mine just doesn't need or at least get that kind of attention. (John, feel free to start on a new project with more challenge than on yours)
Can't talk anymore about what we ate for the day. Some folks think we do nothing BUT eat. I guess that is somewhat true. The other thing we do is BUY food.
Talked with son Ross today on "Skype". This is a great system to voice communicate over the computer, but has to be computer to computer to be free. Voice is instantaneous and clear, much better than over the cell, that is rather "hit and miss" here. E-mailed Shannon and told her to download it also. She answered she would, and then sent photos of the "Little Dude" our GREAT-GRANDSON now 9 months old. Now everybody knows how old we really are !!
If anybody else would like to talk directly to us and would like to use skype, the downloading process is relatively simple. Just go to the web to and search Google for "Skype". Once found the site just start the download process. After loading it up you will have to set up a name for yourself, and e-mail it to me so that I can include you as a contact. From there on, just call me or I can call you. When called, your computer will ring as with a telephone. You can also just send text messages.
We did call, on the cell to my brother Larry, back home in Edmonton today, to find how they are wintering. Everything seems good there, and the weather is not bad either. Enid is doing well, as she has been taking some medical treatments, and says she is on the upswing. Really good to hear Enid!! We think often about you guys and wish you were down here with us again this year. Last year we had a GREAT couple of weeks together in Arizona.
Well, I guess its time to sign off. I'm still full of dinner of BAR-B-Qued ribs with spuds, onions and turnips, done in the barbie in tinfoil. Just had to get that in.

Day 69 - March 17th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Up and ready to roll this morning. Planned to be away early off to Aransas Wildlife Refuge up near Tivoli, TX, about 40 miles to the East of here. Surprise, surprise, Green Irish fog was so thick, that as one woman said this morning when she let her dog out to do his business he wouldn't even go. Looked back as saying "I can't even see my Tail in this stuff. How do you suppose I'm going to see where to rip up the grass to cover my treasures"

Anyway, given the weather, we decided to delay for a while, but by 10:00AM headed out. By the time we were approaching the Refuge it had lifted and a glorious sun came out. Had to peel off our jackets. Denice even had to peel more. A bit of an exhabitionist I think!! But now she was down to a t-shirt. Hope it doesn't get any hotter. Oh well it is spring break - everybody is doing it !!

As we were getting closer to the refuge we spied a little animal along a creek. Slammed on the brakes, as this was the first time either of us had seen a live armadillo. It was just over the guard rail on the right hand side. Denice got a couple of fair shots of it, but it did not seem to startled with us being there. It seemed as though it was quite sluggish, so I got out and walked around to get a better shot. Now I know for sure that they can move. It just galloped away so fast that I only got a picture of where it had been!! Went on into the refuge, and registered - free to us as we had purchased a National Park Pass when we came down. Now headed on a sixteen mile self guided Loop Road Tour of the area. First on the agenda was the Alligator swamp, and Yes there are definitely live ones here. There was a couple behind a visitor proof fence, but then there was couple more along the edge of the swamp. A lady and here kid were watching those, but she said they were just stuffed ones as they were not breathing. I walked to within about 6 feet and watched closely. Finally one eye blinked!!! I don't think they are dummies!! Lots of photos:

Now Doesn't he look friendly???


Once we had enough of them, we moved on. Well now it's near lunch time and Denice had prepared a good one, so at the next picnic site pulled over and ate (I wanted to us partook, but Denice says Shannon will have a fit if I use that as a word -- not sure if it really is a word) so we ate our lunch. While enjoying a pork and musturd sandwich, what do we see but an armadillo rooting around near the base of some oak trees: Now grandaughter Caitlin; That is what you should have for a pet!! Want me to smuggle one back for you??

Lots more photos!! Interesting trees here also. Long Vines -- I even started to feel a little like Tarzan! Thought I might try a little swinging between them.

On the road again. Next an interesting Beach. Nice photo op: Next the wild Hogs, Not javelinas but Wild Boars - somewhat larger than Javelinas. Then Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures ( Too ugly to put in this Blog), and then to an elevated viewing stand, and I do mean elevated! A long concrete ramp to well above the surrounding trees. A great view of the Tidal bays, Did see a couple of Whoopers but much farther away than the photos that I have shown in a previous Blog. But here is a good shot of Denice high in the air: Then on for some flowers and even some butterflies: Then back to alligator alley for some final friendly discussion:

That about completed our day. Made the 40 mile drive back to Rockport, grabbed a Hamburger at Wannaburger, and returned to ELTORO to satisfy our appetites.

Happy St. Pats to all our Irish Friends and to those who wish they were!

Day 68 - March 16th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Well it has warmed up here finally, after a few rather cool days. Got up to about 70 F for a while this afternoon. We just had a domestic day, cleaning inside and out. Then went for some MORE groceries and other stuff at Wally-World. More bird food to feed those little rascles. Now we have thistle seed, suet, and wild bird mix, as well as feeders for all types I'm sure - from sparrows to Crows!!! Got home and stored all that stuff, and were planning supper when Brenda came over and suggested we come over and have finger food supper with them. Didn't need to ask twice - we were there in a flash! Had lots of good stuff. Veggies and dip, Cheese something -or-others, Chips and dip, etc, etc. Great way to end the day.
Thats all folks! End of Day! Where did it all Go???

Day 67 - March 15th - Last Resort RV Park Rockport, TX

Rain and still cold this morning, but it does look like it may smarten up. Forecast is for improvement tomorrow. Just kind of lazed around again for most of the morning. The birds have finally found our bird feeder and many are gathered around it. Not sure what most of them are but Denice says they are finches, yellow throated warbler, sparrows, and cardinals. Gives us something to do. See who can get the best photo.

Expect John and Brenda to arrive soon after noon. --- Which they did. Happy to greet them again, and look forward to the next 3 weeks together. After they were backed in and levelled we allowed them sometime to get fully set up. Sometimes too many irons in the fire by trying to help, only confuses the issues. However, Denice cooked up a great Pork roast and we had them over for dinner at about 6:00PM. As it was raining most of the afternoon, it seemed to make sense to cook it in the oven rather than on the barbie. Now, the oven in our ELTORO has not been used for some time -- I always thought that was a "Bread Box" --- But after studying it figured out again how to light the pilot again, and so the roast was in the works! Pilot only went out once!!

Had a great dinner with mashed potatoes and pork gravey - very good Denice! Apple sauce, tomatoes and cucumbers. Brenda brought over this great frozen peanut butter pie for dessert. Absolutely delicious -- Denice doesn't bake ----

Brenda advises she is unable to comment on my Blog. So I made a few changes to see if that has any effect. I may have some of the settings wrong, as some of this stuff is sort of new to me.

Then John tells me about how he has met all of the people in the RV-dreams. com chat line, so now I have found that and may start following some of those same folks travels.

Oh by the way "A Big Hello to Mickey from Dennis and Denice"

Day 66 - March 14th - Last Resort RV Park - Rockport, TX

Woke up to rain this morning ----- and cold again. Only about 46 degrees. Looks like another inside Day. At noon its still raining. Check out e-mail and find confirmation that John and Brenda will be arriving tomorrow afternoon and will be parked in Site 101 right next to us in 99. I'll put up the Canadian Flag, John, for a welcome!! According to their Blog, they have had a GREAT week visiting with their "Blogger Buddies" at Kerrville. Sounds like things have been real active for them, with lots of entertainment and chit-chat, shopping, etc. They may find it a little slower here and more relaxing, as they also have reserved for 1 Month, We have been here a week and still have lots to do and see, but are taking it at a very leisure rate. Forecast next week is for return to 80 degree temperatures, so will then get back to some site seeing.

Day 65 - March 13th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport TX

Well after looking at the temperature and weather reports this morning you folks back home in High River, Alberta, Canada can laugh at us now as it is actually warmer there than it is here. 51 there and only 44 here!!! Given that temp here we just kind on vegetated. Read, computerized, relaxed, cooked, ate, you know the story. About noon we did take a drive over to Aransas and to Ingleside, and then back out t the Ferry site at Aransas Pass. We did not cross over, left that for another WARMER Day. Back home and more relaxation. Then to HEB for some essentials. Home, and BAR-B-QUED some steak. A little TV. End of day.

Day 64 - March 12th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Up early this AM as it is the day for a boat tour of the Aransas Wildlife Refuge and hopefully view some Whooping Cranes. Looking out when we got up, it was obvious that there had been weather a change, as it is rather cold, overcast, and damp, with threatening rain. We had some ham and toast before we left, and then took a thermos of coffee with us. Thankyou grand-daughter Caitlin, for that thermos and cups that you gave us for last years Christmas. It came in very useful once again. Hot coffee sounded like a welcome addition for a mid-morning break. We did dress more warmly than had been the norm for the last few days, with jeans and jackets. We arrived at the departure point by 8:30AM to be prepared for a 9:00AM departure. We had weighed the decision as to delaying in favor of a warmer day, but in the end decided to proceed. The boat we were scheduled on was the "Skimmer", a 35 ft cabin cruiser powered by twin 4 stroke Honda 225 HP outboards. Once out of the protected marina, Captain Tommy Moore, poured on the power, and we did "Skim" across the waves at a fair rate of speed toward the Wildlife Refuge. I found it strange, the detail Tom gave us of the Aransas Bay being 16 miles by 8 miles wide, but only from 2 1/2 feet to 12 feet deep. Once nearing the Refuge we slowed and started to see many types of waterfowl. I cannot even attempt to relate what ones we did see, as Rob was rattling of so many names unfamiliar to me. We continued on up the inland waterway constructed by the Corp of Engineers from Corpus Christi all the way to New York City, during the second world war to prevent submarine attack. Soon we came apon the first Whooper, a young female. She was not the least bit afraid and we drifted to within about 25 meters of her. That completed after much picture taking, we went further along, photoing birds as we went, then came apon 3 whoopers together. Could not get as close as the water was too shallow, but did get some more shots. Time for a welcome coffee, as it definitely is cold and windy, only about 52 °F, I believe. Wish we had put on more clothes! Most people spent most of the time in the cabin where there were supplied blankets to wrap up in. The windows opened for camera access when needed, or the more eager (

Denice) could go out on the front deck or on the upper deck. After coffee it was about time to turn around and head back, although we really had been making a large circle, but I had lost all bearing with the overcast. More birds, more photos, and then some bottle-nosed dolphins to try and take pictures of, we tried! Then a fast trip across the Bay to the mooring. Glad to be back and into the Jeep and a heater. Seems strange after the hot and humid temps of the last few days. Returned home and heated Big Fisherman leftovers for lunch. Turned on ELTORO's furnace and turned it up to 70°F. Still couldn't get the chill off and ended with a hot shower that did the trick.

Day 63 - March 11th - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

Start the day with Bacon aand eggs and hash browns for breakfast. At about 11:00AM went down to Rockport Beach Park to do a little "Beach Bumming". Wadered up and down the beach for a while. Took some pictures of "Skimmers". A Skimmer is a medium sized bird with a big orange beak. They seem to congregate in very large numbers on the beach all facing into the wind in regimental order. They seem to just stand there at attention for long periods of time unless disturbed. Then, of course, we had to take a bunch of the pelicans, and egrets, and herons. Once our cameras were filled to near capacity we returned to ELTORO for a little rest. Mainly waiting until about 2:00PM, to go to the "Big Fisherman" for Denices Birthday Dinner, when the crowds would not be as great. Now, you'all that don't know, "The Big Fisherman" is a restaurant near out RV Park that features Cheap, Big meals. Our advice was not to order a fish platter, as even the mini fish platter is more that one person can begin to eat. Doggie Bags are the order of the day. For our lunch Denice chose the 6 oz. fillet and Jumbo Shrimp for about $18 and I the "All you can eat, Cajun Crawfish Tails. Both meals were served with baked potato, corn on the cob and soup. Neither of us came anywhere close to finishing our food. The restaurant has some specials that we will try another day. All you can eat chicken gizzards & Livers, Chicken Fried Steak and Fried Fish on Tuedays for $2.25, Thursday all you can eat Chicken Fried Steak & Fried Fish, again for $2.25, and on Sunday 2 pieces of Fried Chicken and Chcken fried steak at $2.25 per plate. Although, we could have eaten a whole lot cheaper, and been filled to capacity, we chose to go "Whole Hog" to celebrate Denice's Birthday. We were tempted to do the Lobster Tails, two of them for $34, but knew there was no way that we would be able to do them justice. However, that was today!! Who knows. Lobster is Denice's favourite food. I bet before we leave here ---

Denice had several Happy Birthday Phone Calls. From Daughter Shannon first thing this AM, then from Ann in Kingston, ON., nephew Chris in Bremerton, WA,. Sue in Calgary,. and Samantha in Pincher Creek. Also several e-mails, some with e-cards. So all in all it seemed like she had a pretty good one, especially when it is her 39th!!!!

After our big lunch at 2:30PM we certainly did not feel like supper. I made reservations for a 9:00AM Whooping Crane boat tomorrow morning so we decided to go and check out where we were to be to catch the boat. Oh Yes, there just happened to be a DQ there. Peanut Buster Parfait and Caramel Sunday Please. Chose to go out onto Rockport Beach to enjoy same and to wait until Sunset. It was a good one!!

Day 62 - March 10th, - Last Resort RV Park, Rockport, TX

A quiet day today. Just laid around and relaxed most of the day. Denice was just not quite up to par today so we just read and enjoyed our surroundings for the day. That is what retirement is all about isn't it?? Did go down to HEB (Here Everything is Better) grocery store for some supplies that we were short of. Found some pre-cooked Catfish and chips for supper.

Day 61 - March 9th - Last Resort RV Resort

Finally we see the Gulf of Mexico.
After breakfast and domestic cleaning up around ELTORO went on a little familiarization tour of our surroundings. Headed east along the Gulf on the access immediately along the water. Stopped frequently to take snaps of the water, the seabirds, the piers ( everyone seems to have one 1/4 mile out into the Gulf), and just generally wandered along taking in the sites. Went by one area where some seafood restaurants were conveniently placed adjacent to the street. Now you know Denice's nose for food. Well it smelled so darn good that we had to stop and have lunch. The place was called "Moon Dog". We chose to eat outside as the weather is HOT and HUMID here. It was a little breezy, but OK. Took a while for our food to come, but that was OK as we were right on the beach and found the movement of the boats, and the seabirds interesting to us "Landlubbers". Denice even lucked out and got a great shot of a dolphin, that we are sharing here. After lunch of Blackened Tuna, and a fillet of some kind of other fish (I'm not sure what it was as the menu didn't say, but it was the special of the day, and it was good) we continued down the coast and over the Causeway over Copano Bay to Lamar. This is about a two mile long causeway with an elevated bridge in the center to allow boat passage. From there we turned right, toward Goose Island State Park. It was getting on in the day so we decided to leave the state park for another day, and just go and see the "Big Tree". We had been advised that we had to go and see it, and it is truly remarkable.
The Big Tree of Lamar is one of the most famous in the world.The giant live oak is a charter member of the Live Oak Society of America, and has been the subject of one of Ripley's "Believe It or Not" cartoons.
It is measured to be more than 35 feet in circumference, 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 89 feet. The Texas Forest Service estimates the tree to be over 1,000 years old.
The Big Tree is also known as the Lamar Oak, Bishop's Oak and the Goose Island Oak. It is recognized as the State Champion Coastal live oak. It is said to have been a council tree for the Carancahua Indians and for the white men who came after them.

We had originally planned on buying some groceries today, but tomorrow is another day. We just bought a loaf of bread at the Shell Service Station Convenience Store and went home a cooked some wennies on the Barbie and had "Hot Dogs" for supper. Some times the simple easy meal just hits the spot!! After supper met our next door neighbors. They are what we would call locals as they are only from Houston, and come this direction quite often for a week or so. They are a good source of info for Texas, so will grill them a little more as time goes on to find the interest spots in Texas. They did tell me that if going on to Florida, we should not spent too much time in Mississippi and Lousianna, as in those states they still seem to think the Civil War is still going on. In Florida the state park in Destin is a must. It is an all service state park, maybe a little expensive at about $35/night, but in a beautiful forest with a 3 mile long beach!!! Checking on themap I find that Destin is on the Gulf, but up near the top of Florida. Did a quick calculation on "Streets and Trips" and find it only 788 miles from here. It would sure be nice, buy since we are committed here for a month, I guess will have to wait for another year.

Day 60 - March 8th - Rockport, TX

We'll, we are finally at what I guess is our destination for this 2009 Winter Vacation. Arrived at the Last Resort RV Park at about 2:00PM. Today's driving was two handed all the way from Laredo as the south wind was trying to push us away from the Gulf of Mexico. However we persisted and after skirting Corpus Christi pulled into the resort intact. Although we can't see the Gulf we know it is only about 1/2 mile away. The resort is nice, completely covered with mature Oak trees. We have them on both sides of us, so will benefit from the shade, and hopefully reduce use of the Air Conditioning, as we will be paying extra for that - 14 cents/kw. Reserved for the full month, so you know where we will be for a while. Plan on doing a fair amount of driving around with the Jeep to see everything that is of interest. May even take a couple of two day tours at ELTORO is certainly in a secure area.

Day 59 - March 7th - Larado, TX

More of the same as yesterday. Drove from Marathon to just outside Laredo, TX. Although it did get a little more scenic as we went along. One of the high points of the day was when we saw a couple of Javelinas on the edge of the road near Sanderson. They were quite tame, and there was a wide shoulder on the highway, with little traffic, so we were able to pull over and stop and take a few good photos of them. Then on and on and on. As we went farther to the east and south the trees, if you can call them that, are starting to come out in blossom and leaf. We have never seen that before as we were always a little earlier than this time I guess. Never stopped much along the way as we have taken all those photos over the last few years when we have gone this route. Yesterday the time zone changed to Central Standard Time, and tonight the Daylight Savings Time kicks in, so we have a 2 hour change. I'm sure with the drought that's going on here, that 2 hours more sun per day is certainly going to have a negative effect on the plants and trees here !!!! At about 5:00PM pulled into Baquera RV Park, some 10 miles west of Loredo, We have been here twice before. It is not the best park in the world, but is situated in a convenient spot, and beside, we were tired of driving today. Got set up, and had Chesters Chicken for supper, that we had bought while filling with gas at Eagle Pass. It was good.After cleaning up I wandered around outside and was interested in a pile of firewood piled by a shed. After a while the owners of the park were nearby so I engaged them in some conversation. They were certainly of Mexican decent. We talked about the various kinds of wood in the area, and they said I could take any or as much as I wanted. I ended up taking a piece of Mesquite, one of Ebony, one of Oak, and one of Chinese Umbrella. Not sure what I'll be able to do with them, but will figure that out while relaxing at Corpus Christi. I did call ahead and reserved for one month at a RV Park called The Last Resort at Rockport. This had been recommended by some of John's Blog Friends. It is just new and of course we have never been there, so I hope the advise is good. Rates vary from about $40/night to $350+ power/Month. The months committment seemed to be the best deal, even if we decide to vacate early.

Day 58 - March 6th - Marathon, TX

Up and away in good time this morning. John and Brenda bid us farewell about 7:30AM. They are headed for Kerrville, TX to meet with a bunch of RV'ers who have been sharing Blog communication. Many of them have not met face to face, but because of the "Blogging" feel that they are already friends. The Browns want to put faces to many of these names, so this seems like a good time to do it when they are all gathered in one place. We were invited to join as well, but since we are rather new to this "Blogging", decided to refrain and get to the somewhat more tropical seascape at Corpus Christi. We left shortly behind them and did the dash through El Paso during "Rush Hour". 40 miles of bumper to bumper, but on the whole not too bad. All traffic was orderly and divers polite. From that point on to Van Horne on I-10, and then down to Marathon it was just miles and miles of miles and miles. Not tooo exciting!!! Very little of West Texas is!! Arrived in Marathon at about 3:00PM and decided to hold up there for the night. Checked into the Marathon Motel and RV Park for $22 for the night. It is very nice done in an Adobe Motif. Oh yes, the train track is nearby - every 1/2 hour

Day 57 - March 5th - Los Cruces, NM

Moving Day Today.
On the road by 8:30AM, heading for Los Cruces. Through Tucson without a hitch. Lots of highway construction going on just south of Picacho Peak and also in Tucson. Highway narrowed to 2 lanes each way for about 10 miles, but once by that, no problem. Did come by one big accident with a couple of overturned semis, but was on the opposite side of the highway so did not hold us up at all. Arrived in Los Cruces at 2:30PM and pulled into the KOA just off I -10 on highway 70. John and Brenda had just pulled in minutes before. We had decided not to even try to travel together, and they had left about 1/2 hour ahead of us, so we thought they would have been here quite a while sooner than us. They had stopped for lunch and we had just snacked on junk food as we drove! After we all got settled in, we jumped in John's jeep and went down to Old Los Cruces for a little shopping and to look around. Again lots of neet stuff to buy, but no room to store it in the RV. Bought some stuff anyway ----
Decided that since it was after 4:00PM that we might as well have some Mexican vittles for supper. John and Brenda had been down here before and knew of a good Mexican Restaurant called La Posta right there in Old Town Los Cruces. Old Town was originally Mesilla. Old Town has quite a history.
The village of Mesilla was incorporated in 1848, after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved the U.S.-Mexico border south of the village of Doña Ana, placing it in the United States. A small group of citizens, unhappy at being part of the United States, decided to move south of the border. They settled in Mesilla at this time. By 1850, Mesilla was an established colony. By this time, its people were under constant threat of attack from the Apache. By 1851, the attacks caused the United States to take action to protect its people just to the north of the border, in the Mesilla Valley. They did this by creating Fort Fillmore. As a result of the fort, the United States declared the Mesilla Valley region part of the United States. Mexico also claimed this strip of land, causing it to become known as "No Mans Land."This boundary dispute, which was officially caused by a map error, was resolved in 1853, with the Gadsden Purchase. Mesilla became a part of the United States, as well as the southern part of New Mexico and Arizona.Mesilla served as the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona in 1861-1862 during the Civil War, and was known as the "hub", or main city for the entire region. During the "Wild West" era, Mesilla was known for its cantinas and festivals. The area attracted such figures as Pancho Villa, Billy the Kid, and Pat Garrett. The village was also the crossroads of two major stagecoach lines, Butterfield Stagecoach and the Santa Fe Trail. The village of Mesilla was the most important city of the region until 1881.In 1881, the Santa Fe Railway was ready to build through the Gadsden Purchase region of the country. Mesilla was naturally seen as the city the railroad would run through. However, The people of Mesilla asked for too much money for the land rights, and a land owner in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, a much smaller village than Mesilla, stepped in and offered free land. The city of Mesilla has not grown since, and the Las Cruces area has grown to a population nearing 200,000 people[1] and is currently the second largest city in New Mexico. Mesilla remains much the same today as it did in 1881, now a protected historical site, but as small as it was the day it froze, when the railroad passed it by.We had a great dinner of Mexican Grub. Don't expect me to tell you what each of us had, or what even was the menu called it, but we all enhjoyed it anyway. The dessert was especially good!! It was some sort of crust filled with either apple or cherry filling. Good !!!Back home and to the end of another great Day!!!

Day 56 - March 4th - Picacho Peak RV Resort

Rise and Shine fairly early this morning as we are going into Tucson to satisfy our "Campers World" needs. It is only 40 miles from our RV site to Tucson, so this seems to be the be the solution, rather than spending a night there. This way we will be able to get our supplies and tomorrow just blast right on through Tucson, and on to Los Cruces. On the road by 9:00AM and at Campers before 10:00AM. Lots of interesting stuff to purchase there. Some stuff we needed, and a whole bunch we didn't need, but bought anyway. A new Woodhalls RV Park directory, a book of 2 lane vacation roads in America, a directory of free RV parking places, just to name a few. Also bought a set of new kitchen faucets for the sink, and some out door solar lights for around the Parking spot when we are parked for longer terms. Nothing that a few hundred Dollars didn't cover.Then Denice wanted to return to San Xavier Mission on highway 93 to see if the re-construction was finally competed. We have been there each of the last 4 years and the re-construction has always been "in progress". However this time is is almost complete, and it is quite impressive. Mission San Xavier del Bac is situated in the Santa Cruz Valley nine miles south of Tucson, Arizona. Framed in the warm browns of the surrounding hills and the violet shadows of more distant mountains, it rises, brilliantly white from the desert floor of dusty green mesquite and sage. The imposing dome and lofty towers, the rounded parapets and graceful spires etched against the vivid blue complete a skyline with a graceful enchantment. San Xavier del Bac Mission HistoryFrom the earliest times, the Tohono O'odham settlement in which the Mission is located was called Bac, "place where the water appears," because the Santa Cruz River, which ran underground for some distance, reappears on the surface nearby.The celebrated Jesuit missionary and explorer, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, first visited Bac in 1692. Eight years later in 1700, Father Kino laid the foundations of the first church, some two miles north of the present site of the Mission. He named it San Xavier in honor of his chosen patron, St. Francis Xavier, the illustrious Jesuit "Apostle of the Indies."In 1768, Fray Francisco Hermengildo Garces, a man of outstanding personality and prodigious accomplishments among all missionaries in Arizona, established his headquarters at San Xavier. From here this Franciscan Friar set forth on his many missionary explorations.Fr. Eusebio KinoThe present church was built from 1783 - 1797 by the Franciscan Fathers Juan Bautista Velderrain and Juan Bautista Llorenz. Little is know about the actual labor of the construction of the church, who was the architect, who were the artisans, but many believe it was the Tohono O'odham who fufilled these roles. Why the one tower was never completed is still a mystery, but hopefully one day this question will be answered.San Xavier Mission is acclaimed by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. It is a graceful blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture, yet the blending is so complete it is hard to tell where one type begins and another ends.The church is a series of domes and arches that create enclaves for themes of painting on the various walls, domes and rooms. The area behind the high altar is a dazzling gilt of colors. The wall paintings are all original, but over time have needed to be touched up. Time and the harsh desert weather have taken a toll on the the beauty that is within the church and the entire mission complex. Currently the church is going through an ongoing restoration that tries to clean, repair and preserve as much of the church as it can. Outside the church, the restoration is even more extensive, and for this we have the gracious donations of visitors, patrons and the Patronato.After more than two hundred years, the Franciscan Friars are still here serving the needs of the faithful. San Xavier del Bac Mission is a fully functioning parish church within the Diocese of Tucson. It is a church that primarily serves the Tohono O'odham, but is open to all.
Once finished there we returned to Picacho Peak RV Park, Crammed away all our stuff in every unused Nook and Cranny that we could find. I swear if we continue this we need to ge a much larger RV or maybe pull a toyhauler behind. Then we went over to John and Brendas for some more Kraft Dinner. They were BAR-B-QUED outside and were at least 1 1/2" thick with Bar-b-que sauce on top, corn on the cob, cheesey potatoes. A meal fit for Royalty !!! Then topped of with Pecan Pie!! I know its a tough life -----------

Day 55 - March 3rd - Picacho Peak RV Resort

Not a whole lot to report today. Just kicked back for the morning after our Bacon and Egg breakfast. Denice brewed up some soup for lunch, and then we went to Casa Grande to do some restocking of the pantry shelves. Needed a Walmart fix I guess. Then stopped at the Outlet Mall on the way back. Made just a few small purchases. Then a Snow Cone for the return trip to Picacho Peak. Once home, put away our purchases, and wandered down to John and Brendas to shoot the breeze for an hour. Back home for Side Pork supper. We have always enjoyed Side Pork, but it needs lots of spices! I cooked (Broiled) it on the BAR-B-QUE. I have been packing a griddle of my mothers for years in the motorhome, but never used it. This seemed lke a great time, so I got it out of one of the back compartments, washed it up, and put it on the Barbie. I think that this is the first time it has been used in many a moon. I do remember my Mother cooking hot cakes on it on the coal stove on the farm. I had forgotten how big it was. It took the whole surface of my little barbie, but sure worked good. Then after supper we went back to John and Brendas for dessert. Angel Food and Strawberries. Pretty hard to turn that down. Now that's fine food for those that have to have Kraft Dinner for supper two days in a row, but they do have 1/4 million $$$ Motorhome!!!!!! Brenda said I would do this. ---
No photo ops today --------

Day 54 - March 2nd - Picacho Peak RV Resort

Up this morning and energized with a bowl of Oatmeal - Sundays breakfast, but missed it yesterday as we were moving, and just didn't seem to get around to it. Then headed down the road with the Jeep for a whole 1 mile to Rooster Cogburn's Ostrich Ranch. Now there is a whole lot more to see there than ostriches. They have fallow deer, minitiature cicilian donkeys, ostriches of course, and an enclosure with Lorikeets. Now for those that are like me, and not familiar with what a lorikeet is. It is a small Australian bird, much like a parrot, only much smaller, but larger than a budgie. When you go in to pay for the visit ($5 each) you are given a large cup full of compressed pellets and a small container with a liquid for the lorikeets. Instructions are: Feed the deer from your hand as they will take it right from you. The ostriches do bite, so just drop the pellets into one of the tubes that lead to the buckets inside. If you feel real brave go ahead and let them lake a pellet from your hand, but be aware ---- they assume no liability for ostrich bites. The donkeys are quite docile, so feel free to let them eat out of you hand. Now the lorikeets: Do not try to go to them. Just enter the enclosure and be quiet and still and let them approach you, and they may even set on your hand while the drink the liquid in the little cup. Denice says we will go in together, and I will try to take a picture of her feeding them and then she will take a picture of me feeding them. So we enter the enclosure, and before we can even get inside we are accosted by a couple of dozen of the little guys, They land on your head, and your shoulders and on your hands. They know what you have and they go right after the little cups. Before you even have a chance the take the lids off the cups, they are right there, and are well trained at taking the lids off. In a very short time the dozen or so have drained the feeding suppliment, and are looking for more. Denice's hair seemed a good choice since she had a shower this morning and they seemed to like her brand of hair gel. Took a bunch of photos. The lady at the check in advised that if you are lucky they may even poop on your head!! That is supposed to be Good Luck, and if you are bald, as someone who I know is, is guaranteed to grow hair. Only problem is , it will be the same color as the lorikeet. Anyway, a worthwhile visit for $5. Then at the end, as is customary, there is the gift shop. They have lots of ostich stuff. Eggs, both blown and fresh. Did you know an ostrich egg tastes almost like a chicken egg, and is comparable to 24 of them !!! I'll have mine over easy !! They also have painted eggs, t-shirts, Ostrich feather dusters, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Denice bought a duster and a painted egg. Returned home, had lunch and than read, waiting for John and Brenda to arrive. They did so about 3:30pm. The site that I had anticipated them moving into, next to us, was unacceptable once we really looked at it. It had a tree too close to the pad, and would have scratched his unit if he parked there, so he moved down 3 or 4 sites to a more open one. Once they settled in, they came up and shot the wind with us for an hour or so. We had chicken on the barbie for our supper, and we were sorry that we didn't have more. If we had known what time they were arriving they could have eaten with us. But they said they were going home for Kraft dinner. We'll catch them another day! Then after supper Denice and I made a quick trip up the road for sunset pics. When returned John and I made a sorte over to the Hot Tub for an hour and hashed over a whole lot of trivial stuff. End of Day!

Day 53 - Picacho RV Resort

Well, we decided to move on this morning. Had an appointment to have ELTORO serviced at a local one man service shop at 10:00AM this AM. Arrived there at about 9:30 and he still was not open. Waited a few minutes until he arrived, and as soon as he was organized and started the service, we went on into Casa Grande to the Big Mall on the east side of I-10. Denice was looking for a new bed spread for our bed as the one that we had just purchased for $250, from Linens and Things, just prior to leaving, was already falling apart. As you all know, I am kind of cheap, and I was thoroughly ticked with the quality that Linens and Things sold us. So much that I sent them a rather snotmail message. But,of coarse, no reply, as they are going out of business. Anyway Denice was able to find a lighter colored one that she liked, so of coarse we bought. It was then time to pick up ELTORO, so we returned and Ricks Mechanical was just finishing the job. He seems like a really nice guy, no fancy shop, in fact he did ELTORO outside on a cement pad. I like that kind of service, with someone you can actaully talk to! I would recommend him to anyone who needs work done down here. He's situated on the I-10 exit to Arizona City, just across the hiway from Love's and beside Starbucks Coffee. He only charged $56 !! I said that was pretty cheap, so he asked what I usually paid in Canada. When I told him around $100, he was really surprised. So he is quite reasonable. It was now near dinner time so Denice followed me in the jeep and we travelled south toward Tucson for about 15 miles to the Picacho RV Park. Have just got set up now and it is very hot, near 90 degrees today!! Both air conditioners are on and working hard to keep it liveable inside ----- But that is a good thing -- at least we don't have to shovel it!

Day 52 - Feb 28th - Arizona City

Check the Jeeps tire pressure this morning. Damn!!! Down to 26 lbs again. Discount Tire had advised me to watch it and if it didn't hold pressure may have to buy a new tire. It could be leaking out into and through the belt, so I guess they may get paid after all, but not today. 10:00AM Tom and Linda say their good-byes and head for Yuma. We likely will not see them again until we are all back home in Canada. At about 10:30AM we head out on a tour to Picacho State Park. John and Brenda Brown are planning on moving there on Monday, so we may stop there for a few days ourselves. When we got there, the registration booth told us that all sites with electric hookups were gone and only a few "dry" sites remained. They were good enough to let us drive through, to check out the park. Nice! Then we went on down the service road for another 1/2 mile to the SE to Picacho RV Resort, to check it out. They also allowed us to drive through, and it is very nice. All services with amenities of Pool, Hot Tub, Club House. etc. for $27/night. We decided to register for 4 days. We even picked our own preference of sites. This seemed better than the State Park as they wanted $20 for electric only, $12 for dry sites. Then we returned home for lunch - left overs from last night, but they sometimes taste better the day after anyway.After lunch decided to go to the Eloy Airport as this is where the World Record Sky Diving performances are held. Found that very interesting as we watched 3 separate flights of about 20 adventurious people each. I'll tell you, they have a lot more guts than I do. We also went over to the Indoor Skydiving Facility. It consists of huge fans blowing skyward through a big glass tube about 15 feet across. Wind speeds of over 120 MPH are possible. This is enough to keep bodies up to 250lbs suspended in the air. Skydivers use this to experience free falling . Military also use it for the same reasons, not only US forces, but foreign ones as well. I could maybe handle this one as I would never be more than 20 feet off the ground! Supper was a salad and large Shrimp that Denice had forgot to put out last night.

Day 51 - Feb 27th - High Chapparal RV Park - Arizona City

Up in the AM with nothing to do. This afternoon we are having happy hour at our place so I needed to do some setting up - not much, but set up the picnic table and set up more chairs etc. My left front tire on the jeep is still showing low air pressure so I need to go and get it fixed somewhere. It's not bad but just aggravating. Seems to decrease pressure to about 25 lbs and then stay, but the indicator is always blinking. Tom and I make a trip to a truck tire repair shop at Eloy and check with the owner about fixing SUV tires. He said he would, but we would have to wait an hour. We decided to go up to Casa Grande and get it done there. Went to Discount Tire. They couldn't fix it for an hour either, but we decided to wait. After they looked at the tire, checked tire wear, tire pressure on all the other tires, my name and address, and another whole bank of questions, I, and Tom, had a lot of reservations about these guys. We only wanted a tire repaired!! However we were there now - might as well let them do their thing, but anticipated a $25 or more bill. We wandered around to an Auto Supply store and then to Home Hardware to burn up the hour required. When we returned they crew was just finishing and was backing it out. I went to the office expecting the worst, but the clerk handed me the invoice with a total of $0. I couldn't believe it but by then the clerk was on to another customer. I waited until the manager wasn't busy and asked him to explain. He said that they could not find a leak, but had serviced the sensor arrangement, put the tire back on, and balanced it. and so no charge. He said that he just wanted our future business, and since we were such good Guys there was no charge. I thanked him for that, and certainly retracted my earlier thoughts.Then we went to "Best Buy" to get some more Ram for my computer. I wanted to upgrade from 2 to 4 Gyge, but the Computer Geek advised that my Sony maximum Ram was 2 Gyge. So couldn't spend any money there either. Happy Hour started at 4:00PM. Denice had made many snacking dishes, chips, cheese, pickles, oysters, veggies, dip, Brenda Brown's famous chili dip, and then the neighbors brought additional food. One thing for sure we were not going to go short. And then of coarse there was ample refreshments. We had Tom and Linda, and Denice and I from Canada, Jim and Marsha Orcutt from Conrad Montana, Wayne and Lorrain Cherry, full timers from Los Cruces, New Mexico, and Bill and Bernice Workman from Iowa. We had a great evening, just shooting the breeze until about 7:00PM.

Great Day !!