The Rio Grande

We've been waiting to see the Rio Grande - It's what separates Texas and Mexico but we weren't close enough to the border on I-10 until getting to El Paso and then we parallel the Rio Grande up to Albuquerque. Today we made it a mission to find the Rio Grande. We did - It's dry as a bone - you could easily walk across it.

We also decided to see how you get into Juarez, Mexico. We took exit 22 off I-10 in the heart of El Paso and it was right there- 3 lanes headed into Mexico through guarded gates with no place to turn around until we got up to the guards and there was a one lane with barriers allowing us to retreat. We did see the miles of fence separating the countries....obviously the river is no deterrent.

Las Cruces

On the south side of Las Cruces lies Old Mesilla, which used to be part of Mexico until 1848. During the civil war it was the capital of New Mexico and Arizona territory. This is where Billy the kid met his demise, shot by Sheriff Pat Garret after he escaped from jail awaiting trial after shooting Sheriff Brady at the ripe age of 21. The Mesilla Plaza is anchored on one end by St Albino church, the adobe buildings surrounding the plaza are quaint little shops and restaurants. Mesilla refused to let the RR come through so from then on, Las Cruces , the other side of the Rio Grande River grew and while Mesilla remained a village.

We ate twice at Los Mariachis as it was recommended by several. By accident we went to Thai restaurant and that too was excellent. I think we should always eat with chop sticks to slow us down.

On Saturday we hit the farmers market. Pecan orchards run for miles toward El Paso but the cheapest we could find shelled pecans was $8/#, which is not much less than organic pecans at the Farm to Table Store. I did go to the chili factory and got some spices and chili Rostras. He had me taste the green chili powder and I was coughing for the next 20 minutes. They suggest soaking the chilies in a gallon of water 2 hours, blending and straining for enchiladas. For the chili powders - either put in shakers or reconstitute one pound in a gallon of water and feather in flour like making a gravy. Got some for Driller Bob and Steve.

I feel so out of touch with the outside world as TV isn't working in the coach, and Mike loves his CDs. The internet is my link to news and tonight I'm in the exercise room cuz it has the Oscars -- exercise is an option.

I did talk Mike in letting me haul home a Chiminea for future cool nights on the deck or lake. It's my momento of this year's trip. Last year was the painted canisters from Mexico.

Wine Tasting

There's probably 6 wineries in Las Cruces but we went to the Rio Grande 4 miles out because it's a vineyard and winery. A very capable college ag and Marketing major whose favorite beer was also Keystone made an immediate bond with Mike. Her family used to have a trapshooting range and campground in AZ so another bond ; She wasn't even born when Mike and Lance Silha's brother shot at the AZ Open in 1981. Anyway we had a fine time tasting and bought a case of various Rio Grande wines to take home. We were up to 7 bottles and a case gets a 10% discount.

We had late lunch and then went to the outlet mall in El Paso. At the Maidenform store they wanted to see ID and Mike flashed his military base pass ID. Low and behold they gave him a military discount. Now he's wondering if he might qualify for military retirement - in your dreams.

Houston to Las Cruces

As we get closer to ElPaso, seeing lots of border patrol and truckers lined up at border patrol checking everyone going east as they are coming from El Paso and right next to the Rio Grande, the Mexican/US border. The receptionist said 3200 were killed illegally entering the country. Will have to check if we heard that right,

Boondocked in St. Stockton with 6 other RVs at a small Walmart.This older couple give us lots of advice on places to visit, and resources like AAA. They esp. liked Arkansas for the fishing and Ozark MT Music. They also liked LaFayette, LA for its diversity and friendliness. The couple got reunited at a 50th class reunion after losing their spouses and now the RV is their home. She has pots of arugula and herbs for cooking by the steps outside and in the shower. She uses couscous as it cooks by just pouring hot water over it. I knew that from Bruce cooking it but didn't connect with RVing. We should promote couscous at the store as "Camper Friendly".

Chris had found a number of bikes on Craigslist and has us looking at them in the 4th largest city in the US. We did find a good one and bought it from a 21 year old who was selling it cuz some friends had gotten badly hurt on bikes. Gulp.

birds

Our Houston RV park was twittering in the morning with bird sounds. We heard owls and many I didn't recognize. The coffee group commented that mockingbirds ( TX state bird) mock the sound of other birds. And the male finches don't turn yellow until they head north - probably mating season to attract their brides. Makes me want to get into bird watching, which would mean I'd have to get up early, like Mike. It could happen. Next time I'll bring my bird book, barely used, along.

Galveston oh Galveston

Galveston Island is worth exploring. SoBeach was foggy. Saw dolphins and surfers and picked up shells to add to our collection. much to see and easy to get around. IKE hit here in 2008 but most damage repaired. At these slips on the bayou, we ran into this fellow how selvaged this teak topped and wood mast boat from distruction fro $150 in fees and lots of hard labor.,,,past and future. THre house photo has satellite discs used as "palm trees". Recycling gone array.

Most impressed with off shore oil rig museum. I've got enough pictures for Dennis Zander to teach a class. Mike felt right at home as the big rig drill magnifies his 1500 drills. I do have to say I fell asleep in the movie about the types of off shore platforms ( all that downloading of photos late at night after swimming.) Heck, this isn't school, but was very interesting. All the oil companies helped establish the museum with its actual retired rig and the replicas and samples inside. Got quite a history lesson on platforms - some floaters and some sit on the ocean floor.