Final week in RGV

Oh what fun we have had here in South Texas.  The weather was crazy, hot and humid, cold and windy, rainy with some days just perfect! We have enjoyed our time at Retama Village.  The pool is generally pretty empty, the exercise room is generally pretty empty, the people that we met are all so nice and welcoming.  If we don't get a volunteer gig next fall we just might come back here.

We did make one last visit to

Its a very nice park, Mexico is right across the river, there is a dam and bridge.  We were going to try to kayak here but the wind never allowed us to be comfortable enough to give it a try.

We also made a final visit to Salineno (Birding area).  Volunteers keep the food supplied in order to let us see the beautiful birds that visit.  They put out all kinds of food but the prettiest and closest birds come to the peanut butter.

this ladder back woodpecker was just getting ready to land to get some peanut butter.

We decided to make one last trip to SPI.  We keep an eye on the weather, as it can be 90 in Mission but only 60 on the Island.  We lucked out, the weather was pretty warm but windy.  On our way to South Padre island we stopped at  (this was one of the spots we applied at for a volunteer position and did not get)

where we seen two Aplomado falcons.  This picture is shot with an IPhone and a scope!  The wind was so strong it was hard to keep the scope from moving.

we did see lots of good birds on the island at the Birding site and around the island.  The wind was so strong, it shoved us backwards a few times!  Of course we had wonderful Shrimp and fish meals.


Even though is was very windy people were horse back riding on the beach.  We did not participate this year.

Our pool was open.  When we were here at Christmas it was closed for repairs. Eric is a bit cool after getting out of the pool.  The wind made it feel cool on wet skin.

Yes we were on South Padre Island!

After we got back home, we had a final lunch with Fred and Kim at Mambo's seafood on Wednesday.  The food was very good, especially the  Mambo rice.

Thurs: Cold front came in with thunderstorms on Wed night!  Yesterday it was 90, today is forecasted to be 60. Our morning walk at Estero Llano Grande SP was very nice, it was so cold (50) that we were the only people there for the first two hours.

Rufus Hummingbird

 After our walk we went to Ace's BBQ to pick up some wonderful brisket for dinner. Then we went to DeAlba's for bakery and tamales.  We froze the tamales for when we get home. The bakery goods will be finished by Saturday!  The brisket was the best we have had down here. Need to remember that for next year.

Fri: Back to warm weather. Today's walk was at Santa Ana WLR.  The day began with fog and mist but turned into a beautiful sunny warm day.  Perfect for packing unused items, laundry and cleaning.  Time is really getting short for us here in the RGV.....

Saturday March 24: our final full day in here at Retama Village.  We began by a wonderful walk at Bentsen Rio Grande SP.

The trees are blooming along with the cactus.  Mountain Laurel smells like grape jelly!

This was a wonderful place to spend the winter, the location, the people and the coach house were all exceptional. More packing etc today as we want to leave here by 8:30 am tomorrow.

We were able to get 16 new life birds since arriving here on Dec 3.  We did miss a few, hope to get them next year.