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The best gas price at home when we left, only to find out the Fullok stations have now been suspended due to an investigation.
The trip to the border was not what we expected. We knew we would be in the rain, but it was nasty. There was fog, constant rain, and drizzle, much like winter. We saw one accident on the mountain crossing at Mamulique. A semi hit the brakes too hard and skidded to one side. No major damage, but they had the road blocked. Soon the rain came to an end, and we made our way to the Colombia Bridge via La Gloria. So far, that is one of the best roads in and out of Mexico.
At the bridge, there were four cars in front of us. The border agent asked for our passports and visas and then waved us through. We declared two bottles of vodka, but there is no tax audit building at that bridge. We got a break.
We headed for the RV. The lot owner met us and said there was no need for him to meet us anymore. He trusted us and gave us the pass to the lock box, and the key is inside. We just need to let him know of our comings and goings
Off we went to Casa Blanca State Park in Alamo, TX, for the night. It was pretty warm in the afternoon, but come nightfall, it cooled down to about 20C. Windows open, I had to cover up around 3 a.m. Glorious sleeping weather. The roof air, as always, is way too big, too cold, and too noisy. However, it's good to have in this weather.
Up at six this time, sleeping in for a change. We watched our usual news program from Mexico, picked up the taco meal deal at the Stripes Valero station, and headed out for McAllen. The drive was uneventful except for a few minor construction detours. We drove through the middle of nowhere via Oilton, Bruni, Hebbronville, and Falfurrias. We hit one inspection at Oilton, but the guys were very friendly. No one else around, so we chatted for a few minutes.
The railroad that runs through these towns was established in 1881. Oilton is so small now that they pulled out the last police officer just last week. An Italian immigrant, Antonio Mateo Bruni, established this route and later owned a large ranch in the area.
The fuel gauge on the SUV is much different, and I need to keep an eye on it. The computer serves us well and is chock full of information, but I need to study up on it a bit more. We were down to less than a quarter tank when we stopped just north of the RVG in Edinburg to fill up. New gauge creates a learning curve.
We pulled into Casa Del Valle in Alamo right on schedule. We set up, are enjoying a beer and a snack, and deciding what to fix for dinner. The park is still empty except for a few full-timers. Snowbirds may come, but I doubt many will arrive from Canada. We'll take advantage of the small gym, swimming pool, and jacuzzi before heading to South Padre Island or Mustang Island on Thursday.
A lot of empty spaces, although it is still very early for the winter season. Many come after Thanksgiving.
The RV park is suffering the effects of the issues with the U.S. and Canada. They had fewer Canadians last year, and this year more have canceled. The RGV is feeling the effects of fewer Winter Texans and fuel prices as well. The park is now under new ownership. We've stayed here many times in the past,t and we like it. They maintain it and keep doing updates. I can see why so many older people prefer a place like this. It's very safe; they have group activities and a lot of amenities. For less than $500 a month in space rent, you can't beat that versus a residential-style retirement home with your own apartment, three meals a day, etc. And that can run over $4000 a month.
Two interesting stories coming up in the next post. One is about the disaster here at the Isla Blanca County Park (we're in South Padre Island now), and the other is about the RV dealer and what happens when you have a cash deal. So stay tuned. We are enjoying the beach here and our old stomping grounds, but are looking forward to getting into the state parks on our route.
