If you visit
Falcon State Park in Texas, you will notice that the lake appears almost gone. If it were at it's high level I would be forty feet under water in the picture. I performed some research and the lake level has varied quite considerably over the years since the early '50s when the damn was constructed. This is the lake where American David Hartley was shot in the head by the Zeta Cartel while riding his jet ski with his wife. The Mexican Police Investigator who was assigned the case was murdered and his head delivered to the Mexican Army in a suitcase.
Near the border town of San Ygnacio I crossed paths with a man who owned a very cool truck. Despite being three or more decades old this truck was in immaculate condition. While standing and talking about his snakeskin boots and handcrafted cowboy hat he revealed that he has a small collection of a dozen plus trucks that are all old and in beautiful condition. We discussed a wide range of topics and after an hour or so, smiled and said goodbye.
This is a heart-breaker I came upon while hiking a trail near the Rio Grande River. From what I was able to interpret, this is where a twenty year old girl died, alone. I am not sure what the circumstances were but I spent much time thinking of my children and how blessed I am that they are all alive and kicking. Life is never perfect but when you die, life here on earth is gone forever. I prayed that night for this young lady who was someone's daughter, and hope she is where we all desire to be, in Heaven, enjoying eternal life.
This is something I have noticed, in many of the food stores here along the southern border, there are large sections of an aisle dedicated to religion. I actually think this is a wonderful fact and have much respect for Latin and Hispanic people. Do you have religious products like this in grocery stores in your area of the country?
Okay, you are all going to swear I am beginning to transform into a
Mexican Vaquero, but I was really enjoying this Mexican music in downtown Laredo, Texas. Maybe it's hereditary since my father owned a matching pair of
Ruger Vaquero's back in the day, lol. The band's name was Consuelo Montalvo and they did a great job. The bridge you see was a walking bridge over the Rio Grande River and when it was quiet you could hear vehicles and people over in Mexico. Many happy dancing people by the end of the show.
When the concert ended at 2200 it was time to locate a place to sleep. Whenever I see a large group of 18-wheelers I know there is a reasonable chance this might be a good place. As I pulled up I noticed a Border Patrol vehicle and after talking for a few moments I was told this place is okay for a night or two. Only one truck ran his engine all night but you know what, when you are tired, you will sleep just fine.
Here we are once again exploring the southern border and Rio Grande River a bit north of Laredo. Did you know that Laredo was once the capital of the
Republic of the Rio Grande? I also enjoy learning interesting history and other facts about the areas I visit. If I had my AEV snorkel I would have challenged the guys to a race across the river. Has anyone ever live-streamed an invasion?
"I walked forty-seven miles of barbed wire, I got a cobra snake for a necktie. A brand new house on the road side, and it's a-made out of rattlesnake hide. Got a brand new chimney put on top, and it's a-made outta human skull. Come on take a little walk with me baby, and tell me who do you love? Who do you love?" ~ Bo Diddley
Okay, technically this stretch south of El Indio, Texas, was forty-six miles although I believe the song it quite appropriate. This was an interesting exercise in a very hot bumpy ride with everything shaking and rattling. I considered airing down my tires to 15-20 PSI since that has worked wonders previously but I was half way though and was also experimenting with various speeds as surface conditions changed. Have you noticed the curtains drawn in most shots lately? Blocking heat and prying eyes. Even though I do not have much in the rear, folks have suggested this to me. Maybe some heavy tint would be a consideration?
This is a tight section of the same road. Let's call this Texas-tight, lol. With the exception of many women, most things are huge in Texas and that definately includes the roads. When the road narrows down to 1.5 lanes wide there is seriously something strange going on. Believe it or not, I passed a few 18-wheelers on this road - these guys will go anywhere to save a few minutes since, "speed is time, and time is money."
Here is an interesting veteran's memorial in Eagle Pass, Texas. Are you beginning to notice all the bird related words? Maybe it's because so many fly though this part of the country during their annual migration? I am no Air Force history dude so I was unable to determine if this was a variant of the P-80 Shooting Star or T-33 trainer since it has two seats. Any experts who are able to clarify? The most interesting thing is that children were climbing all over the monument. There was much damage to it including a bullet hole, broken glass, dents, etc. But despite the repeated attacks, she still looks pretty from a few paces away.
Edit - she's a
T-33A trainer based upon this
list of displayed aircraft.
