Straddling Countries

This morning we drove west to Mission, TX to meet long-time friends Paul and Marsha.  (The last time we saw them was in Ohio Amish Country in July of last year.)  The Riverside Club is a large restaurant whose owners also operate a narrated riverboat ride on the Rio Grande.

The boat holds about 50 people on three rows of seats.  Duane and Paul are in the lower left corner, while Marsha and I opted for the window seats to take photos.

Along the Mexican side of the river there was lots of new construction of elaborate private entertainment venues. There were five or six of these with buildings for indoor activities, outdoor open areas, playground equipment, and docks.  Some even had exotic animals in cages.

There were several workers taking breaks.  They all smiled and waved.

Our trip took us south east with Mexico on the south and the US on the north.  At one point we went around a big loop which put this Mexican public park on the north.

Within the loop was this dam, jointly built and operated by both countries.  The barrier is a safety precaution.  Just beyond the dam is a 30 foot waterfall.

In contrast to the beautiful Mexican venues, on the US side of the river are a couple of defunct venues, one with a watchtower,

and some rustic riverfront houses.

Most of the land we passed was wildlife refuge.  (This overgrown area is a popular crossing spot for illegals because it can’t be seen from the surveillance camera and it is easy to hide in the foliage.  The Rio Grande Valley is the most popular place for illegals to cross.  An interesting fact is that only 2 out of 10 illegals are from Mexico.) 

There is also a large sugarcane field.  Every year after the harvest, the field is burned to clear it for replanting.  Before setting the fire a warning is broadcast in English and Spanish—for obvious reasons.

We didn’t see a lot of wildlife on our one hour tour, but we did see a few birds.

Blue herons

Hawk

Back at the restaurant we visited another hour or so during lunch.  When we went outside again,  the weather had changed completely from overcast, damp and 55 degrees to sunny, clear skies and almost 80 degrees!

We always enjoy spending time with Paul and Marsha, even though our time with them is always too short.

Back on the pickleball court tomorrow.

Louise and Duane