14 FEB: We decided to give Pat and Henry a day off from our travels so they did a little shopping in the morning and we ( the 4 of us ) had a Pool Day for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. I say early because we scheduled a 4 to 6 PM Happy Hours so P and H could meet a few of our friends. That way they can "measure" the type of people we "hangout "with. Hell; how exotic can a bunch of 70 year old seniors be.
After the Happy Hour we took Pat and Henry to one of the " Fine Dinning " resturants in this area called Willie B's and one that is frequented by most Winter Texans. The House Speciality is a baked potatoe covered with a handful of Bar-B-Q Brisket. The potatoe also comes with all the trimmings, such a butter, sour cream and Willie special Bar-B-Q sauce that he probably buys at Wal-Mart. The potatoe is larger than the 10 inch plate it is served on, therefore it is best shared between two people because very people seniors can devour the whole potatoe plate. I have to add that Willie B's is not renowed because of the Ambiance. The building was purposely build much like you would picture very aged Western Saloon. The interior has wood floors that squeak as you walk over them, the table are covered with oil cloth and the chairs are a mis-match. The meals are served cafateria style on Styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery. Willie B's is also known for their Carrott cake but if you arrive after 7 PM you are usually out of luck.
15 FEB: Today we scheduled a boat trip on the Rio Grande river. I believe it is advertised as a Crusie but that would be stretch as it turns out. The Rio Grande divides the USA and MX. In most case you could easily swim across ; ask any Mexican who would like to live in the USA. It is not a huge river , unless of course you where standing on the bank on 13 June when it rose 18 feet in a few hours, when they had to DUMP the dam up stream. This flood wiped our many RV parks, several business and many recreation areas on both sides , moreso in MX than the USA. It seems funny to think that this area survived several Hurricanes in the past few years and then got wiped out because some Civic Flood Control Dept did not realize that snow melt coupled with rain would cause the Dam to fill so quickly.
Getting back to the boat trip; the cost was 8.00 per person and the trip took an hour and a quarter, so you knew right away it was not serving food and refreshments. The boat held 40 people and had twin 135 HP engines which I thought was overpowered as the river only flows at 3 knots. The Captain started his narration about the boat constuction, depth of the river , the damaged caused by the flood but not one word about life jackets or flotation devices so I assume that the company figured we could either swim or walk to shore should should the boat sink or meet with ( heaven forbide ) a tsuamia. The Captained finished his speech with " if you have any question we will try to answer them". People did have questions but they were asking each other not the Captain so I thought I would go first and get the ball rolling so to speak. I ask where the mouth of the river was located and where did it empty. I knew the anwer but I could not think of anything else and that was the question on some of the peoples mind. The Captain said he would advise us in a few minutes soI did not know, if he knew the anwers or not. But I do know, he got on the cell right away which lead me to believe I may have stumped him. He gave us the answer later and the Rio Grande starts in Alomosa, CO and dumps into the Gulf of Mexico at Brownsville, TX. So now you know and if you are every on Jeopardy, you already have the answer.
However, the day was not too hot and we did learn a few things about the Rio Grande such as this river provides much of the water to irrigate this area. This are grows many of the vegtable crops for both MX and the USA. Crops that we daily on our travels are Texas Sweet Onions, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccalli, Carrotts, potatoes and of course Sugar Canes. All these products are grown in "Hilled Rows " and irrigated with Flood Irrigation between each row. This area also has many Orange and Grapefruit orchards and they too are irrigated by flooding.
Tomorow Pat and Henry return to the real world for them. We may have pushed them a little but we wanted them to see the area because it is highly unlikely they will be this way again.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Thursday, 17 March 2011
South Padre Island or Bust
13 FEB: As you know, this is March Break and S Padre Island ( SPI ) is a magnet for the University / college students. The title was actually written on the rear window of the car ahead of us we took Pat and Henry to tour SPI. Our biggest mistake was going on a Sunday. We knew there would be many many kids but we did not intend to go to the same area as they Hangout.
We decided to go to the general beach area not usually the haunt of the Kids. What we did not realize was that all of the working class families visited the beach in mass, on the weekends. I have never in my life seen so many people in one are at the same time. This beach area allows vehicles to drive on the beach and to park at random, everywhere and anywhere and they do just that. Once we got into the beach area we seen a contiuious stream of traffic going both ways, , however we wrongly assumed that after we drove a mile or so the traffic would Peter out. We could not even find a spot to stop and enjoy the beach. The beach traffic was so heavy that after traveling for 20 mins at a Snails pace we covered about a mile. The Gulf of MX was on our right, and I mean it was so close we were actually driving in the water as the waves slapped the shore so we had hoped to find an opening on the left to turn around and get out of the of our delemia. The vehicles were so close if you tried to stop the guy behind you was so close you could not back into a spot and those on our left would not let you cross in front of them. Finally Henry got out and stopped the traffic which allowed me to back into a very small opening and we got turned around and got out of the madness. It is interesting to note that we did not see many, if any people who I would consider as Cacausions: most beach goers where of Hispanic decent. Finally we broke away from the crowd and got the hell out of the area.
We then crossed over to the inland beach which only attracts Wind Surfers, Ski Doos and 3 wheel Wind Buggies. The Inland water way is shallow body of water about 1 1/2 miles wide which sepates the main land from SPI. However , in the centre of the inland water ways is trenched deep enough for ships and barges to travel thru this passage. There is a bridge connecting the mainland to SPI. You can actually walk out about 300M and the water would still not even up to you waist. However, one guy backed his truck and trailer , loaded with a large type Seadoo, into the water. After backing in about 300 M his truck dropped into a hole aand got stuck. The tide came in and was high enough that the water entered the cab . We watched the charades for about an hour but the truck was stuck. Finally, a guy came along with a " Bigfoot" type of truck and he drove into the water, hooked his winch on the semi-submegred truck and with a little resistance pulled the tuck to safety. It was funny when the driver reached the shore and opened the truck door and the water poured out.
Well, that was all the excitment for the day so we went to the local Seafood resturaunt and had an excellent meal of Shrimp and/or Fish. Each plate had more food than one person could eat and the cost was 12.00 for the Shrimp and 10.00 for the fish. In the final analyis we had a great day.
We decided to go to the general beach area not usually the haunt of the Kids. What we did not realize was that all of the working class families visited the beach in mass, on the weekends. I have never in my life seen so many people in one are at the same time. This beach area allows vehicles to drive on the beach and to park at random, everywhere and anywhere and they do just that. Once we got into the beach area we seen a contiuious stream of traffic going both ways, , however we wrongly assumed that after we drove a mile or so the traffic would Peter out. We could not even find a spot to stop and enjoy the beach. The beach traffic was so heavy that after traveling for 20 mins at a Snails pace we covered about a mile. The Gulf of MX was on our right, and I mean it was so close we were actually driving in the water as the waves slapped the shore so we had hoped to find an opening on the left to turn around and get out of the of our delemia. The vehicles were so close if you tried to stop the guy behind you was so close you could not back into a spot and those on our left would not let you cross in front of them. Finally Henry got out and stopped the traffic which allowed me to back into a very small opening and we got turned around and got out of the madness. It is interesting to note that we did not see many, if any people who I would consider as Cacausions: most beach goers where of Hispanic decent. Finally we broke away from the crowd and got the hell out of the area.
We then crossed over to the inland beach which only attracts Wind Surfers, Ski Doos and 3 wheel Wind Buggies. The Inland water way is shallow body of water about 1 1/2 miles wide which sepates the main land from SPI. However , in the centre of the inland water ways is trenched deep enough for ships and barges to travel thru this passage. There is a bridge connecting the mainland to SPI. You can actually walk out about 300M and the water would still not even up to you waist. However, one guy backed his truck and trailer , loaded with a large type Seadoo, into the water. After backing in about 300 M his truck dropped into a hole aand got stuck. The tide came in and was high enough that the water entered the cab . We watched the charades for about an hour but the truck was stuck. Finally, a guy came along with a " Bigfoot" type of truck and he drove into the water, hooked his winch on the semi-submegred truck and with a little resistance pulled the tuck to safety. It was funny when the driver reached the shore and opened the truck door and the water poured out.
Well, that was all the excitment for the day so we went to the local Seafood resturaunt and had an excellent meal of Shrimp and/or Fish. Each plate had more food than one person could eat and the cost was 12.00 for the Shrimp and 10.00 for the fish. In the final analyis we had a great day.
Another Complusory Party
I'm sure most you: the reades, r realized that my last Blog which was dated 10 and 11 Feb should have read March. I'm sure that mistake will not radically change anyone's life but we will write it off as a " Senior Moment ".
12 March: Today our park scheduled a Cookout. The definite of a CookOut is that you bring your steak or whatever you want to Bar-B-Q and for 2.00 a person , the Park supplies the Bake potatoe, a Bread stick and desert. However, the Bar-B-Q's are not gas but Bricgettes so the "Fire Starters" need time to get the coals hot so that calls for a Happy Hour. Since the Cookout starts at 5 PM , the Happy Hour in the Rec Hall starts at 4 PM. Most, if not all bring your choice of refreshment ( and I don't mean Diet Coke ) and we usually sit with friends which has been previously organized by Carroll. We had 16 at our table and by co-incident everyone was Cdn. It seems funny how only 8 of us plan to sit together but as the other Cdns walked thru the door they spotted us and joined in.
Now, there were 280 attendees, so everyone could not Bar-B-Q at once so the only fair thing to do was number the table and draw table numbers from a hat. This was not the first " Kick at the Cat" so to speak as all parties are done this way but I was amazed, as were others, that within 25 mins all 280 steaks were Bar-B-Q . One other noticeable factor was how the noise level was reduced by about 90 % from the Happy Hour chatter. Even Seniors can't talk with their mouth full of food. Another comical feature is that we Party Goers had to clear the Hall by 6:30 as the Card Player where moving in and you better not be sitting there unless you are a card player. Oh well... as I said many times before, Seniors are just Older kids. Pat and Henry enjoyed the outing as they got to swap stories with folks from different parts of Canada.
12 March: Today our park scheduled a Cookout. The definite of a CookOut is that you bring your steak or whatever you want to Bar-B-Q and for 2.00 a person , the Park supplies the Bake potatoe, a Bread stick and desert. However, the Bar-B-Q's are not gas but Bricgettes so the "Fire Starters" need time to get the coals hot so that calls for a Happy Hour. Since the Cookout starts at 5 PM , the Happy Hour in the Rec Hall starts at 4 PM. Most, if not all bring your choice of refreshment ( and I don't mean Diet Coke ) and we usually sit with friends which has been previously organized by Carroll. We had 16 at our table and by co-incident everyone was Cdn. It seems funny how only 8 of us plan to sit together but as the other Cdns walked thru the door they spotted us and joined in.
Now, there were 280 attendees, so everyone could not Bar-B-Q at once so the only fair thing to do was number the table and draw table numbers from a hat. This was not the first " Kick at the Cat" so to speak as all parties are done this way but I was amazed, as were others, that within 25 mins all 280 steaks were Bar-B-Q . One other noticeable factor was how the noise level was reduced by about 90 % from the Happy Hour chatter. Even Seniors can't talk with their mouth full of food. Another comical feature is that we Party Goers had to clear the Hall by 6:30 as the Card Player where moving in and you better not be sitting there unless you are a card player. Oh well... as I said many times before, Seniors are just Older kids. Pat and Henry enjoyed the outing as they got to swap stories with folks from different parts of Canada.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Second Week of March
My sister , Pat and husband Henry, from Dorchester , ON ( near London for those who do know the area) arrived at 10:30 AM on Mar 9 for a weeks vacation. This was great for both of us as , we have not seen them for 2 years and they had never been to Texas in the winter and of course it is a good break from their weather. They were quite surprised when the stepped of the plane to find very hot, humid weather. I tried to explain that this was the kind of " crap " had to put up with all winter but they did not seem to have much sympathy for us, nor did I expect any. The rest of the day was wasted by going to the pool, sucking a few cool ones at Happy Hour and then a late supper.
10 Feb: This day was spend just across the border in Mexico in a small town called Progresso. This small town has about 5 blocks of shopping , mainly for us "Winter Texans ". It also has more Dentist, Pharmsist, Beauty shops and barber shops than you can imagine. It is a very safe town as the Drug Cartel does not venture into this area, probably for several reasons. First the town is not a Drug Haven, also the Army is well entrenched on the Mexico side of the Border and the US Customs do a very thorough inspection of all vehicles.
While in Progresso , Carroll convinced Pat to have a Pedicure and Manacure at her preferred Beauty shop. This procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours so Henry and I did some widow shopping and then we checked our one of my favourite Bars, mostly to check out the tempature of the Beer. Beer cost 1.50 in MX. After the ladies were done with there fingers and toes , the four of us checked out most of the stores and small sidewalk shops. Pat and Henry found the small shops interesting because many of them only sell one or two items such as Purse ( Gucci and Coach of course ) DVD's and music CD for 3 for 10.00. Of course they are pirated at that price. Don't even ask if I bought any because the answer is " No Comment ". After shopping for about another hour we decided to check out the restruants for a late lunch/ early supper.
We went to the Red snapper resturant on the advise of friends but not only was there a 15 min wait, which does not suite my personality but the band was too loud and they thought they would give me the table located 5 feet from band. So I shot that idea down fairly quick and we headed to another favourite resturant called Gracias. It is located upstairs in the ( wait for it ) Canada Store. I have no idea why it is called that. Anyhow , this place seats about 100 and the service is great. The waiters are dressed in Tuxcedos and the beer is cold and the prices are reasonable. Shrimp stuffed with crab or a 4 oz bacon wrapped Steak cost 10.00.
On the down side; I dropped into the Duty Free store to pick up my usual two litres of Crown Royal and believe it or not, they were sold out. Dam Americans, they should drink their own whisky. ha ha. The customs agent ask me twice if I had any booze as I guess it did think i would come home empty handed. Anyhow, Henry and I will slip over to MX on Tues and pick up my Quota.
11 Feb: One of our friends in our "Sister" park , Country Sunshine, organized a Birthday Party for all those with a Birthday in March. It actual was a street party and last year it was attended by over 100 people so we decided not to attend even thought I qualified. I have had enough birthdays over my lifetime so a party along with several other old cronies would not have enhanced my enthusiasum. Besides, our Ball Team had a Team Supper that evening so there is only so many parties a guy can attend.
10 Feb: This day was spend just across the border in Mexico in a small town called Progresso. This small town has about 5 blocks of shopping , mainly for us "Winter Texans ". It also has more Dentist, Pharmsist, Beauty shops and barber shops than you can imagine. It is a very safe town as the Drug Cartel does not venture into this area, probably for several reasons. First the town is not a Drug Haven, also the Army is well entrenched on the Mexico side of the Border and the US Customs do a very thorough inspection of all vehicles.
While in Progresso , Carroll convinced Pat to have a Pedicure and Manacure at her preferred Beauty shop. This procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours so Henry and I did some widow shopping and then we checked our one of my favourite Bars, mostly to check out the tempature of the Beer. Beer cost 1.50 in MX. After the ladies were done with there fingers and toes , the four of us checked out most of the stores and small sidewalk shops. Pat and Henry found the small shops interesting because many of them only sell one or two items such as Purse ( Gucci and Coach of course ) DVD's and music CD for 3 for 10.00. Of course they are pirated at that price. Don't even ask if I bought any because the answer is " No Comment ". After shopping for about another hour we decided to check out the restruants for a late lunch/ early supper.
We went to the Red snapper resturant on the advise of friends but not only was there a 15 min wait, which does not suite my personality but the band was too loud and they thought they would give me the table located 5 feet from band. So I shot that idea down fairly quick and we headed to another favourite resturant called Gracias. It is located upstairs in the ( wait for it ) Canada Store. I have no idea why it is called that. Anyhow , this place seats about 100 and the service is great. The waiters are dressed in Tuxcedos and the beer is cold and the prices are reasonable. Shrimp stuffed with crab or a 4 oz bacon wrapped Steak cost 10.00.
On the down side; I dropped into the Duty Free store to pick up my usual two litres of Crown Royal and believe it or not, they were sold out. Dam Americans, they should drink their own whisky. ha ha. The customs agent ask me twice if I had any booze as I guess it did think i would come home empty handed. Anyhow, Henry and I will slip over to MX on Tues and pick up my Quota.
11 Feb: One of our friends in our "Sister" park , Country Sunshine, organized a Birthday Party for all those with a Birthday in March. It actual was a street party and last year it was attended by over 100 people so we decided not to attend even thought I qualified. I have had enough birthdays over my lifetime so a party along with several other old cronies would not have enhanced my enthusiasum. Besides, our Ball Team had a Team Supper that evening so there is only so many parties a guy can attend.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
The last of Feb
I have been tardy with my Blog for reasons I can not justify except to say, I have been lazy. So therfore , I will try to bring the readers up to date on our happenings since 22 Feb.
On the 23 th we attended a performance at the local High School , by the US Airforce Band. The performance was great but I was surprized to hear that these 30 members of the band are professionals and do not have any other duties in the Air Force except to travel around to other play for other Military Pers. They also play at High Schools when they have an open date.
Several of the Band members perform a Solo or a Duet. Two of the female members did a Duet on the Flute. The Band Leader does an introduction which includes their Bio and where they attended school etc etc. One of the Flute players was introduced as having graduated for a university with a BA in music and they continued to get a Masters Degree in ( wait for it ) FLUTE.This made me laugh.... as I was trying to imagine if one of my boys graduated with a degree and then advised me they wanted a Masters Degree in Flute. I would have march them to a Phyciatist (sp ).
As I mentioned this Performance was held at the local High School. The H. S. is in a town/city of 5000 Pop. but the auditorium is large enough to seat 1000 pers. It also has a football stadium that would equal to our professional Football stadium. The Americans sure do spend money on their schools.
Then on Saturday the 26 Feb we attended another High School perfomance called "Folkloric" at the La Joya High School. I'm sure you can detect the Hispanic influence. This performance was put on by the students , mainly of Hispanic decent , and it was a great performance and it lasted 2 1/2 hours. This H. S. was built in 2008 and the auditorium also seats 1000 and has a balcony. This school structure is amazing and if fact looks more like a University than a High school. I can't get over the amount of money spend on the construction of these High Schools.
Carroll's sister Jean and Husband have been here for the passed two weeks and they left on Monday 28 th Feb. They weather was mostly warm during their stay but as per normal there was many windy days and nothing has changed since. The local weather report considers a wind, blowing up to 30 MPH as a breeze. After that it's windy.
The 1 st week of March was a causal week as most Americans start to get ready to head north. Therefore we have the ocassional Happy Hour, which usually turn out to be Street Parties, to say farewell until next year.
Also, our 8 Team Ball leaque is wound up with a one day tournament and then a Banquet, which was hosted by our Team this year, was held to put the finishing touches to the year.
On the 23 th we attended a performance at the local High School , by the US Airforce Band. The performance was great but I was surprized to hear that these 30 members of the band are professionals and do not have any other duties in the Air Force except to travel around to other play for other Military Pers. They also play at High Schools when they have an open date.
Several of the Band members perform a Solo or a Duet. Two of the female members did a Duet on the Flute. The Band Leader does an introduction which includes their Bio and where they attended school etc etc. One of the Flute players was introduced as having graduated for a university with a BA in music and they continued to get a Masters Degree in ( wait for it ) FLUTE.This made me laugh.... as I was trying to imagine if one of my boys graduated with a degree and then advised me they wanted a Masters Degree in Flute. I would have march them to a Phyciatist (sp ).
As I mentioned this Performance was held at the local High School. The H. S. is in a town/city of 5000 Pop. but the auditorium is large enough to seat 1000 pers. It also has a football stadium that would equal to our professional Football stadium. The Americans sure do spend money on their schools.
Then on Saturday the 26 Feb we attended another High School perfomance called "Folkloric" at the La Joya High School. I'm sure you can detect the Hispanic influence. This performance was put on by the students , mainly of Hispanic decent , and it was a great performance and it lasted 2 1/2 hours. This H. S. was built in 2008 and the auditorium also seats 1000 and has a balcony. This school structure is amazing and if fact looks more like a University than a High school. I can't get over the amount of money spend on the construction of these High Schools.
Carroll's sister Jean and Husband have been here for the passed two weeks and they left on Monday 28 th Feb. They weather was mostly warm during their stay but as per normal there was many windy days and nothing has changed since. The local weather report considers a wind, blowing up to 30 MPH as a breeze. After that it's windy.
The 1 st week of March was a causal week as most Americans start to get ready to head north. Therefore we have the ocassional Happy Hour, which usually turn out to be Street Parties, to say farewell until next year.
Also, our 8 Team Ball leaque is wound up with a one day tournament and then a Banquet, which was hosted by our Team this year, was held to put the finishing touches to the year.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Enjoy the Weather
19 Feb; It's hard to believe we can wake up at 6 AM and temp is already 20 C and then it goes to 28 C by 10 AM. On this day we went to the vegetable / fruit market. The market is part of the Flea market but all the Stalls are run by Hispanics. It kind of funny to watch them operated as there must be 20 to 25 stalls and they all sell basically the same items at the same price but they try to get you to buy from them as if their products are the best. If you are looking for a Pineapple they will search thru the pile for a "real good one " and then say it is the best. Everyone gets their Pineapple peeled and cored. They always cut out a little chunk and get you to taste it too ensure you like it as if we are going to refuse it after they peeled it. Pineapples are 3.00 each or 2 for 5.00.
I also filled up with gas at Wal-Mart, which is the cheapess but it still cost 3.19 / gal. Thank You Mr. Gadaffi.
Later in the evening we pick up friends at the airport , retuning from the Canada Games in Halifax. They made the 10 day trip , ONLY because their teenage G/daughter was representing the Manitoba curling team and they got a blast of the real winter as it was very cold and miserable inHalifax.
20 FEB: Today we did mostly nothing unless you call spending a couple of hours in the pool follow by a Happy Hour with our neighbour as a busy day.
21 FEB: We made another trip to MX as Carroll and ( Carroll's sister ) Jean wanted a pedicure, manacure and a hair cut and I needed another 4.00 hair cut. The girls also did some shopping , followed by staying in MX for another " Stuffed Shrimp " dinner chased with a beer. I'm the Black sheep as I am only one who drinks. Of course I did check out the Duty Free store and picked up my normal two bottles. I would not want the Customs to think I wasted a trip to MX and then there is the Texas tax man who always gets his 1.25 per litre. Other than that, the day was a waste. ha ha
I also filled up with gas at Wal-Mart, which is the cheapess but it still cost 3.19 / gal. Thank You Mr. Gadaffi.
Later in the evening we pick up friends at the airport , retuning from the Canada Games in Halifax. They made the 10 day trip , ONLY because their teenage G/daughter was representing the Manitoba curling team and they got a blast of the real winter as it was very cold and miserable inHalifax.
20 FEB: Today we did mostly nothing unless you call spending a couple of hours in the pool follow by a Happy Hour with our neighbour as a busy day.
21 FEB: We made another trip to MX as Carroll and ( Carroll's sister ) Jean wanted a pedicure, manacure and a hair cut and I needed another 4.00 hair cut. The girls also did some shopping , followed by staying in MX for another " Stuffed Shrimp " dinner chased with a beer. I'm the Black sheep as I am only one who drinks. Of course I did check out the Duty Free store and picked up my normal two bottles. I would not want the Customs to think I wasted a trip to MX and then there is the Texas tax man who always gets his 1.25 per litre. Other than that, the day was a waste. ha ha
RAMBLINGS from Weslaco, TX
17 Feb: The temp was 17 c at 6 AM when i got up so by 9:30 it should be well over 27 C or 28 C and i got a double header ball game. Oh well just something else to complain about. If it was cool i would be complaining also. I guess you can't satisfy those Seniors. ha ha. The up side is that the pool will be an inticing place so we will check it out for the 2nd or 3 rd time this year.
18 Feb: Today we did a trip to the King Ranch, which is a two hour drive north of here and is on the outskirts of the city called Kingsville. ( what a surprise ) I will not bore you with the details of King Ranch because you can Google it and get the correct story. However, a short story is required. Mr. King left home at 11 yrs old and later became a Riverboat captain on the Mississippi. During the civil war he joined General Lee's army as a Captain. During the War he had traveled thru this area of TX many times and notice that it was virgin land with an ample supply of water. After the war Gen Lee advised him to buy a tract of land in thid area and to start ranching which he did. The King Ranch has been downsized to 850,000 acres today. It has 50,000 cattle that roam the ranch and 350 horses and is still operated by cowboys. It also has a feedlot to finish the cattle they intend to sell. Last year the sold off 15,000 head of cattle.
When King started ranching he had to purchase some cattle so he had to get them in MX. While in MX he convinced an entire town to help move his cattle back to his ranch and to stay and live on the ranch forever. The people did so and some of those ancestors are still working on the ranch today. In fact one of the off-springs, now an 80 yrs old gentleman explained all about the different Brands and how they come about.
While on the tour we drummed up a conversation with a couple of MX heritage. They took the tour because his Grandfather ( now deceased ) grew up on the ranch and then worked on the Ranch and became the Operations Manage for many years. We went to the museum after the tour and he pointed out pictures of his grandfather which was very exciting him and his family.
Speaking of " Brands " anyone who has a Ford truck will note that the Ford King Ranch model is using King Ranch Brand with is the " Running w". Needless to say all the truck owned by the King Ranch are Fords. The city of Kingsville was actually part of the King Ranch. The King family, now called the Kelbergs ( by reason of marriage) have donated money to build public bldgs, museums etc. They also own the John Deere dealership but I won't bother to tell you what made of tractors are on the Ranch. ha ha.
Like I saidbefore; if you are interested just Google the King Ranch as it is most interesting.
18 Feb: Today we did a trip to the King Ranch, which is a two hour drive north of here and is on the outskirts of the city called Kingsville. ( what a surprise ) I will not bore you with the details of King Ranch because you can Google it and get the correct story. However, a short story is required. Mr. King left home at 11 yrs old and later became a Riverboat captain on the Mississippi. During the civil war he joined General Lee's army as a Captain. During the War he had traveled thru this area of TX many times and notice that it was virgin land with an ample supply of water. After the war Gen Lee advised him to buy a tract of land in thid area and to start ranching which he did. The King Ranch has been downsized to 850,000 acres today. It has 50,000 cattle that roam the ranch and 350 horses and is still operated by cowboys. It also has a feedlot to finish the cattle they intend to sell. Last year the sold off 15,000 head of cattle.
When King started ranching he had to purchase some cattle so he had to get them in MX. While in MX he convinced an entire town to help move his cattle back to his ranch and to stay and live on the ranch forever. The people did so and some of those ancestors are still working on the ranch today. In fact one of the off-springs, now an 80 yrs old gentleman explained all about the different Brands and how they come about.
While on the tour we drummed up a conversation with a couple of MX heritage. They took the tour because his Grandfather ( now deceased ) grew up on the ranch and then worked on the Ranch and became the Operations Manage for many years. We went to the museum after the tour and he pointed out pictures of his grandfather which was very exciting him and his family.
Speaking of " Brands " anyone who has a Ford truck will note that the Ford King Ranch model is using King Ranch Brand with is the " Running w". Needless to say all the truck owned by the King Ranch are Fords. The city of Kingsville was actually part of the King Ranch. The King family, now called the Kelbergs ( by reason of marriage) have donated money to build public bldgs, museums etc. They also own the John Deere dealership but I won't bother to tell you what made of tractors are on the Ranch. ha ha.
Like I saidbefore; if you are interested just Google the King Ranch as it is most interesting.
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