Poor Thelly,all alone and unloved !

If you double click on this photo you will be able to see the lovely bridge we had to travel over to get to the Island.

We passed this boat with the pretty sail on the way home over the bridge.That's the Island in the distance.

We visited the Sea Turtle place where injured Turtles and Turtles in trouble are cared for before being released.

Today we went over to San Padre Island again to have a look around at the Art and Market that was being held there. There was a large crowd there and all types of goods were for sale, there was a lot of jewelery, but I managed to keep my money in my pocket !! The couple of photos below are an example of the type of accommodation available on the Island.I think every Hotel Chain is represented too !

We had a drink and our dinner at this restraunt.

On our way home we passed this large compound that used to be where the US held Illigals. Now it is deserted. What a pity the US Govt. doesn't allow some of their Homeless people to live in these houses for a minimal rent. But it seems they would rather leave them empty!!

If you look very closely you maybe able to make out the Alligator lurking in the water.

And as you can see by my hair standing on end,it was very windy !

At the end of the 2hour tour in the vehicle behind me. It was different !!

Yesterday we went on a Guided tour at the Wildlife Reserve.This and other pictures below are what we mainly saw. It was a very interesting commentary from the Volunteers who conducted the tour.A husband and wife team,who knew their jobs.

Walmart today 25th Feb. 2010

After we left the War Memorial we went to the Bank for me to get some cash out in preparation for our day in Mexico next week. I don't want to use my Master Card there, in fact I don't even want to take it with me !!
We then went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I had to buy myself a pair of new sun glasses as I think my old ones were stolen when when they stripped anything movable from Reg's truck.
To give you an idea of the prices over here, (which I hope you will find interesting) I bought Bananas for 44cents per pound, a cored pineapple for $3, Roma tomatoes for 94cents per pound, 2 Hass Advacado for 96cents, a cucumber for 48 cents and Blueberries, which were not so cheap, at $4.98 for a medium sized container. My new sun glasses were $10. I felt I had good value for the few things I bought. I forgot to mention that Meat over here would be about a third of the price it is in Perth.
Tonight we went to a Bar-B-Q and Auction in the Park here for $5.00. The meal was good value and the Auction was fun. So in all, we had a good day. Needless to say I bought nothing at the Auction. Have to think of that excess baggage.

A few photos taken inside the main building depicting the War.

This is a memorial where the Texas, Mexican war was fought. It was free to go in and look around and beautifully kept. I think the photos speak for themselves. It was a beautiful day but very windy as you can see from the way the wind is blowing my hair.

Please note my lovely Taxas Carry Bag !!

I was very careful where I walked !! I didn't want to walk on an unsuspecting snake !!

We went to the Cracker Barrel (One of Pat's favourite eating out houses) for an early tea.

A photo of Pat and Reg while waiting for our sustenance !!

The interior of the Cracker Barrel has many interesting old things on the walls.

While waiting for our meal Pat played a game of IQ which was on the table to wile away the time while waiting for our meal.

Yesterday, Wednesday 24th Feb. we went to a "Flea Market'',I don't quite know how to describe it. I suppose I would have to say it was a cross between a "swap meet" and the Subiaco Markets. I loved it and really enjoyed the whole experience. It was a beautiful day weather wise and there was quite a crowd there. The man in the picture below was a one man band and very good. If I hadn't seen him I would have thought he was a younger man, he had quite a good voice for a old Geezer. After we left there we tried to get to the Mexican Border so as I could see the fence separating USA and Mexico, but we became lost and ended up in what can only be described as a very undesirable end of town. I find it very hard to believe that people live in such poor conditions in the great U.S.A. !!! It seems the majority of these people are Mexicans and a lot of them look after their homes the same as the Australian Aborigines. Need I say more ??
We eventually high-tailed it out of that area and went looking for the highway. I did get to see the Border Fence but by this time it was almost dark. I will get to see it in the daylight when we go to Mexico. Possibly on Monday. I hope the weather is good.

The "Old Music Man"

This is a small Sugar Cane field we passed by. The country side is very flat around that area.

This is the best we were able to do with the Iwo Jimo Memorial Statue. Not the best photo but you'll get the idea.

This is the souvenir shop.Closed, so I spent no money there!

And this is the "Resident Cat " He had such unusual makings he was cute!!

We travelled up fom Brownsville through Los Fresno to the Wildlife Refuge especially to do the Tourist Tram ride, but unfortunately it does not operate on Mondays so we are going to have another try on Friday. Weather permitting. We came home via Rio Hondo and called into Harlingen to see the Iwo Jima Memorial which is almost next to the Airport. The first photo was taken as we drove passed the Marine Military Acadamy. Very impressive ! Apparently a lot of Mexican and African Americans go into the Marines to learn a decent trade. Then when or if they come out, at least they are able to get a decent job in civillian life.I daresay it's a good life.

This is a ww2 tank at the Iwo Jimo Memorial.

I think this photo is self explanitary

This is a funny little place we found to have lunch. It's called "Chilli Willies".With a name like that I couldn't help saying " I'll have one now and one to go "!! It was quite dark inside and had Deer's Heads and all types of things on the wall,as you can see. The sign that says "On this site in 1897 nothing happened" really amused me. I really don't think it will read any differently in 2097 !!

This Turkey never stood a chance !!