Laredo, Texas

January 5-9, 2014

Lake Casa Blanca State Park

We left Donna, Texas and traveled along the U.S./Mexican border most of the 160 miles to get here to Laredo.  Never actually saw the Rio Grande but a couple of signs for an "international bridge".  Very dry, very desolate...but 4 lanes most of the way.  I kept silently praying the Beave would be okay; that wasn't a place I wanted to break down!  I will not cry if I never make that trip again!

 

Lake Casa Blanca State Park is just outside Laredo proper.  Nice site with asphalt drive, covered picnic table, 50 amps and water AND sewer (we were lucky to get one of two sites with sewer service; very unusual for a state park).

Unlike Donna, Laredo is not a snowbird destination.  Therefore, no "Winter Texan" rv parks or communities.  The population is almost 100% Mexican; the radio stations are ALL in Spanish as well as in stores and any other public places.  It is also not a true tourist destination which leaves a little bit to be desired for things to do and places to see.

So, can you tell I'm not a fan of Laredo?  We can't blame it all on the area...it doesn't help when the temperature is in the 40's with little or no sun! 

You would think this was the remnants of a church.....note the bell in the "tower".  Come to find out, it was a science center that was abandoned after the park was taken over by the state. 

The view out our windshield

It's really too bad it was either too cold or too windy to take the kayaks out in Lake Casa Blanca.  We did, however, take a hiking trail through the park.  It amazed me how Barney led the way....and left his mark on many a "weed".... to the point I couldn't believe he had anything left. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took a day to walk a short way (only 'cause it was too cold to take a long way) down San Bernardo Avenue, a 40-block "shopper's paradise" (well, some shoppers....).  Mexican art, although not my taste, is very colorful, but each shop....same of what you saw in the last one.  Our Mexican bull grill has now lost its "uniqueness", joining with some "metal" horses along the way!!  (Note the winter jacket....wish I had my earmuffs!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next day we tried a new venue...San Augustin Plaza, where we found the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, located next to the Hotel Posada (Jorge??)  The Republic of the Rio Grande was an independent nation that insurgents against the Central Mexican Government sought to establish in northern Mexico. The rebellion lasted from January 17 to November 6, 1840 and the Republic of the Rio Grande was never officially recognized.  However, the Republic of the Rio Grande considers themselves the "Seven Flags Over Texas" rather than the well-known "Six Flags" over Texas.

 

 

 

We also visited St. Augustine Catholic Church in the Plaza.  Beautiful, as most churches are. 

Reading reviews of this area, one comment came across talking about "lingerers" in the Plaza....making people nervous to stop and park their cars.  Remember we have our "shed" with the kayaks and golf stuff in the car (we take the bikes off at the campground).  They were there....but I have to say, we were never nervous....only wondered if they were trying to sell us some drugs; there were a few "hand signs" we had no idea what they meant!!!  Anyway, it was a beautiful little park and we enjoyed a bit of Laredo.

 

Is this not a great picture?!?!?!?!?!  Good job, Ken! 

 

I'm sorry to say Laredo did not grab me to come back soon; but we will always enjoy our time in this part of Texas. 

 

Coming up a much anticipated visit to San Antonio....thought we might have a visit from Sarah and Sean....not this time; but we're still hoping future plans can merge!!!  See you there!!!