Vagabond Ventures by Vee: Along the Rio Grande

At Lake Casablanca State Park, our campsite is up on a bluff above the lake. That meant I had to walk downhill a bit to get lake shots for you, but it also gave me a great vantage point for sunrise and sunset shots. One of my readers asked if I am using a filter on my sunsets and the answer is no, the pics are straight from my digital camera to my computer to yours. :-)

Sunset and sunrise are such special times of day. Somewhere some time ago I read the advice that once a year everyone should get up and watch a sunrise, for the sake of one's soul.

My soul has been especially well-fed this year. Here's this morning's sunrise from Lake Casablanca.

Since today was a travel day, we first went into Laredo to get some gas. This might be the moment to mention that I have signed in to an ad program that will place ads on this site based on the content of my writings. Interesting to see what they place, hmm? At any rate, I make a few cents from each click through to an advertiser, so if you would like to help me with the next tank of gas . . .

I wanted to take some pictures of the city for you, but traffic was heavier and it simply did not feel wise to drive with a camera in one hand. Here's a cute little water depot at the gas station, though. I saw several of these and concluded Laredoans must be comitted to good, pure water.

What I wish I had pictures of were the many brilliantly blooming bushes and trees I saw! The only one I recognized was bouganvillia, with its brilliant fuschia-red blossoms and trailing habit, but I saw others blooming in yellow, lavender and shades of red. The first of spring in Laredo, I suspect.

Along with trees in blossom were those hanging with oranges and lemons. One of my sisters has orange and grapefruit trees in her backyard. How lucky can you be?

Here on the edge of Laredo is a stunning visitor's center. Since I was leaving, I didn't stop, but I believe it is located for international tourists as well.

My drive north today somewhat follows along the Rio Grande river. As soon as I left Laredo, I noticed that about half the traffic was made up of Border Patrol cars. In fact, I passed through three inspection stations and was stopped once.

You cannot see it, but the guards had a dog who became very interested in the driver, so much so that they asked him to step out and the dog jumped in. I thought of Chorro who always wants to drive and wondered if Guard Canine had those thoughts himself.

I amd thinking about spending some time in Mexico but it will be more than a quick in and out visit, so it will probably not happen this year. I do hope to get some pictures of the Rio Grande before I travel away from it entirely. I walked its banks in Albuquerque one year but I would like to see it as the international border too.

Farther down the road at Eage Nest, Texas, we considered spending the night, but there was much construction and the town seemed noisy. Here is the bridge that leads to Mexico, at this point it is crossing the railroad tracks but it continues on to cross the Rio Grande as well.