Corpus Christi and 1st 10 days in Mission, Texas

After Lake Charles we headed to Corpus Christi, Texas for a couple of windy days. We stayed on the Naval Air Station that had a RV park close to the water. It was chilly and windy and I was glad it was only for a couple of days. We checked out the Exchange and Commissary and was glad that we loaded up in Gulfport, MS because of the limited items in Corpus Air station. The wind was so bad that we notice damage to slide out toppers on the camper closer to the water.  We fortunately, had a site with a little distance from the water and did not incur any wind damage to our unit.

Doris and Tequila checking out the surf at the Corpus Christi beach, which was cold and windy

On our way to Mission, Texas

On Dec 1st we headed to Mission, Texas where we are going to spend the winter. The plan was to get to a place where the sun was shining and the temps were in the 70's. So far we are experiencing some disappointment with the weather. Not seen the sun for a while with less than 78 degree weather. Checking on the weather channel indicates that the whole of the US is experience Arctic air, snow, and nasty weather. Here as I type this update, the sun finally came out and I am looking out the window seeing blue skies.

Mission, Texas is 85% Hispanic, flat land, cheap priced. Located close to the Mexican boarder with Progresso, Mexico (safe for tourist), a 35 mile ride. We took our first trip there yesterday even after a warning or two that it would be crowded. I was looking for disappointment and stress, but Doris really wanted to go. We enjoyed our trip there. Great prices, bakeries, restaurants, and people. We felt completely safe amongst the many tourist that were there. The Mexicans were very friendly and courteous. This was our only chance this early in this stay, for we have to send our Passports off for renewal. According to the State Department website for Passports, renewal processing is 4-8 weeks. We will get them back in time to visit Progresso, Mexico several more times. This is definitely a haven for shoppers. She was like a kid in a candy store. Oh boy, am I in trouble. lol

Doris with the Rio Grande River in the background

Over the Rio Grande Bridge

Entry to Progresso, Mexico

Progresso, Mexico street

Doris checking out the prices for baskets

Well, getting some good rest and relaxation, for there are no mountains around here. We did get some disappointing news from the Grand Canyon Information Center. They rejected our permit request for our planned 6 day backpacking trip into the canyon. It a lottery draw on who they allow. We resubmitted for 5 days with two different itineraries. We should hear back from them in about 10 days. If that request gets denied too, we will still go and bike ride and do day trips down all the trails from the south rim.

Until the next update!

Gulf Port to Lake Charles, Louisiana

Spent a total of three days in Gulfport, MS. Made visits to the Navy Exchange, Airforce Exchange, and both Commissaries. We loaded up on food stuff for the start of our trip. Made one trip to the casino for the 2 for 1 breakfast buffett and a little bit of slots. Neither one of us won anything, but had fun losing. lol We finally went to the National Cemetery to visit the grave site of our friend Theresa. Three days in Gulfport went by quick. Now off to Lake Charles, LA.

Arrived in Lake Charles Nov 22 and here it is Nov 28 with only one day left before we move on. The weather has been fantastic as we visited with a lot of Doris's family members. My daughter Rae and husband Mike drove down from Virginia and surprised everyone, for it has been many years since she has seen her Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.

Mike, Rae, and Doris

Doris, John, Mom, Rae, and Mike

Had two Thanksgiving dinners, one at Chimmie and Tina's and the other at Sam Houston Jones State Park. I think I have put on a couple of pounds in the last week. The family definitely knows how to eat down here and I believe it is a Louisiana thing.

Rae relaxing with her Aunt Mary, Aunt Bernice, Grandma, and the Penguin

Chimmie carving the Turkey while Chuck, Greg, and John look on with begging eyes.

Doris AKA Mom, Grandma and her buddy the Penguin.

Angel and Rae

Casey and Keegan

Chuck, Big Charlie, Little Charlie, and Angel

Leah showing her biking skills

Charlie and Alex. 

Chowing down

Tomorrow we head to Corpus Christi for two days before traveling to Mission, Texas for the winter. Never been to Mission or actually that south in Texas. Should be interesting. Until the next posting.

On the Road again

On the road again! We both got the itch to get rolling and left Bassett, VA a day early. Left mid afternoon and ended up boon docking at a Flying J in Blackburg, SC. We both were pleasantly surprised to get a good night's sleep there. Up early to eat a breakfast at Dennys. Initially we were planning on doing another couple hundred miles and boon docking another night. I realized we had a little over 600 miles to Gulfport, MS and decided to give it a shot. About 200 miles left to Gulfport, I called the RV park to see if they could accommodate us one day early and they did. Arrived in Gulfport at 4:45 pm. Set up the trailer and out to Steve's Seafood  restaurant for a great meal. Returned back to the trailer and shortly headed to bed for a well deserved sleep.

Up early to start the day. Drinking coffee as I update this blog. Got pretty cold last night and looking at a fantastic day today.

Two Days and a wakeup

Getting real close to starting our next journey. The leaves are about 50% down in our yard and the temperature is steadily declining. We are checking into work camping down at Mission Texas. Two couple friends of ours have work camped before with good reviews. We work 12 hours a week and get our site including utilities free. Its 6:10 am and I have not had my first cup of coffee. Well I definitely need my coffee. The next couple of days will be busy getting the trailer packed up and getting the house winterize. Until the next blog!

Leaves about 50% down looking out the back yard

The beast all ready to haul Sanibel cross country again.

Our beloved Sanibel itching to get rolling!