A cold front blew through Corpus Christi overnight (up to 40 mph gusts) and, although the temperatures were a little down this morning (low 60s), we were treated to almost clear skies today. Consequently, breakfast on the 11th floor of our hotel was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the spectacular view over Corpus Christi Bay and all the boats. The breakfast was excellent, but paired with the view, it had one of our women believing she was on a cruise ship.
A one hour south of Corpus Christi brought us to the King Ranch, the world's largest privately owned ranch at 825,000 acres. Dusty, our step-on guide for the 10-mile circle through some of the property, gave us so much interesting information on this multi-faceted operation. We saw
longhorns, Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz breeds of cattle. We also saw many quarter horses, many with babies. We learned that farmers are delaying planting crops because of the current drought. We saw a number of birds plus white-tailed deer right on the front lawn of the main ranch house. Our noon lunch was a barbecue at one of the bunkhouses out by itself on the ranch. The food was good, and even though it was breezy, many chose to eat outside and enjoy the 84 degree temperature and sunshine. One last stop was in the town of Kingsville at the saddle shop with a stop for ice cream at the drug store.
longhorns, Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz breeds of cattle. We also saw many quarter horses, many with babies. We learned that farmers are delaying planting crops because of the current drought. We saw a number of birds plus white-tailed deer right on the front lawn of the main ranch house. Our noon lunch was a barbecue at one of the bunkhouses out by itself on the ranch. The food was good, and even though it was breezy, many chose to eat outside and enjoy the 84 degree temperature and sunshine. One last stop was in the town of Kingsville at the saddle shop with a stop for ice cream at the drug store.
Our afternoon drive was primarily through miles of land almost taken over by mesquite. The roots grow so deep that it is virtually impossible to kill the tree. It is not a desirable addition to ranch land, although it does provide shelter for animals on acreages leased for hunting.
By mid-afternoon we had reached the Rio Grande Valley. We did see one farmer out planting and a couple others working their fields. We stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial, an impressive original plaster model for the bronze sculpture in Arlington, VA. The small museum and gift shop also provided much interesting information.
From there we drove west to McAllen. A brief city tour gave us a look at this City of Palms. Many trees are leafed out, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the grass is green, and we are so happy to be here! - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director
By mid-afternoon we had reached the Rio Grande Valley. We did see one farmer out planting and a couple others working their fields. We stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial, an impressive original plaster model for the bronze sculpture in Arlington, VA. The small museum and gift shop also provided much interesting information.
From there we drove west to McAllen. A brief city tour gave us a look at this City of Palms. Many trees are leafed out, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the grass is green, and we are so happy to be here! - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director
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