One long strip mall

I thought the drive to west Texas would be all sagebrush and cactus but the highway between South Padre Island to McCallen was one long strip mall with HEB supermarkets every 5 - 10 miles and Dairy Queens frequently scattered in between. After McCallen, to Falcon State Park, where we are camped tonight, there were small, non-descrip towns and periodic signs for the bridge to Mexico; we travelled right along the Rio Grande.

Falcon State Park is located on the shores of Falcon Reservoir which claims to have world-class bass fishing that draws anglers from across the US to the 98,960-surface-acre lake. They also claim to have great birdwatching. Sometimes I wonder why we visit these parks since we are neither anglers or birders, but we sure enjoy being outdoors in beautiful or intriguing scenery.

Something of interest on the drive today - we saw one of the blimps in the air above McCallen. Then this one was tethered on the ground about ten miles from the park. They are huge. (The small white "ball" is a plastic bag caught in the bushes.)

Park Headquarters at Falcon State Park.

First time I have seen a St. Patrick's Day tree; it's in the park office.

There is a big loopy road through the park and trails that encircle the road. Once again we strung together a number of trail to hike 4 miles.

A mesquite tuckamore. We are not complaining, but it was 40 degrees out. On Tuesday, next week, it is supposed to be 92 degrees but, we won't be here.

A view of the reservoir from the trail.

Lots of cactus and rabbits on this trail.