We spent almost 2 months in the Rio Grande Valley, out of Medical Necessity. During that time, I am glad to report, we had SOME fun as well!!
For example, we felt brave enough to make another attempt at Birthday Sushi for Liz. The last time we tried, in Alabama in December, we spent 8 hours in the Emergency room, as I began my Cardiac Adventures.
This time, we hoped for and achieved a fair bit less adventure!
We spent a lot of time with friends Carole and Jack Harriff, including the day we visited an “Artisan Agave Spirits” distillery in Roma, a historic old town about 50mi west of the RV Park. There we met the proprietor, Leo, who is from Mexico City and gained his experience making Agave Spirits in Oaxaca.
One thing we learned is that he cannot call his product “Mezcal” since it is not from Mexico, but he follows traditional Mezcal production processes. And the result is delicious; we now travel with a few bottles on board!
The Harriffs also took us to a boutique Chocolate Factory. These folks import raw Cacao and use traditional methods to produce various natural, artisan Chocolate products. After learning about this, we were guided through the production of our very own, unique, Chocolate Bar.
We also enjoyed a visit from the Purcells; friends we met in 2019 as we stalked each other around Alaska. They were heading towards Arizona from Cleveland, and we suggested that the RGV was right on the way (sorta). Bob wasn’t sure they had time, as they were leaving Cleveland on a specific date, and needed to be in AZ by a certain date.
I said, “Wait a sec…you are in Cleveland, it’s Winter, you are retired, and STILL pretending there is an actual reason keeping you in Cleveland!”
A few minutes later, Bob wrote with their adjusted schedule that included leaving a week earlier and stopping in the RGV!!!!!
One of the things we did with the Purcells was to visit a Mariachi Music extravaganza at a restaurant near the Mexican Border. Lots of fun, and lots of food.
We also made a repeat visit to Leo’s “not-Mezcal” distillery, and stopped at Leo’s favorite restaurant, a non-descript, but DELICIOUS Mexican Restaurant, on the way back. A place we NEVER would have stopped without an insider’s prompt!
Next, we made our Semi-annual Medical Tourism (Dentistry) Trip to Mexico. As usual, excellent service, Margaritas in the waiting room and 1/3 the cost of US work.
And, we helped my sister facilitate a birthday party for Dad…his 96th, and sadly his last (see next post). For this, we travelled to Minneapolis for a weekend.
Finally, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING sez you are old more than when you “celebrate” your birthday by visiting your cardiologist. In this case, tho, an EXCELLENT celebration, as the Cardio saw no reason we would need to stay any longer in the Rio Grande Valley. We wasted NO time getting on the road!!
Turns out to be a good thing, too!
A foot and a half of Rain!
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These are pics of our parking spot, Before and After!!
Our plan, with Cardiac Clearance in hand, was to get back to wandering with not much of a plan. We had some friends near Dallas we wanted to catch up with, and thot it would be fun to see some Basketball Games in OKC. So we started out heading North.
First stop, for a night, was Char and Powell Brown’s Ranch near Corpus Christi, Tx.
Then on to Austin. We have somehow missed Austin on our many, criss-crossing transits of Texas. I don’t know how or why…we decided to experience a few days of “Weird,” as Austin is proud to be.
And Austin did not disappoint! We discovered a small RV Park right in the heart of the City. This is extremely rare, and something we LOVE when we can find it.
The park was very difficult to access for a Large Bus such as “Good Trouble,” but we managed to do so. Not without drama, though.
The park is on a road with pyloned-off bike lanes, making for narrow passage and difficult turns. On top of that, the ONLY sign for the RV park was visible at the EXIT, having already passed the unmarked, unremarkable entrance! So, we had to make a loop around and attempt the tight streets and turns again!
We managed without bending sheet metal, bicycles/ists or pylons, and once ensconced, we were able to walk everywhere, and had gorgeous weather to do so.
When in Austin, we found a music hero…
…and a music venue (there are literally DOZENS) which had an early evening Blues show before the headliner.
The show was Advantageous for 3 reasons:
- The show was Free (no cover).
- The show was from 6:30 to about 9:00…perfect for senior citizens who have early bedtimes, and
- It was immediately adjacent to a great-looking Sushi Restaurant. We met friend Karen Bohot for said Sushi and Music…both were 100% FANTASTIC.
Austin is a ROYAL BLUE DOT in the more-or-less Blood Red State of Texas. In no way more evident than in the sheer volume and variety of dispensaries. So much weed! Weed Trucks next to Food Trucks (which seems natural somehow…weed and munchies together!).
Even Weed Vending Machines!
Over the course of three days, and in addition to music and sushi, we visited Farmer’s Markets, a Brewery, had legendary BBQ, etc. Austin is a place I could easily see returning to!!!
After Austin, we spent a couple days with the Hendrix, just west of Dallas. In the past, we’ve stopped there and used the large tarmac and all of Max’s tools and expertise to accomplish projects on our bus. This time, we were fairly project-less on our account, and I helped Max with a couple of his own. We also drove into Dallas for lunch with Liz’s cousin, Bill.
Then, on to OKC. Kind of a mini-family reunion of sorts, as my sister was there, her kids live there and my other sister’s daughters were visiting. Lots of food, a few basketball games, and a bit of hanging out. While in OKC, and without a conscious effort, I achieved Social Media “Absolute Legend” Status; all due to a knock-off Chet Holmgren shirt I was given and chose to wear. Many random folks in the arena commented on the shirt, including Players’ families and even the Team GM’s wife.
Even Chet appreciated the attire, and did not seem to mind the unauthorized use of his Image/Likeness as he posed with us, then signed them! My sister’s eyes were set to permanent “roll.” Absolutely no way to describe this other than, Weird. Just weird!
My sister and nieces also concocted another Birthday celebration…as my birthday and those of said visiting nieces were in close proximity. For some reason I do NOT understand, they all thought this gift for me was both totally appropriate AND hilarious.
It even had a bonus Reference Manual.
f**k around, find out.. what happens when they say something silly like, “You should stop by some time…!”
Our next steps will include visiting friends in a couple places in Tennessee, and in Ellijay, Ga. These friends are about to find out what happens when they say something silly like, “You should stop by some time…!”
Liz’s always warns people…DON’T SAY THAT within earshot of Dan, because he absolutely WILL!!!
Next, Atlanta for Liz’s bro’s 60th b-day, and then Ft. Walton Florida for a music festival.
However, As I write this, we are still in OKC. It is good to be with family, as sadly my father passed away while we were in OKC. The next post is one I have been thinking about for some time, dreading the day I would have to write it.
Dan, maybe not the reason you wanted to be known as a legend, but you’ll take it! Right? Hmmm, maybe not!