Noisy, but Nice

Leaving Del Rio, Texas, this morning about 10:30, we have made our way 169 miles south to Laredo.  We're overnighting at a Texas Welcome and Information Center just north of town, in between train tracks and I 35.

The trip from Del Rio was uneventful (thank goodness) and gave us yet another look at West Texas and the South Texas Oil Patch.

As you can see, cloud cover has moved in, and while the temp has remained in the 80's, the humidity has gone from 13% in Del Rio to 54% in Laredo. This area endured some of the relentless rain that caused so much damage in the south and southeast, so there are puddles of standing water everywhere.

We are set up at the west end of the parking lot at the Visitors Center, but what you can't see in this pic is that the satellite dish antenna is up, the local tv station antenna is positioned, the awning is out, and the BBQ is soon to be out! All of this has been blessed by the staff inside. I like Texas Welcome Centers!

The view from our "front door" is, with a nod to Michigan, "Pure Texas".

Texas is renowned for its Welcome Centers, and this one in Laredo is no exception. While a bit small in the parking department, it more than makes up for that shortfall with the beautiful grounds around the nicely air-conditioned center.

A large metal sculpture at the entrance defines the location of Laredo.

US Customs has set up a satellite office here for the benefit of persons crossing the border. Anything brought across the border must be declared and a fee paid. Inside the Visitors Center building, two ornate Mexican saddles are on display; they were confiscated when they were not declared, and after the trial and legal matters were attended to, the saddles were donated to the Visitors Center. The value is said to be over $12,000.

Sad loss for the person making a bad decision.

The grounds are studded with flowers in full bloom.

So, after driving US 277 through Eagle Pass, and turning onto US 83 through Carizzo Springs, Asherton and Catarina in the heart of the Oil Patch, we ended up just north of Laredo. Tomorrow should see us at the most southern point in Texas that we'll see this year. Hopefully, it will work out!