MISSION AND HIDALGO

We then met with the Mission Chamber of Commerce for the next part of the tour. Los Ebanos Ferry would have been viewed if it weren't out of commission, due to the water height...or low...at the Rio Grande. Butterfly Park was the destination. To really get the best experience, you have to arrive at the right time of day. Not many butterflies were viewed. People from all over come to see the species when they are spotted. Where there are butterflies, there are also birds. So, this is somewhat of another birding center as well.

For one of the best, the World Birding Center headquarters can be an awesome experience. The park is pretty large and has several areas including one near the docks where you can also have a picnic. They do give a sightseeing tour via a tram. We were able to ride in a truck. At one point, Esther and Eunice insisted on sitting atop a feeder but were ignored by the other birds. Bird watching here can be a most relaxing experience as well. These birding and butterfly centers allow you to get pretty close to them.

We later went down near the Rio Grande to see how near we were to Mexico. Boats and kayaks are allowed along the river.

One of the close Mexican border cities is Hidalgo which is not far from the arena that we went to when we saw the Vipers play.

Hidalgo Lights was the attraction as lights were crafted in figures, letters, etc. and placed at parks around the town. We took a trolley tour from what appeared to be the town center, which had lights set up all around it. There was celebration in music and food. We could see a few houses lit up for Christmas as well.