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.

McALLEN'S QUINTA MAZATLAN AND KOKO'S

The first of many outdoor experiences occurred at Quinta Mazatlan, an historic home and nature center. This historic adobe home. One room has bird paintings due to the site being one of the area's bird and butterfly watching experiences. We loved seeing the estate, halls and courtyard. Stories were told to us about the former owner before venturing outdoors to view the rest of the property.

We saw some birds and butterflies but not as much as if we would have come out there just the right time. It looked as if grapefruit shells were used as bird feeders.

Esther and Eunice spotted a couple of turtles and insisted on getting their picture taken with them.

Lunch was at an authentic Mexican restaurant called Koko's. We met owner Albert Suarez and did a tasting. Three salsas came out...green, the usual red, and another that had roasted jalepeno peppers. I asked how hot it was and Albert said that it wasn't too hot. Now, it wasn't Albert's fault in telling me that as I'm sure that anyone used to eating Mexican spices food would probably find it mild. I didn't and it burned my whole mouth. I ribbed Albert about it the rest of the meal.

In no order of what we had: flour tortilla quesadilla with white cheese; enchiladas, one of which was filled with chicken and topped with salsa verde with gaucamole and sour cream; sizzling fajita plate using Angus beef skirt steak; some empanandas; shrimp marinated in a garlic butter sauce; chicken flautas; chile with mole sauce; carne guisada - stewed beef; flan; sweet fried tortilla chips served with a caramel sauce; flan. The tortillas are hand made...not using a machine. Best Mexican food I've come across. I'm told that a mole sauce combines chili, peanuts, peanut butter and melting chocolate.