RiverBend RV Lot Visit Derails Winter Texas Plans

[MontanaGrand]

But got shot out of that idea pretty quick.
The story goes like this, turned 75 last month and started to consider how I dislike Winters in the Cold after living in Mn for 5 years post service. Now, I live in N.E. Ok and even though the season is shortened, it can still be brutal, not Mn, but too much for me. Particularly since I need to be able to get out with the doggo and walk for exercise as much as possible.
So, I made a trip down to the Brownsville, Tx area that I had been researching since it was close to the beaches around So. Padre Island. I located a deeded RV lot in RiverBend Resort and wanted to check it out as it was close to my price range.

I talked with a few sellers and called the main office. I was told to tell the Gate Security that I was there to see Sylvia on the Saturday I had planned to arrive after driving down from San Antonio.
(Incidently, NEVER take I-35 anywhere in Texas unless you have to get to 1 of the big cities. Always route around it. That doesn't matter if it looks like 2-3 hours out of your way. Do it anyway, you'll likely get there faster, save your sanity and probably your rig.)
So, I get to the gate about noon, tell the guard who I am there to see, and am told, "Sylvia doesn't work Saturdays"!!
I ask if he could call her and see if she's available. He does, or acts like he does and says that she is not available and I will have to come back on Monday. "WHAT?"
I then tell him the owners name and that he is not on site, but that he is aware of my coming to look at the lot. He reluctantly takes a picture of DL, plate and hands me a slip of paper to place in windshield but I must give it back as I leave.
O.K> I start the drive in.
Now, this resort is actually named for the bend in the Rio Grande River that extends in a wandering course and has the topographic arrangement that at places along its meandering. has Mexico on 3 sides. The place I am looking for is about 500 yds +/- to the border in 1 direction, similar in the other 2.
-I need to back up for some details about my phone conversation with Sylvia prior to arriving. After I explained to her that I was driving about 13 hrs to get there and which lot I was considering, she offered to set me up with a Real Estate Broker "that knows the area real well". I declined as graciously as I could since I do not like being steered. Realtors, Lawyers and Insurance people round out the list of undesirables. Perhaps that was why she was not available on Saturday, and I say that to say this.
After getting a good look at the property and talking with the resident across the street I discovered a few more places that might be interesting and set off to take a look at his suggestions.
Just then a loud 'BOOM' went off to the NW and a huge black mushroom type smoke ball appeared in the sky. Pretty scary for sure.
And now, CBP trucks are pouring into the place, Fire trucks are blasting horns and sirens and chaos is trying to break loose. Here I am, startled but not shaken as I see this convergence of 1st responders heading onto the property.
I decide to head out for the hotel I booked on So. Padre and get waved through the gate as guard has more important matters to attend. I'll be back...

 

[St. Michael]

Having grown up in Texas I can think of a hundred other places I’d rather to be/retire to. And you’re right about 35. One long race track. I think people get ruder the farther south you go because it’s just so damn hot and dry.

 

[MontanaGrand]

...on Monday.
(After getting into hotel room on Saturday about 4-5 pm, I want to take doggo down to the beach and see how she does with the surf. I have only adopted her for about 10 months now and this is first time for a swim.)

After driving around looking for a parking place that we can tuck into- about 30 mins, we unload and cross the boardwalk area to the sand. She's onleash and walking beside me until we get to the sand.
At this point my little 14lb Westie rears up and bucks against the leash like a bull pup, she ain't havin none of it.

She Reeally doesn't like the sand and I pluck her out of it trying to console her. We walk down to the surf and there is half of Mexico lining the shore, kids screaming, soccer balls getting kicked and large women admiring my pup as we try to navigate the surf and bodies. It's painful to see her in so much anxiety and after about 50 feet, I pluck her up again and we head for the showers.
So much for the Gulf of America. Adios.

On Monday I head back to the Resort. Clear the gate (got my dashboard permit still) and head for the Clubhouse. And guess who is not there. Sylvia, right? Yep, according to office receptionist she's out "On Rounds".
I explain why I am there and wonder why she had told me she would meet me on Saturday when she wasn't going to be available. She looked puzzled, said "She was here in the game room most of the day"!!!

Now, I can get my ire up faster than I like, but this time I managed to keep cool. I told her about my interaction with the guard which brought up the explosion. She claimed it was a house fire to the West of the property? and that the explosion was due to the propane tanks that were IN the house, Oh K. Not sure about that one.
Another Black mark.
I exchange information with her, she acknowledges that Yes, there are vacant lots that are potentially for sale, some RE listed, some not. I ask about 2, get names and EM and give her mine so that she can send me the 16 pages of POA Rules and Regs. (Still haven't received those), then leave for another tour of the property and pee breaks.
Not for me naturally.

After around 30 mins of cruising around, looking at lots and what RVs are there, how fancy a 40ft x 90ft can be dressed up and where the fairways are (FOUR!), we mosey back to Clubhouse to meet----- yep, SYLVIA!

I mention that I was sorry I missed her on Saturday, and get nothing back. Blank. It was telling that she had to think that I was never going to show up from Oklahoma and Never going to use her RE agent. She acted like she could not care any less. I clarified with the receptionist about my EM and R&Regs, saw a glance from Syl to her, like No Way, then left back to San Antonio. 4th Blackmark.

All told, I spent about $800 to rent a van, hotel, gas and Whataburgers (pup shared hers). Got to see an old friend for a couple of nights free lodging and made the determination I was NOT going to be a Winter Texan. Too many Black marks and when I don't have peace in my life -I look at the broader picture. Deeper. Not being a philosopher here, just how my outlook is.

Texas has some limited benefits for disabled Vets, but no other State has what I have in Oklahoma. I guess Florida is now in play. At least for a Winter, or partial fly in, fly out. Pup is getting certified- just hope she doesn't hate airplanes.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Being a person of faith, I have followed a simple principle in my life, and that is: If God don't want you to have it, there will be multiple obstacles of discouragement or events that will prevent you from obtaining it. Sounds like God is sending you a clear message. On the other hand, because all the doors were apparently "shut", rest assured, there is something "better" awaiting for you.

Be patient and keep searching, "it's" out-there waiting for you. And it will be better than you ever thought possible.

It seems most "snow birds" like to navigate to South Texas or South Florida. Although it's a little bit Northward, Southern Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia are wonderful Winter locations too. Granted, you may not get an ocean view, but there are some really, really great places along the Southern coast line and Northward about 200 miles that provide mild Winters, lots of local culture, Southern hospitality, and Southern food that simply cannot be beat.

I now Winter near St. Francisville, Louisiana. It's about 100 miles North of New Orleans, and absolutely love it. Other areas of fantastic interest and Southern culture would be Mobile, Alabama and Panama City (area), Florida (Pan Handle).

Stretch your comfort level a little, you will be surprised what's waiting for you!

 

[MontanaGrand]

Appreciate that Dutch. I have managed to hold on to that view into Geezerhood, lol, even if it did take me a lifetime to get it.
Lose your peace over a thing of the flesh and it's a sure sign the One that sticks closer than a Brother needs to take the wheel.
I gave this a good look and now as you say, looking East at all you mentioned, save Georgia. Thanks again

 

[GrahamLock]

...on Monday.
(After getting into hotel room on Saturday about 4-5 pm, I want to take doggo down to the beach and see how she does with the surf. I have only adopted her for about 10 months now and this is first time for a swim.)

After driving around looking for a parking place that we can tuck into- about 30 mins, we unload and cross the boardwalk area to the sand. She's onleash and walking beside me until we get to the sand.
At this point my little 14lb Westie rears up and bucks against the leash like a bull pup, she ain't havin none of it.

She Reeally doesn't like the sand and I pluck her out of it trying to console her. We walk down to the surf and there is half of Mexico lining the shore, kids screaming, soccer balls getting kicked and large women admiring my pup as we try to navigate the surf and bodies. It's painful to see her in so much anxiety and after about 50 feet, I pluck her up again and we head for the showers.
So much for the Gulf of America. Adios.

On Monday I head back to the Resort. Clear the gate (got my dashboard permit still) and head for the Clubhouse. And guess who is not there. Sylvia, right? Yep, according to office receptionist she's out "On Rounds".
I explain why I am there and wonder why she had told me she would meet me on Saturday when she wasn't going to be available. She looked puzzled, said "She was here in the game room most of the day"!!!

Now, I can get my ire up faster than I like, but this time I managed to keep cool. I told her about my interaction with the guard which brought up the explosion. She claimed it was a house fire to the West of the property? and that the explosion was due to the propane tanks that were IN the house, Oh K. Not sure about that one.
Another Black mark.
I exchange information with her, she acknowledges that Yes, there are vacant lots that are potentially for sale, some RE listed, some not. I ask about 2, get names and EM and give her mine so that she can send me the 16 pages of POA Rules and Regs. (Still haven't received those), then leave for another tour of the property and pee breaks.
Not for me naturally.

After around 30 mins of cruising around, looking at lots and what RVs are there, how fancy a 40ft x 90ft can be dressed up and where the fairways are (FOUR!), we mosey back to Clubhouse to meet----- yep, SYLVIA!

I mention that I was sorry I missed her on Saturday, and get nothing back. Blank. It was telling that she had to think that I was never going to show up from Oklahoma and Never going to use her RE agent. She acted like she could not care any less. I clarified with the receptionist about my EM and R&Regs, saw a glance from Syl to her, like No Way, then left back to San Antonio. 4th Blackmark.

All told, I spent about $800 to rent a van, hotel, gas and Whataburgers (pup shared hers). Got to see an old friend for a couple of nights free lodging and made the determination I was NOT going to be a Winter Texan. Too many Black marks and when I don't have peace in my life -I look at the broader picture. Deeper. Not being a philosopher here, just how my outlook is.

Texas has some limited benefits for disabled Vets, but no other State has what I have in Oklahoma. I guess Florida is now in play. At least for a Winter, or partial fly in, fly out. Pup is getting certified- just hope she doesn't hate airplanes.

Take a look at Borrego. Quiet, lovely desert, small community.

 

[GrahamLock]

Take a look at Borrego. Quiet, lovely desert, small community.

In particular, check out Borrego Holiday Homes. Lovely RV and park models along with some much older units.

 

[Sfergurson62]

Appreciate that Dutch. I have managed to hold on to that view into Geezerhood, lol, even if it did take me a lifetime to get it.
Lose your peace over a thing of the flesh and it's a sure sign the One that sticks closer than a Brother needs to take the wheel.
I gave this a good look and now as you say, looking East at all you mentioned, save Georgia. Thanks again

I worked Construction and stayed for a year at the Tiki RV Park in Ingleside, TX near Corpus Christi... my wife and I loved it!

It's owned by the local VFW and the "Lodge" is within walking distance from the Campground. They have dinners on Friday nights and the Campground had a get together "on the porch" on Monday's.

It was a GREAT place, close to Port Aransas and a Ferry ride takes people to Aransas Pass... lots to see and great people!

 

[MontanaGrand]

I guess I am heading for Mobile and the Panhandle of Fl next month to scope out some areas I've discovered. Will be searching Panama City this weekend to see how that fits with (ever)changing plans and decide if a trip farther on will be made. Wish me luck.

 

[Mark77]

I love good story... told a few myself, and I really enjoyed yours MG.

Have you thought about the desert SW? Been down there a couple of times now. Not much on Phoenix / Mesa, but I really like Yuma. Lake Havesu City is a close second, but more expensive than Yuma.

You'll have to fill us in on the Florida Panhandle when you get it scoped out.