Someone's dinner

Last Friday, we took a ride to The King Ranch in Kingsville, TX. The town is about 60 miles away. With speed limits at 70 and 75 you are there in no time from Corpus Christi. The ranch which was founded by Captain King in 1853 now totals 825,000 acres here in Texas (which is larger that the state of Rhode Island). They also own property in Florida (think Tropicana orange juice). The bus tour takes you by pastures with longhorns, horses and lots and lots of land.  The main house where the family had lived over the years is 35,000 square feet with a tower that can be seen at least 2 miles away. Unfortunately, you are driven by the house. Many generations later, descendants still use the house at various times. Besides cattle, they grow feed for animals, and the ranch works with DOW Chemical to find environmentally safe methods of farming and ranch management.                                     

farm hands quarters

      There are living facilities for the farm hands, as well as a school on the premises and a baseball field.  We noticed the creek beds were dry due to no rain. While other parts of the country are getting soaked, Texas could use some.

Texas longhorn

 On the way back we saw some oil wells, so we stopped to take a closer look. Unfortunately, no one was around to talk to. 

You don't see these on properties up in the northeast. At least, Skip and I haven't come across any. When you drive around, you realize how big this state is. 

oil field with refinery was in the distance

For us, another fun in Texas!!!