RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS JANUARY 28, 2014

The next day we decided to drive through the Rio Grande Valley.   It was a cold morning...as we drove inland all the sage brush was covered with ice.

The visitor's center recommended the Las Vegas Cafe for lunch.  It was a very popular local spot as you can see from the picture on left.  Good food...and we had enough leftover to cover our dinner that night!

Anyone know what this is?   This is one of many control valves for the irrigation systems which are along the approximately 50 mile drive of the Rio Grande Valley.

Quinta Mazaltan adobe house...this is the sight of a bird sanctuary..one of many along the Rio Grande Valley.

Another view of the house.

Just one of the type of the birds seen here.

Inside the house...beautiful tile work framing an archway.

Courtyard of the home.

Another stop on our drive...Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle National Shrine

The Altar...the church seats 3,500 people.

Closer look at the back drop of the altar.

People come here to collect Holy Water...I saw a man filling a gallon jug with it.