In some settings it might be called a river, but in Del Rio, Texas, it is San Felipe Creek. We stopped along this creek, coming back to Rockport, to look for birds. What we saw was more interesting..... hundreds, maybe even a thousand or more kids of all ages swimming and splashing in San Felipe Creek. The creek is fed by seven springs nearby. They have been giving their cold, clear water to this desert for ages. In 1675 priests coming through named this flow San Felipe for the King of Spain. Indians, soldiers, animals,outlaws, and stagecoach drivers enjoyed it's respite through the years. A city began to grow there so San Felipe meanders through the edge of Del Rio.
It was exceptionally hot the day we were there, but watching those kids swim up and down the river....for free... was really great. The springs begin near the golf course. If you travel Highway 90 you will pass over one of the swimming holes; Horseshoe Park. Down a- ways is Lions Park. They were both busy. I wondered how many of those kids had grand-parents swim there in earlier times.
We also visited the other river in Del Rio, the Rio Grande. To do so we had to drive through the massive black fence,some eighteen feet tall. The fence rambles all along the river. It is supposed to slow drug traffic and illegal immigration from across the river. As we drove along the sandy trail near tall cane it was not long before we had company. It was a familiar white and green SUV. I stopped to let them come on up, rather than tail me. Two young Border Patrol officers were aboard. I had my binoculars in my hand when I got out of the car. They greeted us courteously, but warned that we were about to come to sand that would call for four-wheel drive. We best turn around. We did.
On the far side of the river Mexican kids and adults were splashing about in the Rio Grande. It was a peaceful-looking setting. We never felt unsafe. I am sure we gave those two guys something to chat about.....those old folks driving the Rio Grande on a hot August day, looking for... BIRDS!
