Governors Landing – Lake Amistad, Texas – Part II

Governors Landing is the only campground of the five that we have in Lake Amistad that has a separate area for non-campers and where locals can come fish, swim, cook-out and  enjoy a nice family outing.

This particular day, it was only this lady and I.

What a difference two years makes.  Back in 2010 there was so much rain in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua that it flooded the border city of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico and to some degree but not to the same extent its American counterpart Presidio, Texas in the Chihuahuan desert of west Texas. All that water made its way to Lake Amistad and it was a beautiful sight to behold.

A local family out for a swim

Those heads in the background are people swimming

The public section was flooded and closed but that did not stop people from parking their cars and climbing to the camping section and then down the amphitheater steps to go swimming.  Many of the picnic tables were underwater and this time out I noticed that they had new roofs.

Back in 2010

Now

As I mentioned on my prior post, I was very surprised that a new Land Port of Entry was being built.  Del Rio has two ports of entry, the main one and the one at Amistad Dam.  Unless you live by the lake and work in Mexico which many American citizens do, as they are managers or hold important positions at the Maquiladoras in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico then most likely you will not be using this border crossing.

Only time most of us use this crossing is during peak tourist seasons like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas when the lines to come back to the US on the main bridge are backed up to Mexico and where you can easily be in line for an hour or two. Though it is about a 20-mile drive to this bridge it is well worth it.

Another plus is that you do not have to pay a toll to cross either coming or going.  If you are like most Americans that like to buy a bottle of your favorite Tequila or other liquor of your choice (the limit is 1 bottle per person-must be over 21 years of age) you do not have to pay a Texas Liquor Tax of $1.25 a quart.  This is because there is no Texas Tax booth at that facility but you must declare you are bringing it or you could be subject to fines and the confiscation of your liquor.

The Amistad Dam Port of Entry is situated close to the American and Mexican eagles and they allow you to walk to there since it is still US soil without having to show your US passport or US passcard.  They can do this because they can see you park your vehicle and walk the short distance.

I ask myself now that the new Port of Entry is not on the dam itself will the same apply?  In its new location you have no choice but to stop and show proof of your citizenship.  I guess the Eagles will not be visited for long without having said documentation.  So if you want to see them you better hurry up and get down here.