It's been a few days since we were in San Antonio and even longer since we had a decent internet to work with. Texas is very big, but there doesn't seem to be a lot to it. A lot of wide open spaces. I don't think they believe in global warming as none of the campgrounds have recycling bins.
San Antonio, however is an oasis in the midst of all this openness. We spent 2 1/2 days there with no presidents to visit and managed to keep busy.
San Antonio is famous for its river walk through the middle of downtown and for the Alamo, site of the famous battle that symbolizes Texas fight for independence from Mexico
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| Inside Mission San Jose |
The Alamo is actually one of a string of missions built in the 1700's by the Spanish first as a means to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and second as a means of protecting travelers on the Western frontier. Hence it was first a church then a fort. The other four existing missions are still active parish churches. The missions are approximately 3 miles apart, the distance which was considered a one hour walk for a person. Mission San Jose in the center is the largest and best preserved. We were actually walking into the church for a visit when my brother phoned to give us some very positive news regarding his fight with melanoma. What a wonderful place to settle in for a few minutes to say a prayer of thanksgiving.
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| Alamo |
The Alamo itself is an enigma. It is situated right in the middle of downtown making it hard to envision what went down there about 175 years ago when the legendary Davie Crocket and Jim Bowie met their demise in feats of absolute bravery. Within those crumbling walls lies an abridged lesson in Texas history.
The river walk actually is about 15 miles long. It goes along the San Antonio River from the center of downtown where bikes are not allowed to the furthermost of the missions. Our campground was situated right on a trailhead which made it easily accessible to ride our bikes on it. We rode to the mission conception. It was a lovely stretch of the river away from the urban setting.
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| River walk trail |
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| Along the River walk and Villita, the oldest buildings in town. |
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| Mission San Juan |
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| Mission San Jose |
