San Antonio, Texas

We arrived at the Travel World Carefree RV Park in San Antonio on Monday about 1:00pm. We thought about starting some sightseeing after lunch, but Mark was burned out from driving and so we decided to take the afternoon off and just relax. The fee for this very nice park was $40 a night but we had gotten a $25 off coupon online so we only paid $15:)

Tuesday morning we got up and took the bus to the Alamo which is located in downtown San Antonio. It was very interesting and we learned a lot about the Alamo as well as the history of Texas. We didn't know, or had forgotten, that Texas was an independent country for 9 years between declaring their independence from Mexico and becoming the 28th state of the union.

We then found our way to the River Walk, a shaded paved walkway that meanders along the San Antonio River in central downtown San Antonio, one story below the busy street level. Lined with shops, restaurants and hotels in a park-like setting, it is a unique place to take a stroll.

Tile wall mural by the River Walk

We took a 45 minute river boat tour to see the sights and then walked (we were having trouble figuring out the bus system) to the Historic Market Square, a Mexican marketplace, and wandered around looking in the colorful shops.

On our walk to the marketplace, we found the San Fernando Cathedral where the remains (ashes) of the Alamo heroes are entombed.

After a second stop at the visitor's center, we figured out how to get by bus to Mission Concepcion . . .

and Mission San Jose . . .

The missions were established by Catholic Franciscan friars to convert the indigenous peoples (Coahuiltecan Indians) to Christianity and expand Spanish culture. We saw an interesting video at Mission San Jose. Both missions were very peaceful and reverent places constructed of beautiful old wood and stonework.

Our last trip by bus was back to our truck camper which was waiting for us outside the RV park. From there we headed to Walmart where we spent the night before starting the long trip home Wednesday morning.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Thank you, Jesus

Mark was sweating. When we left Big Bend on Sunday, the gas station just outside of the park was $4.19 a gallon and he objected to being scalped for gas just because we were out in the middle of nowhere. We had less than a quarter of a tank (the gas gauge showed about an eighth) and he thought there would be another gas station before we hit the big "E" . . . But he thought wrong. The tiny towns we passed through had no gas stations.

I couldn't help but chuckle, "What are you going to do if we run out?"

He just groaned and said he didn't know. He sent up a prayer, but he figured "If I didn't get gas out of my own stupidity, He isn't going to help me!" A few minutes later the red light on the gas gauge lit up as we neared another small town. He was anxiously scanning ahead looking for a gas station, and unconsciously holding his breath.

"There's one", I said.

"Where? Where? I don't see it!"

When he pulled into the station, he just sat there a minute and took a BIG breath. "I need to breathe", he said, "I was really nervous."

"And you need to say 'Thank You, Jesus'."

"Thank You, Jesus."

 

Posted with Blogsy

Big Bend National Park in Texas

Big Bend National Park was:

A long drive to get there. . .

A steep climb by the Rio Grande on a HOT day (96 degrees) . . .

A hike into beautiful Santa Elena Canyon . . .

A drive thru the park . . .

An evening trail in the shade . . .

Camping for the night at Chios Basin Campground . . .

A VERY windy night and 50 degrees COLDER in the morning . . .

The Rio Grande River . . .

A hike into Boquillas Canyon . . .

Do you see Mark?

A singing Mexican across the river . . .

Displayed on our side of the river, but against the law to purchase

Can you find the singing Mexican?

A pretty orange bird . . .

A nice place to visit . . .

 

Posted with Blogsy