Texas

On the road again..
Up early and on the road by 630 am. Today we had a shorter drive day to San Antonio - 4-5 hours, including stops. We continued heading east on the I-10 from Fort Stockton to San Antonio.

We got into San Antonio around noon and checked into our AirBnB. We are in an area that is regenerating and just east of downtown (2 miles east). It is a quick drive, bike ride or bus ride to all of the historical sites in the downtown core. The place we are staying in is a panhandle behind the main house. The place is a bit quirky but quaint. However, the neighbourhood is a bit sketchy.. lots of barking guard dogs and high chain link fences. The little house has been fixed up a bit from the owner, with lots of charm and special touches. He has created an inviting space with with barn wood accents; barn wood counters, tables ect. - a bit of work in progress. A great place to hang out for a couple of days, where we can leave roxy without any concern. The owner has a boxer - Tucker, who is the friendliest dog. He gets so excited that he jumps like he is on a small

trampoline. Straight up and about 4 ft. Simply hilarious.

Once we got to San Antonio, we settled in to our accommodations and headed out to check out some of the sites.

Off to the Alamo..
The Alamo Mission in San Antonio is commonly called "The Alamo" and was originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero. It was founded in the 18th century as a Roman Catholic mission and fortress compound, and today is part of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and is now a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District.

The compound was one of the early Spanish missions in Texas, built for the education of area American Indians after their conversion to Christianity. The mission was secularized in 1793 and then

abandoned. Ten years later, it became a fortress housing the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras military unit (Mexican), who likely gave the mission the name Alamo. During the Texas Revolution, Mexican General Martin Perfecto de Cos surrendered the fort to the Texian Army in December 1835, following the Siege of Béxar. A relatively small number of Texian soldiers then occupied the compound for several months. However, they were wiped out at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. When the Mexican army retreated from Texas several months later, they tore down many of the Alamo walls and burned down some of the buildings. It has been restored beautifully to its original splendour.

After visiting the Alamo we headed down to the River Walk area of San Antonio. The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del Río) is a city park and network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges

one level down from the automobile street as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting the major tourist draws.

Once down on the River Walk, we boarded a river boat cruise. We meandered throughout the waterways, watching the sites pass us by while we a tour guide pointed out many of the interesting sites along the way. As the mission period in San Antonio gave way to a more established society, the river was used for numerous bath houses natatoriums, breweries, and mills.

We stopped for a late snack and margaritas at the oldest Mexican restaurant along the river- Casa Rio. The restaurant founded in 1946 by Alfred F. Beyer, sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain. The Spanish Colonial period hacienda became the core of the new business. The cedar door and window lintels, the fireplace, and thick rock walls, are still evident inside the building.

Casa Rio was the first San Antonio business to open its doors to the River and take advantage of the River's setting. Canoes, gondolas, and paddle boats, evolving into tour and dinner boats, began here and helped create the Riverwalk of today.

After a day of frolicking in San Antonio we headed back to our quaint little place to be greeted by a very excited Roxy.

Total Travel Miles: 360 miles