Mar. 30: The San Antonio Zoo

Yesterday, we finally cranked up the beast and drove around town. We completely circumvented the city by days end. We're on the east side of town and headed north toward a camp ground we wanted to check out. Decided it was too far north and headed back south. Stopped at the Quarry Market which is a big mall built out of rocks from the area. Pretty neat place. Found Amy's Ice Cream. Tasted the Shiners Ice Cream (did taste like beer-not sure it was Shiners) but ended up with Bourbon Chocolate Walnut. Boy was that good and it had actual Bourbon in it.

Drove down to the southwest corner so Larry could revisit his fun and, I'm sure, fond memories of basic training at Lackland AFB. He couldn't remember a thing - nothing look familiar. So I took a picture of the bridge (that wasn't there when he was) and headed back around the south end of town for home. Ate Subway for supper - that was a really good supper after all the fat and carbs we've been eating.


I came back from the day's tour and sat down on the computer to see if I could figure out the bus schedule to get us to the zoo. We left here around 9:30 and got to the zoo around 11:00 with only one transfer. Not bad and beats the $3.90/gal for diesel. It costs me $1 each way and Larry got to ride free all weekend because he's old.

I didn't take the usual photos at the zoo because we've all seen zoos. However, I did take pictures of stuff that I thought was a little different or unusual. And more flowers, of course. These were taken at a round-about at the entrance to the zoo. The tall ones in the middle appeared to my untrained eye to be those ornamental cabbages and they're blooming. Maybe someone can tell what they really are.



First thing we went thru was the reptile house. I don't normally take pictures of snakes because snakes are snakes unless they're the pretty coral snake but this one was just laying there posing so prettily that I just couldn't resist. And the lizard was just plain pretty. I had a hard time focusing because of the glass but the colors came through.






We went thru a Lorry exhibit and naturally the birds landed on Larry and he naturally enjoyed it--and didn't get pooped on. More on that later.








We were walking by the grizzly bear exhibit and the old boy just stopped pacing and sat down and sat up like he was posing - so I just couldn't resist. The flamingos did the same thing. Larry and I showed up and I lifted the camera and the flamingo spread his wings - sorta like he was posing--I think it was really part of the preening process. So I snapped a couple of photos. Hope you see a theme here.

Then we saw this gorgeous growth of bougainvillea and I naturally posed for a picture. I didn't have a KU shirt so this was a close as I could come to showing support of Kansas. Doesn't clash too much with the flowers.





There was a butterfly house displaying Asian butterflies. It was extremely hot and humid in the house but I persevered and snapped many pictures. These are just a few. The heat and humidity of the outside felt really good after being in that house.





There was a very large water area in the middle of the zoo. There was a Cranes Of The World display along with every other kind of bird that was in the Texas area and some that were there on purpose. Several beautiful ducks, pelicans, cranes, both back & white swans, lots of White Ibis and a rookery of Scarlet Ibis. I was pooped on three times on the back of my shirt and once on my camera bag. Larry got nothing but he was good enough to clean me up. The White Ibis had a very large rookery in the trees around the water area - I went under them to take photos. Photos didn't turn out because I was looking up under the nests and you could just barely see the bird. But I came away with some of the digested left overs. Again, I didn't take a lot of pictures of the birds because most everyone has seen these birds. These ducks were just really colorful to me.

After we were done with the zoo, we walked over to a small train depot and bought a ride. This train went around Brackenridge Park which has the zoo, this small park and train, a rough golf course with driving range and putting greens, the Japanese Tea Garden and Japanese Sunken Garden and the Botanical Gardens border on this park. The San Antonio River runs thru the park and there are several building for holding group activities.



We then caught the bus and headed back to downtown San Antonio and more Mexican food. Larry has found a good place for tamales and that's where we went back to. After eating, we ventured back to the Alamo and I managed to get this great shot without any tourists in the middle of it. How lucky was that. I also asked the Texas Ranger that was there about the Republic of Texas. When Texas declared it's independence from Mexico it became a Republic. It was a Republic for 10 years before it became the 28th state of the Union. Therefore, Texas has the right to succeed from the Union at any time it chooses and can fly the Texas flag at the same height as the American flag - and does.

Tomorrow is stay-at-camp day and do some laundry. Tuesday we head for Fredericksburg. Probably won't hear from me until Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mar. 28: A Unique Tour of The Riverwalk

We boarded the bus at 10:38 am and headed into town for another adventure. We found the Rivercenter which is a huge mall on the Riverwalk that we had only barely seen from the boats. Lots of food places and normal mall shops. Ate lunch and headed to the Alamo Segway Tour Co. We were issued bicycle helmets and then viewed a short video. We each received individual instructions on the operation. We were pretty shakey to start with although I think Larry and I were actually better balanced and more coordinated than some of those youngins (we were, of course, the oldest in the group). There were about 9 of us plus two guides on a really fun tour of the river area. We boarded out on the sidewalk, we turned around and went across the street, down and up wheel chair ramps. Both the guides were there to help us up and down the ramps but we were all nervous. After about five minutes and a couple more ramps we were all doing really well--almost looked like we not only knew what we were doing, but were also enjoying ourselves.

The first picture is of a the highest building west of the Mississippi in the early 1930's. If you click on the picture, you notice little appendages hanging off of that building. Those are gargoyles that function as down spouts. I'm thinking I don't want to be around that building when it's raining. There is a group photo in front of a beautiful home in the King William Historic District. This was a German settlement and became the most elegant housing in San Antonio in the late 1800's. The Guenther's started the Pioneer floor mill which is in the background of the third picture. And, of course, the last picture was with the Alamo. We were stopped once and Larry was gazing (gawking?) at some young ladies and ran into the back end of me. Fortunately, my lightening quick responses and excellent balance saved both of us from the embarrassment of falling off our machines. And because they took pictures, I didn't take mine. However, they didn't take the pictures I would have taken but these will work as our memories of the day.

Because we were touring tourist areas, there were lots of people stopping to look - some even took pictures. Several elderly people looked at Larry and me with envy and maybe jealousy. Could have been "stupid old fools" - sometimes I get those expressions mixed up.

Next, we headed back to the mall because Larry wanted to see an IMAX) theater movie. I wanted to see the Alamo (go figure) but Larry wanted to see the 3-D movie, Deep Sea - guess you can see who won that one. It was fun and if you think I have a startled expression taking my own photo (and don't we look sophisticated) , there should have been pictures of me when things started jumping out at me. There were tons of jelly fish that swam so close I was trying to poke them--within inches of my face. In fact, Larry and I think they were so close that we had a hard time focusing on them. Then something would burst out of the dark and jump right out into your face. Lots of girly screaming that I don't think came from me. Two really big experiences in one day - boy did I need a margarita.

So we headed back to the Riverwalk for a different Mexican restaurant. And here we are. Larry had some more tamales and I got a chimy. Chalk up another great meal that will be putting a few pounds back on us. The whole damn week has been nothing but eating. Between meals, we have found Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Marble Slab Creamery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (again), Haagen Dazs, Cinnabon (which I didn't eat--a plus on my side of the snacking list), and then, did you know that Nestle has a Toll House Cookie Store. Nothing like a warm chocolate chip pecan cookie. WE HAVE GOT TO GET OUT OF THIS TOWN.

Mar. 27: More Riverwalk

Today was a day of riding the 4 trolleys that run around town, more shopping, more eating and more of the Riverwalk. We went to El Mercado. This is like going to Mexico but not requiring all the paperwork. Saw many of the same things we had seen in Mexico for about twice the price. It was an interesting place and actually went there twice - just jump on and off the trolleys as we wanted. They had a couple of good looking Mexican restaurants there that we may have to check out later.





Ended up back at the Riverwalk. I think this is such an interesting place and I'm sure we'll be back - we haven't eaten at all the restaurants there yet. These yellow ones were about 3 inches long with a white flower growing out the side. They grow as bushes along the river. The potted plant had small ornimental cabbages. They were about 3 to 4 inches around - really cute. The bird in the tree is a Yellow Crowned Night Heron. They are along the river walk and at one place, the boats try to go down the middle so you don't get dumped on. The Great Heron was along the river walk right at the edge of the sidewalk. Guess this shows how wildlife is getting accustom to us humans. He was eating minnows.








The mother duck had a problem. I think she had nested in this landscaped area next to a building and couldn't figure out how to get the babies out. There was about a 3' wall around the landscaping. They were pretty newly hatched and she was going back and forth looking for a way out. I'm sure the park patrol will come along and help her out. There are lots of Mallards and pigeons along the river walk. One male pigeon seemed more interested in producing more pigeons than eating. He didn't seem to care which female wasn't interested and didn't care who was around or watching. He just seemed to be kinda tunnel focused on one thing. Couple of the drakes in the same mode. Must be spring.






I found a neat little icon on my camera that lets me take night time photos. The sculpture is in the middle an intersection. This sculpture is actually prettier at night than during the day. I didn't take a photo of it in daylight but it was kinda interesting looking at night.

And the Riverwalk photo really surprised me. To take these pictures, I had to find someplace to lean on or rest the camera on. I used a bridge for the Riverwalk and a street light to lean on for the street sculpture.






This is my first video for my blog. I noticed I could add one so I took a few seconds today of a Mexican band at the restaurant we were eating at, Casa Rio. It took forever to download so I may only do this on something real important--like the grandsons playing sports - I'm sure you would all love to see that.

Mar. 26: San Antonio Camp and Sites

Yesterday, we packed up and headed for San Antonio. Made a quick stop (about 2 hours) at Camping World to get our converter replaced. Miles and miles of mesquite and cactus. Not too bad a sight because the mesquite gives the area lots of green, now that they've all leafed out; and the cactus are blooming. Not yet in full bloom so I took some pictures before we left the valley (and included some yellow blooming tree) because I felt the further north we went the less they would be in bloom.

As we got closer to San Antonio, I noticed that the trees were growing taller and there was more pasture and farm land. There were lots of crops in the valley, but not along the highway. Then came the rolling hills. Not sure we're far enough north and west to be in hill country, but this is definitely more than we're used to. East and south Texas is pretty flat.

Our camp ground, Dixie Kampground, is small and desolate. Probably the worst one we've stayed in. They have us in a row of campers that I'm sure are all weekly or monthly residents. The rest are workers who live here. One trailer, not much bigger than ours, had 6 doors on each side of it with steps going up to each. Can't image living in that small of an area. Larry said that they were probably railroad or carnival workers. Lots of empty lots. But this was the cheapest one we could find in the area and we'll only be here a week. Probably will be in town most of the days.

My daisies finally bit the dust. Too high of temperatures in Mission and several days of 40 to 50 mph winds didn't help. Larry seemed to think I should have watered them a little more frequently. So here are my new flowers. Zinnias and petunias - pretty had to kill - but we'll see.

In San Antonio - you ride the bus. It's the only way to get around. Unlike Wichita, the buses here are actually used. They are full and they drive fast. They have a schedule and by God they're staying on it. The bus comes right by the driveway to the camp ground so we were there at 10:15 am to wait for the 10:38 am bus. Right on time, we were boarding and heading into downtown. Not a half mile down the road we made our first stop at the KOA and loaded up with more winter Texans heading into town too. One grey haired old black gentleman (sounds like a song) got on with a huge black bag of aluminium cans. He had a hard time getting down the isle but I think he'd done this before.

We got off at Dillards in downtown San Antonio and walked one block and we were in the Alamo Plaza. I think we got there around 11:00 and it was 12:30 before be got to the front of the Alamo. We spent a hour and a half wondering the grounds and listening to bands from Ottawa and Earlsville, Illinois. The grounds have tons of beautiful flowers and wonderful landscaping. Snap Dragons, Impatients, Petunias, Violets of every color and several blooming trees that I didn't have a clue what they were. There was an oak tree that was planted in 1912 and was my favorite thing to photograph. Unfortunately, I couldn't get far enough away because of all the walls of the Alamo Mission. It's hard to not take the typical Alamo picture because you can really only see if from the very front. Everytime I turned around, I was trying to take pictures into the sun and I'm not patient enough to wait around until the sun is just right.

The Alamo, originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly 70 years. Construction began on the present site in 1724. In the early 1800's, the Spanish military stationed a calvary unit at the former mission. The soldiers referred to the old mission as the Alamo (Spanish for "cottonwood") in honor of their hometown Alamo de Parras, Coahuila. The post's commander established the first recorded hospital in Texas here at the Alamo.

There was a lot leading up to Texas wanting it's independence from Mexico but I won't bore you with that history now - some of it was taxes - which I think we all understand. Some of it was just plain wanting independence from Mexico and wanting to be a part of the USA - which was the American way as we explored the west.

Both Texans and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo together on Feb. 23, 1836 when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's army showed up. Nearly 200 men tried to hold the fortress against very high odds. After 13 days, Colonel William Travis, having already sent out numerous messengers with requests for help, drew a line on the ground and asked any man willing to stay and fight, to step over - all except one did. The Alamo was the key to the defense of Texas and they were ready to give their lives rather than surrender their position. On March 6, 1836 the Alamo was once again attacked at dawn and by sunset it was all over. This is the place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. For this reason, the Alamo remains hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

And, there were survivors. One black slave, women and children, and several old men were allowed to go free.

I looked at the list of those who gave their lives here and was amazed at the number of Irish. There were also English, Scottish, Germans, and one from Denmark. Lots of Tennessee and Kentucky volunteers there too. I think there was someone from almost every state that was formed at that time - not so many from the far northeast. A truly remarkable place and a great part of our history.

And then there is the beautiful Riverwalk. I am the type of person who is constantly framing pictures in my mind whether I have a camera on me or not. The Riverwalk was just one big huge photographers dream. Everytime I turned around there was another great shot. And the great thing about a digital camera is that I can take tons of pictures and bring them back to the computer to delete the ones I don't want. About the only two I deleted was the picture I took of Larry and the one he took of me holding my margarita because of the expressions on our faces - we looked like we weren't having fun and I knew that wasn't right.



We ate at the Republic of Texas and had chicken enchiladas with cheese and red sauce. Then found a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and, as you would expect, a Haagen Dazs store. Yeah, I came home and crashed into my sugar low.

This last picture of a tree that is considered the oldest tree in the area. I can't remember if it was an oak or cypress and I can't tell by looking. According to the story, Santa Anna placed snipers in that tree to shoot at any Texans who tried to get to the river for water. Now it is at a corner of the river walk.

Tomorrow, we're doing the 4 trolley cars that run around the city. On the city bus once again to downtown and then buy an all day pass for the trollies. And, then Friday we booked a really fun tour. Be sure to catch that blog because it will be something so different you either won't believe we did it or you'll be wanting to do it yourselves. I'm just wondering how I'll transport my camera - that may have been a giveaway.