Winter Getaway: SAN ANTONIO, TX

After pulling into Travelers World RV resort, we immediately hopped on our bikes to get a feel for the area--the 5 mile long downtown riverwalk actually extends five extra miles in each direction, so it was accessible right at our campground!  Who knew?  I love when God gives us little perks like that!
The recently renovated lounge area at the campground was lovely, so we spent a little time in the coffee bar area, just to get out of the rain on the second day.  We actually took the metro downtown, purchased riverwalk boat tour tickets...and it started to rain; so we hopped back on the metro, shivering and shaking in the 48 degree temps and arrived back before noon.

Day 2 brought sunshine for the metro ride!

The refurbished coffee bar with famous Cowboy photos & decor.

In every city we visit, we try to listen well to the locals and "grab the gusto" for the best things to see and places to eat.  The Riverwalk and the 5 local Missions were our hotspots.  Because the rain dampened our enthusiasm (Haha!) the first day, we only got to 2 of the 5-- but enough to gather the overall idea of the importance that they played in this early culture.

Mission San Jose:

 

 


I wonder if the nomadic Indians, who had been fending for themselves for many years, living on their own terms & with their own cultures....appreciated this intervention by the Franciscans or if they resented it?  As in all things, there were positives and negatives... they learned new skills, but their lives were governed by the ringing of the bell and the dictates of the priests.  The day we visited, there was a funeral happening in the chapel area--each of the missions in San Antonio still function as places of worship, wedding celebrations and funeral memorials.

Mission Alamo:

Original cannon from 1836 Battle of the Alamo

 



The Texas 'Live Oaks' (pictured above) are like no oak tree in Michigan- their branches fan out & a kid could spend hours climbing, daydreaming and reading! 

This famous spot is most known as the place where Santa Anna slaughtered almost 200 Texians with his army of 1800 Mexicans.  However, before it became a Texas military outpost, it had been a mission similar to the others surrounding San Antonio.


 

The Riverwalk is pretty amazing...the planning and execution of a 15 mile stretch, with 5 miles of hotels, restaurants, boutiques, sidewalk vendors, museums, and attractions in the downtown area is pretty mind boggling.. and it began in 1938 with the passage of the Mayor's bond issue that raised funds to empower the "San Antonio River Beautification Project".  I love the creativity that began a project like this...hurray for Main Street Otsego's desire for our riverwalk area!

Loved the Mexican flair!

 

 
This recommended Steak House (from our Boat Tour guide!) provided Bill with a delicious steak and me with a Grilled Pineapple Margarita!!

San Antonio was prepping for a Mardi Gras Parade, so we were happy to scoot right out of that area to make way for the revelers!