Well, sort of a rough night. The wind comes up, thunderstorms move in, and the lightning strikes are too fast to count and too fast for the camera to capture. We get a flashlight out and also a candle and flamethrower – just in case the power goes off. The radar (on our phones) shows strong lines of storms moving from the southwest to northeast for quite some time. A little after 3am – things settle down and we try to get some sleep.
Wow – tornados hit San Antonio and are especially destructive in the northeastern part of San Antonio. Wait – we were going to be staying there but changed our minds. This is the third time we have been extremely lucky about weather. After we traveled through New Orleans – two days later they were hit with tornadoes. The day after we passed through Rosenberg, TX they were hit by tornadoes. No one lost their lives in these storms but there was a lot of damage in all three locations.
We don’t know what to say – except “Thank You Lord”. This day is sunny and warm – yes!
Dale sees this on the back of a Jeep and he has to have the photo – he feels like it is our mantra.
After breakfast we head for San Antonio – the weather is great – warm enough and all systems go.
Lots of industry in the Pleasanton area.
Our first destination is the Alamo and the gentlemen that checked us into our hotel yesterday was kind enough to print out maps and attractions for us. Driving around San Antonio isn’t too bad and we find a Public Parking lot. The sign said $5.00 but when we get to the kiosk the true fee is $5.oo for one hour or $15.00 for five hours. The card reader isn’t working and you need to know your license plate number as well as have cash. There is quite a backup here as most people are not prepared at all. C’mon folks—learn your plate number!!
Dale thought he was at the Alamo with his eldest brother 35 years ago – but remembers nothing about it. Maybe he wasn’t here after all – “Remember the Alamo”. Evidently not.
The Alamo is not only an historical place important to Texans – but a spiritual place important to freedom lovers everywhere.
The church is much smaller than we expect. But so beautiful and quiet and very old. There are flags and plaques for each of the men who fought at the Alam0. Surprising to us are the number of non-Texans who came to Texas to help make Texas free from Mexico. The loss of life is overwhelming. The women and children were moved into the church – but in the end. Santa Ana won and everyone was killed. Years later, Sam Houston was able to defeat Santa Ana and Sam is responsible for the phrase: “Remember the Alamo” as he lead his troupes to victory.
The entire complex is quite large and covers a lot of territory. The Daughters of Texas have been able to gather funds to restore a lot of the fort. We are unable to take photos inside the church but we can outside. The grounds are well maintained and lovely.
There is a short film about the history of the Alamo and its importance to Texas. We are trying to listen carefully but there is a group of loud ladies just outside the theater discussing their lunch options. They have no respect and we try to shush them but they are oblivious. Guess we know what their priorities are.
As we walk down the street from the Alamo – this sign catches Dale’s eye – I think he is disappointed to find the bus is topless (open air).
This city is extremely walkable – so we set out to explore and find the famous San Antonio River Walk.
There is good signage everywhere so we can easily find maps and where to purchase tickets for the boat tour of the canals. People seem very friendly and happy so there is a good positive vibe all around.
The River Walk is actually a full story down (beneath) the main streets. The canal system was originally created for flood control of the San Antonio River. The River Walk is an extension of the canal system created for HemisFair ’68 (World’s Fair).
There are so many shops, art work, parks, bars, restaurants, and people everywhere!
After a great Tex-Mex lunch at “The Republic of Texas” and miles of walking – we walk up the stairs to get some dessert. Great ice cream here! We wander the streets and enjoy the architecture and try to find our way back to the car.
Found the car! Easy access to the expressway and back to our hotel. What a great day! Tired out from all the walking though! Where to go for dinner? The front desk people recommend a little Italian place right down the street. Sounds good!
And it is Very Good eggplant parmesan and a combo of ravioli, lasagna and chicken! Nice way to end a nice day!
Hopefully a quieter weather night tonight and some more rest.