Day 98 - San Antonio

Rained again last night and left puddles in the RV Park.......

And the exit road flooded.   There are two one way streets that led to and from the RV Park.   The West bound led to the park, and we could have used it to exit and go West except it had an underpass that was only 12'.   We need 12'8" for the trailer.   If the Eastbound road pictured here wasn't flooded there would be no problem.   I was not excited about the idea of driving the trailer through water when there was no way to tell if the road was washed out or full of some deep ruts.   So my plan was to go the wrong way on the Eastbound one way street until I had passed the flooded portion of the correct one way street, then cross over to it.  I figured if an officer saw me I would explain my reasoning and take my chances of exoneration.  

Just as we were getting ready to depart Joe and Catherine showed up at the park.   He had made three successful passes via the beach with only a few pot holes full of water and not deep enough to cause a problem.

He led us out of the park and across the beach.

An appreciated escort to the freeway and on our way North. 

Thanks Joe and Catherine.  Nice lead.  

We did pass a police car, fortunately we were not pulled over since we did not have to go the wrong way on a one way street so we are still law abiding citizens sporting a smile, a wave, and muddy tires.

The overpasses and bridges in the South are something else.  The reason that they are building the overpasses so high is that with the deepening and widening of the Panama Canal, these overpasses are high enough to allow the new Super Tankers to pass below.

After getting set up in the RV Park we went downtown to the River Walk.

We grabbed some food at the food court and ate canal side.

Then we walked off lunch by touring the entire walk.   

I would guess it is a couple of miles to completely circle it.

Very beautiful.

We found our lunch place for tomorrow.  They brag a great Ruben Sandwich and Black and White Onion Rings.   The batter has two different ales in it.  

Then we continued our walk.

Martha found a plant thriving here that her mom loved, and it reminded her of mom.

Shops and Restaurants line the River Walk.

Oh and some duck chicks.  These are the only chicks I am allowed to look at however there were multiple varieties of 'chicks' on the walk as well.  (not pictured)

A Franciscan Priest, Saint Antonio, has his statue here.

Then we discovered Willie Wonka's rival, I believe its owned by a guy named Slugworth.

Then over to the Alamo.   It is right next door to the River Walk.

Beautiful Grounds.

This is where the hospital rooms were and where Jim Bowie sealed his fate.

A Vietnam type memorial wall with the names of the 200 men who died when Santa Anna stormed the Alamo in 1836.  Among the names, James Bowie.....

And the guy that was born on a mountain top in Tennessee, David "Davey" Crockett.

Santa Anna took over the Alamo just as Texas was being admitted to the Union which prompted Sam Huston and Federal Troops to take it back.  His charging attack coined the expression, "Remember the Alamo".  Over 600 Mexican soldiers were killed.  And captured was Santa Anna himself.   He was released on the condition that he would withdraw from Texas.  That lead to the war of 1845 with Mexico trying to take Texas back and eventually a US victory which followed with Santa Anna Ceding the future states of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California to the United States.   One of the reason Texans are so proud of their state because the victory in Texas led the way to the United States as it is today and the world power it has become.

Tomorrow we go back to the River Walk for that Ruben Sandwich and Onion Rings.   (Possibly an Irish brew as well) We should be there about 11:30 if you'd like to meet us there.  The BLOG just went over 6,000 views, so if you are planning to join us, it's dutch treat.  Sorry.