Sunday Jan 20th, San Antonio , The Alamo and Riverwalk

Sunday January 20th - San Antonio - The Alamo and The River Walk 
(EXCUSE THE FONT IN THIS BLOG.... Don't know what happened)

THE ALAMO.... YEY!!! 

A trip back to 1835-36...... "remember the Alamo."We have become steeped in Texas history and no story of this vast state would be complete without investigating the Alamo. Established as the first of 5 missions by the Franciscan monks, the enclave was 
occupied by the Spanish, Mexicans 
Texans and Americans a number of times. 

Happy to be here!!

Good view of the entrance to The Mission

Side room in the shrine...
 cannon used during the battle.

The Mexican government felt that there was too much immigration from the eastern States and realized that Mexicans were being outnumbered in their own regions (Tejas being part of Mexico ) they stopped immigration and started to take back the land and bring Tejas back from its self declared independence.The Texans in San Antonio decided to take a stand, even when they found out that support forces were not going to arrive; they retreated inside the mission and decided to fight to the end.

Artistic rendition of the Alamo before the Mexicans attacked

The well in the Alamo Mission courtyard

The Mexican general, Santa Anna, provided due warning that he would take no prisoners and offered a chance for surrender. The Texans were outnumbered 7:1. But as history would have it, Colonels David Crockett, James Bowie and  W. B.Travis made their stand.

Model plan of the Alamo in the early 1800's

Looking good in Alamo Plaza

To a man they were all slaughtered, about 230 people. Gen. Santa Anna spared only a few women and children and a male black slave, to enable them to retreat and tell General Houston of the debacle. Santa Anna felt that his victory would demoralize the 'Texans', instead it gave them purpose and a short while later General Sam Houston led his forces on a surprise attack and defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto and secured his victory and the cessation of Texas from Mexico. The rallying cry during the attack was 'Remember The Alamo' and 'Remember Goliad'

While all Americans are proud of the Alamo, Texans gained their identity and their independence, and so the Alamo is a shrine to those who defended the independence of Texas and paid the price with their lives.

The ruins are now historic and while much has been removed by commerce over the years The Alamo is still an amazing place to visit.

We combined this trip to the Alamo with a lovely lunch and boat ride on the famed San Antonio Riverwalk on a beautiful 70F sunny day. 

Lunch on the Riverwalk 

Duck and small bird playing a tag team for scraps at lunch

You do see some strange sights in San Antonio!!! 

Cormorants at the river's edge

Enjoying the river cruise

Also enjoying the river cruise

Strolling on the Riverwalk

The Boathouse - Catfish Heaven!!!

Our day was completed with a dinner of fried catfish at a local restaurant near Hudsons Bend called 'The Boathouse' ... a 'dive' of a place, but very popular with the locals. It was a fun day with a history lesson to boot!

January 19th 2013-hanging out

Saturday January 19th
Today was a shopping day... Costco... bought a battery powered vacuum (a Dyson), some foods and a case of 24 Guiness large cans (draught)  for $25.25/cs.... still confused why alcohol is so cheap here compared to Canada.... but not complaining!!!
Also checking out computers at Costco and then BestBuy.  Derek would like a new laptop, without breaking the bank. He loves the IPad but would like a laptop for other, more functional, uses. 
Back to the resort for a lasagna dinner prepared by one of the residents... in the pavillion .... GREAT food... a fun night all round. 
  

Lasagna Dinner with some folks from the resort.
Pool area outside and the gym in the background behind the pool area

Jan 14-18 Hist Museum/FLOOD/Concert

Monday Jan 14 - Friday Jan 18th

Austin Metro Rail in rush-hour

Tile mosaic in lobby of Museum

I hate when I get to Friday and can't remember what happened on Monday, but I can't!!! Although we did spend some time in the gym.  On Tuesday we decided to head into Austin to explore the Museum. 
 We had  a little adventure by taking the Metro Rail into the city. It is a very cheap way of travelling into the city (about 50km). We paid $5.50 for a day pass (seniors rate is only $2.75 for 24 hours of traveling all the public transit our hearts desired). We  went to the Texas State History Museum and were completely immersed in the Historical development of modern day Texas from the early Indians through to today. We had no previous knowledge of how Texas gained its independence from Mexico, only to join in the United States union a few years later. The exhibits were well presented, although we did giggle a bit during the Theatre presentation that included rumbling seats, lightening and even hair raising feeling of a locust on my neck... it did go a little over the top with the Lone Star State patriotism. But in so many ways the patriotism of so many of the American's we have met is to be admired and envied.  Lunch in the Museum Cafe was incredible... they sure know how to eat well in this country.  Shredded brisket of beef stuffed into a baked potato. :-)))

View from Museum Cafe - The Lone Star

Tuesday evening we went to a presentation on Africa in the RV resort pavilion. A couple had recently returned from a type of Safari and showed photos and shared they're experiences. We were also introduced very happily to an amazing beverage- The Beerita - whoooohooo!!! One part beer, one part concentrated lime-ade,  one part seven-up and Tequilla... (to taste).... oh wow!!!

Evan and Kyle finally got the furniture we shipped from Ontario in early November!!!!

Wednesday was a bit of a lazy day, gym, reading, internet research etc. It was a cold night and we decided to get the electric blanket out to combat the chill. The RV resort was hosting a 'Wecome back Winter Texans' pot luck in the pavilion, so we headed over with some homemade hummus and crackers. Had a great night meeting more new people and networking.  Fun night. 

Thursday was a day we won't soon forget for one bad reason and one good reason. We headed out to Costco in the morning and were no sooner digging i to the free samples (as you do) when our phone started ringing, first it was the resort telling us that they have turned our water off at the mains as they noticed some water coming out of our unit. Then it was our neighbour calling to say water was pouring out!! Left the samples and hightailed it back to discover that the inside was dry (yeah!!!) but the whole underneath insulation was bowed under the weight of a large amount of water. After much head scratching by us and several helpful neighbours, we started to take things apart, first underneath. No leak we could find... more head scratching and catastrophe thinking. We finally discovered that water inlet a pipe feeding the hot water tank had popped out and had been spewing water into the underbelly of the unit. We left all the insulation layers open underneath the RV to dry out. 

Now the good part of the day::

After a quick dinner we tripped on down into Austin in the truck to go to Austin City Limits to see Keane (a British band)... wow what a night. Opening band (Youngblood Hawke) were fabulous and Keane was a great surprise. Lead singer is very impressive and obviously very popular in Austin... packed house and a real party atmosphere.  Photos taken with Iphone. 

Hanging out with friend Johnny

Is he after booze or boobs

 Photo of Keane through iphone through binoculars

Austin City Limits venue - Moody  Theatre

Austin at Night 

Friday gave us the gift of beautiful weather after a night of freezing temperatures. Derek got up early to head out to Star Ranch near Round Rock, Texas with a bunch of guys from the resort to play golf. Hot Breakfast buffet, 18 holes, a cart, and a buffet lunch, all for $48 taxes incl. He had an amazing day and was VERY pleased to be under 100.  Just being out on the course and enjoying the warm weather and the company of some great guys. Janice spent the day basking in the sun, riding her bike around the resort and reading her book. Relaxing and counting our blessings today.  Spent the evening blogging and watching a bit of telly. 

Sunday January 13th-Glaveston Recky

Mike and Lisa - duet

Sunday January 13th 2013
Had a great time with our neighbours, Mike and Lisa, at the Karaoke night last night (they both sang and did well!!)
This park has some very talented singers (mixed in with a few who just wanna get up and belt out a favourite tune - regardless of talent... and that's great!!)

View from car... train crossing Texas flat lands.

Today we decided to set off to Galveston to check out potential RV parks for February. It was a long day of driving (about 9 hours return straight driving), but it was a cold, windy day and we had nothing pressing that needed doing. Well worth the trip. 

Many homes are on stilts - Hurricane/flooding area

We visited the Sandpiper RV resort which we had tentatively booked for February and found it will suit us fine, so no need to look further. It is right on the ocean, concrete pads etc. Great pool and whirlpool and VERY close to the centre of Galveston and the cruise ship terminal that we will be leaving from on our W Carib cruise in Feb. We will just leave the rig set up and the truck with it and grab a cab for cruise (less than 2 miles away).  

Potential site at Sandpiper RV resort Galveston

Seawall Rd - Galveston - Gulf of Mexico

Drove around for a while and then picked Joe's Crab Shack for lunch before heading back. not sure about the little messages the server wrote on our bobs, but ignored it all when we dove into the steamer pot of crab legs, mussels, and scallops, with corn and potatoes ($23 as a shared pot, plenty for both of us) .... delicious... a definite return-to spot when we get to Galveston. After a quick stop at a local bakery for a treat we headed back to Austin.

"Real Men Wear Bibs" THE PROOF!!!

"Show the love, Share your Crabs" !!!!!!!!!!! No comment!!

"PEACE LOVE AND CRABS' at Joe's Crab-shack

2 huge crab clusters, Mussels, Scallops. corn, potato in Steam pot. MMM!!

January 9-12th 2013 - Wine Country/relaxin'

January 12th 2013

Colorado river from the Mansfield Dam.

Another warm day at 22c degrees, but cloudy and threatening rain all day. We had a slow morning, reading outside and catching up on some internet research for future travel. Short shopping trip for supplies and then embarked on our first bike ride. Only an hour, but the hills here are pretty challenging and we felt very self righteous when we got back. Made some hummus in my new mini-cuisinart to take as a snack tonight to 'Karaoke Night' in the pavilion. We join in these events, even though it would not normally be something we would go to, but all the events are a sort of party atmosphere and the networking is great to find out more about the area and places to see etc.  Also, this is what this road trip is all about, experiencing everything we can while we travel along and meeting people from all areas of the States and all walks of life. (and we always have fun!!). So off we go to the Karaoke party.



January 11th 2013

LOVE IT!!

Zippadeedoodah!!!   A lovely sunny warm day... mid seventies. We decided to take full advantage and sit outside reading, walking round the site and an hour workout in the gym followed by lounging in the whirlpool and a swim in the pool.... what a lovely day. Happy birthday to cousin Gill .. great skype visit.

Nice Rocks!!

Eat your heart out Ontario

January 10th 2013
Up early and out to explore the Texas wine region.... Yes ... there is a booming Texas wine industry... so we just had to investigate.   ARRGGHH !! forgot my camera, but did take a few pictures with my Iphone that I can post.
Stopped in Dripping Springs for info, then headed through Johnson City, passed the L.B.J Ranch and into Fredericksburg, a small town in the middle of the wine district. Sat outside at a local eatery/pub and had Margarita/beer and Reuben sandwiches  in the sun, a bit cool but the outdoor propane heater kept us snug.

Howdy Y'all

Mushroom head!!!! (Antenna??)

Walked through town then headed out to a winery. Stopped at a pecan store for fresh local pecans.... OH MAN!!!!!  Had no idea how many different types of Pecan trees there are, all different tasting pecans. So of course we tasted them all before choosing a big bag of the ones we liked best. Nothing like fresh local pecans!! Heaven!!

More Wine Please

Headed to Becker Winery... award winning winery and some pretty decent wines, but expensive compared to what we can get in the local liquor store ... but we had a great tasting (9 wines) and were very impressed with the overall quality... especially the Cabernet. On to the Texas Hills Vineyard and winery. Not as impressed with the wines but the place was lovely and a great spot to go for a picnic and a nice glass of wine.
Our journey home took us through the most beautiful areas... we took the back-roads and ended up on top of ridges with panoramic views all round. Texas Hill Country is very beautiful, definitely NOT flat, and very worth a visit.

 Janice "Do I look fat in this?"
 Derek "Do I look stupid?" 

Jan 2 - 8 2013 - Hanging out for a few days

January 2 - 8 2013 - Relaxing and general settling in.

The last six days we have spent relaxing, starting exercising in the resort gym, and exploring the general area, laundry, and more organizing of our living area. 
We did go into San Antonio for one day to go to an RV show... just to see what's around and have a look at some different RVs. It was a great day and we saw some amazing RVs.. motorhomes at $370,000.... but thankfully, we saw nothing we would trade ours for. We actually found that, although this is our first RV,  we chose well for our taste and lifestyle.  Although..... we did see some reasonably priced units that had a TUB.... I think this may be a non-negotiable for our next RV... if we decide to switch!!!! 
Also went to a Camping World RV superstore just East of San Antonio and picked up neat little 'bits' to make life a little more convenient. 
Drove into Austin for one day and got all the information we could handle from the information centre downtown. It is a medium sized city of 870,000, very focused on its music scene, lots of live performance etc. We have booked tickets to go to Austin City Limits on January 17^th to see a British  band called Keane. Looking forward to that.
Janice’s back has been a bit of a problem, causing some generalized pain that is …. a pain!!!  Derek set up the Apple TV box he got from Santa and it works great. 
We have yet to go swimming. They keep the pool in the high 80's and the whirlpool at 110, but because it is cool outside, we haven't had much of an urge to jump in yet .... getting out would be just too daunting. BRRRRR!!!  Maybe tomorrow!!!! Maybe not. Been raining for a couple of days, delaying our explorations.  More to follow. 

'Our Street' at La Hacienda RV Resort

Pool Area 

Pool Area

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY

New Year's Day was amazing. This RV park (La Hacienda) used to be where Freddy Powers lived when he wasn't on the road......he used to play with Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and others with his band ("Stop the Truck"). Actually, Freddy is an unsung hero having penned over 30 country hits and even showed Ray Charles how to play some of his songs. Well, for a few years now, La Hacienda RV Park have hosted an all-day, New years day, jam session. Artists from all over Austin, Tennessee and Texas coming to pay tribute and join Freddy. 

The session started at 2 pm and went through till 11pm nobody did more than 3 songs, so you can imagine how many artists/bands there were.  What a talent show..bluegrass, folk, country, blues. Big double basses, all types of acoustic some electric guitars, all types of singers....some solo, some duet, some groups, all quality and entertaining. It was so good Derek decided he couldn't even consider bringing out his guitar!!!! Freddy who is now 81 was there for the whole piece. He suffers from advanced Parkinson's, is confined to a wheelchair and looks very frail. he is only a shadow of his former self. Yet despite all this, and only a few days since his last stint in hospital, at about 10:30pm he was taken to the stage area to join his old band and he managed to whisper out a verse on one of this big songs, gasping but remarkably in key and on pitch. I'll tell you hardly a dry eye in the 150 or so crowd. Incredible! So look up to see who Freddy is and be amazed.
Apart form the music, the food was amazing. the whole shindig was called a "pickin' party". The RV park provided black-eyed peas, cabbage, ham and beef brisket, and everyone brought something to share.... what a spread.. we ate all day, met lots of people and enjoyed the roaring fire. A great start to 2013.