Davey Crocket / The Alamo

Remember the Alamo! Davey Crocket, Sam Houston, Santa Anna, Jim Bowie, all famous names associated with the 1836 battle of the Alamo located right in the heart of San Antonio. As a matter of fact, the city literally grew up and surrounded the Alamo to the point that it looks out of place next to the modern skyline.

The image of the Alamo that we all recognize is actually the chapel and is all that remains of the larger compound. It was actually located in the back. The walls that once existed are long gone and are now busy streets.

The chapel front which we recognize as “The Alamo” Photos are not allowed inside.

This building was built in 1936 and now houses the gift shop

Before the Alamo became a recognized and restored historic site it was host to several venues including a general store and a car dealership!

San Antonio is a beautiful city with some very interesting architecture. A fair number of buildings date back to the 1800s with many toped with the Texas State Flag.

“Flatiron” construction three sides

In the heart of the city is a place that is like no place we’ve seen in any large city. Appropriately named “The River Walk” it’s an oasis that is breath taking! The re-routed Guadalupe River flows through this area and is bordered by shops, restaurants and lush landscapes. Manicured flower gardens, Cypress trees, water falls and wild life for all who come here relax and enjoy. You can have your lunch or dinner along the water way or just stop for some Ice cream and let the day float by! It’s so easy forget you’re in the big city!

One of many picturesque bridges

stroll the sidewalks or enjoy a river boat tour

A yellow Crowned Night Heron

Generally we don’t care for the hustle bustle of the big city and their traffic . Texas has three of the nations largest. But I have to say, after visiting San Antonio’s River Walk it was well worth the effort. 

Situated 20 miles west of San Antonio Texas sits the small town of Castroville. So whats in this little town? Well, not much with the exception of a nice RV Park, a new Walmart, a few restaurants and stores. But there was one thing that was hard to ignore and a clue that  spring was well underway.  Poppies! Lot and lots of poppies!

And Blue Bonnets!

A local resident who was a Viet Nam veteran, dedicated his property to poppies (the worldwide symbol for those who served) with the sole purpose of raising money for The Wounded Warrior Project and disabled veterans.  This place is a photographers delight or just a place to walk among the flowers to appreciate the beauty. All that is asked is a donation for the cause.

The American flag flew in WWI

Now I know you’ve heard that everything is BIG in Texas! Well how about a moth? Not just any moth but a Humming Bird Hawk Moth! This guy is three inches long!

The other thing that’s big is the weather. We were front row and center for several severe thunder storms which spawn tornados and golfball size hail. This one had us huddled in the parks storm shelter hoping the tornado would miss us which it did by just a few short miles!

And just like that it clears and we can get back to the tasks at hand. Relaxing!

We were so pleased that our good friends Sal & Susan Holt joined us for a weekend with their 2016 DutchStar. 

There are a lot of things that have taken us by surprise in Texas but….okay c’mon really, Cows in the woods?? Next to the RV Park??

All in all, Castroville was an okay place. It was nice to see green again and Susan had a lot of great photo opportunities.

Castroville Welcome Center