Zebulon Montgomery Pike Trail to Red River, Mexico Journey 1807

Day 31: October 28th, 2003 San Antonio (The Alamo, River Walk, Mission Concepción)

Unfortunately I am not awake as early as I hoped to. But therefore I find the Cracker Barrel without searching around, because I already past it yesterday on my search for the Outback Steakhouse. After breakfast I drive immediately over to the gas station at the corner. At a quarter past nine I drive in direction of I–10 to San Antonio.

There I turn onto I–35 and I–37 North. Finally I reach the exit to the Riverside Mall Parking. But the direct way is blocked by a road construction. So I am driving exactly the same way which we drove five years ago. The parking entrance is not really high, but still enough for my little truck. As usual I drive a little bit further up, because there are usually the better parking spots. I find one on the second floor next to the Mall entrance. I take the elevator down and walk over the short distance to Fort Alamo.

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

Unfortunately there is still no sun at the front entrance. But I take some pictures anyway. Now I am really between the tourists. Actually this is not what I am looking for. But I have to deal with it. All in all I want to have some pictures of The Alamo. And I am even able to get some nice shots. Only sometimes you get the impression that these tourists really put themselves in my picture by intention.

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

It is not allowed to video tape or take pictures in the main building of the old Fort. It is also forbidden in the small adjacent museum. A museum employee puts herself next to me and almost dislocate her neck to see my camera. When she realize my questioning look she apologizes and explains she just wanted to be sure that I am not video taping. But when she realizes that I have the cap on my camera she is calmed down. Seems like they are really picky here. At least you don’t have to pay an entrance fee.

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

I buy some picture post cards at the local gift shop before I go outside to have some video and pictures from there. There are a bunch of big signs, which tell the whole history from the beginning with the Spanish up to almost nowadays. To my surprise, they also mention my hero Zebulon Montgomery Pike, which footsteps I am currently following. But he only went to San José, which is a bit more to the south. Anyways, I will be there also tomorrow.

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

But now it’s time to see the River Walk. There the San Antonio River has been constrained in channels and via locks some of the water runs through the downtown of San Antonio. At the river banks are numerous restaurants. It almost feels like being in Europe. The people are sitting outside and enjoy the atmosphere. This all has a feeling of being in Italy.

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

There are river cabs on the river where the tourists can book a ride with explanations of this area along the river ride. Also a Sheriff patrols along the river with his boat. When you start your hike along the river with its numerous small fountains along the way you would not imagine how vast this area is. All in all I hike for several hours along the branches, whereas most of the action is concentrated around the restaurants.

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

River Walk, San Antonio, TX

When you reach the outskirts you see more exclusive hotels and company buildings like banks. But if you can spend the time you should plan it in, because there are some really nice buildings to see. After several hours of hiking I arrive pretty exhausted at my car.

The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

I put my camera back in my car and walk back to the mall. I am still in the need of a gift for back home. Originally I planned to look for some Indian jewelry in Albuquerque. But I was not able to find something nice. I don’t expect to find something like that here in San Antonio, but who knows. Maybe I find something nice in here.

After walking along the shops for a while I reach a store called “The Reservation”. The name sounds very promising, so I give it a try. I take a close look at the whole exhibition for at least 10 minutes without being bothered by any sales guy — this is really great!

When I arrive at the counter with a questioning look they give me an extensive consulting service. With my already made preselection I am able to figure out something suitable pretty soon. Additionally I learn a lot about the different meanings of the Indian jewelry symbols. The eagle is the symbol for wishes, which should be carried to the big spirit. The bear is the symbol of power and so on.

The owner buys the jewelry directly from the tribes. So he has a chance to learn all about the different meanings. Seems like I have been really lucky here. At a quarter past three I return to my car. Now I am really anxious to see how much these couple of hours parking will be charged. It’s $6.25 — looks like I have been at worse places.

Now I am planning to follow the Mission Trail, which links all the missions of this area. Nowadays you are able to drive most of the trail by car. But somehow I miss the right exit. After a brief detour I arrive at the desired Mission Trail.

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

The first mission is Mission Concepción. This was the mission, which we were not able to see five years ago. But at that time we had to do all missions within one day, because we did not have enough time. Now I am very glad, that I was able to save one day on my way. This one was well invested with The Alamo, The River Walk and the mission.

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Partly I take the same pictures as five years ago, but this time additionally with my video camera. I am really lucky with the weather. It is again very warm and the sun is shining. It couldn’t be better. Only the road is closed from this mission to the next mission Mission San José. Probably the river also took its toll here. I remember, that we crossed many small creeks back then, who ran over the road. Maybe one of these “small creeks” took away part of the road during the last rain.

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Mission Concepción, San Antonio, TX

Just past five, when the mission closes, I walk back to my car. I try to start a conversation with someone who has a professional Nikon equipment with him. But I was not able to get more information from him than that he is doing this as a hobby — that is sad. Some people don’t really like to talk…

There is not enough time left for the other missions. Therefore I drive back to my motel to check the video taping of today and to plan the trip for tomorrow. Then I am driving again over to the Outback Steakhouse for my 12 ounce Outback Special. Around a quarter past nine I pay and drive back to my motel.