Saturday, November 21, 2015

Alamo and River Walk in San Antonio, Texas


 The Alamo played an important role to free the 
Republic of Texas from Mexican Rule.


The Alamo was one of five 18th century Missions built in the 
San Antonio area beginning in 1718.



Spanish Missionaries built a chapel and barrack house. 



The long barrack was a two story building.  First floor was
an office and workshop and upstairs were living quarters and guest room.


 Memorial Plaza


Present day compound has an oak tree and old water well.

Texans fighting for independence from Mexico fortified the 
Alamo to battle more than 2,000 Mexican troops.  All 189 Americans
including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died in battle on March 6, 1836.


Davy Crockett 
Frontiersman and former Tennessee Congressman


Jim Bowie

Skilled knife fighter and inventor of the Bowie knife




After the Mexican American War, the USA acquired land from 
Mexico to form the southwestern border.


The Alamo is remembered as a heroic struggle against 
overwhelming odds to secure freedom. 

 Shrine of Texas Liberty.


This museum was constructed on the 100th anniversary of the battle.



San Antonio River Walk



 River Walk is across the street from the Alamo. Lunch at Casa Rio and
a walk following the U-shaped part of the river.


Access to River Walk one level below the downtown streets.


The San Antonio River is edged by hotels, art and gift shops and restaurants.



 About a 3 mile walk in the central area.



Tourist cruise in barges on the river while 
restaurant customers dine under colorful umbrellas.


Pedestrian bridges arch over the river for easy access to the other side.


Peaceful quiet areas to enjoy the scenery.



Bexar County Courthouse



San Antonio Main Plaza


San Fernando Cathedral was built in mid 1700s.
  





Friday, November 13, 2015

Fredericksburg, Texas Trade Days

Fredericksburg is a small town in the Hill Country of Texas. Tourists
are attracted by galleries, quaint boutiques & restaurants with a German theme.


Old landmark Bank of Fredericksburg building.


 Fredericksburg Trade Days opens once a month to the public.


Three hundred and fifty vendors offer goods for sale ranging from 
rusty junk, antiques & collectibles to crafts and furniture.


Seven barns, small houses and outdoor spaces attract potential customers.



Halloween decorations


Leather goods and cowhides


Windows and bottle decorations


Old gas pumps and somewhat scary stuff


Traffic lights, fire hydrants and old spring mattresses 



Decorations for your house walls or fireplace.


$400 for a new outhouse. 


One man's junk is another man's prize.

Very popular shopping event.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Leakey, Texas

The Three Twisted Sisters are scenic highways 335, 336 and 337. 
Popular with motorcycle riders who enjoy the 230 miles curve roads 
through Texas Hill County.




The town of Medina, Texas is one starting point for this drive.

The Apple Store at Love Creek Orchards is known for their sweet apples grown in Texas.  


The Patio Cafe is popular at lunchtime.


 "Adams Apples" coined by the owners, the Adams Family. 



The smell of fresh baked apple pies, breads and muffins 
follows customers throughout the store.


Gift store is starting to show signs of upcoming holiday season.


This bakery, restaurant and gift store represents 
the apple industry in this area.


Leakey, Texas is at the other end of FM 337 highway.  The Frio Pecan Farm is
a place where tourist's stay during the summer season.


The pecan nut orchards attracts many deer.


The deer herd enjoy tidbits provided by the farm owners.


Cabins for rent or ownership located throughout the orchard area.



Nearby Texarome process cedar trees and stumps into cedar oil.


Piles of cedar sawdust ready for the distilling process.



Incoming cedar logs to be processed into cedar oil products for 
medicine, art, perfume and insect repellent.


The main intersection of Leakey where motorcycle riders stop at The Hogpen to enjoy fried chicken, cold drink and shop for bike merchandise.


Real County Court House is the most impressive building in town.


Guadalupe River provides scenic spots along the route at Hunt, Texas.


A landowner in Hunt, Texas built a structure that reminded him of the 
original Stonehenge in England.



Another friend of the landowner added this copy of 
South Pacific Easter Island Statue.

All this artwork was moved from the ranch in Hunt to the 
Hill County Arts Foundation property in Ingram, Texas.