Texas - The Lone Star State

The expression “everything is bigger in Texas” is true!!! Being the second largest state in the USA by area and by population it is famous for its BBQ, live music and hot temperatures. As we travelled to San Antonio, Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth we had the pleasure of experiencing all 3 before heading east into Arkansas. 

Part of the paved bike trail that took us from our KOA Park right to downtown San Antonio

Enjoying a boat ride along the River Walk

First stop; San Antonio!!!! A city rich in history and culture, we decided to stay in the lovely San Antonio/Alamo KOA park on the outskirts of the city for 5 days. With over 7 miles of biking trails, a pool, on site restaurant, clean facilities and friendly staff we decided this would be a great place to recoup after the long

drive from New Mexico. Downtown San Antonio was really a happening place. The San Antonio River Walk is a city park and network of walkways along the San Antonio River. One level below the street it winds itself under bridges along restaurants, bars, shops and museums, connecting the 5 historic Missions of San Antonio. 15 miles in total length (2.5 of which run through the downtown area) tourists can walk, run, bike, or take a boat ride and enjoy the beauty and relaxed vibe of this little piece of Venice. 

Just a stone’s throw away from where we lunched on the River Walk was the infamous San Antonio de Valero famously known as the Alamo. Founded in 1718 as the first Mission along the San Antonio River it represents one of Spain’s

most successful attempts at extending its dominion northward from New Spain or Mexico and helped form the foundation for the modern city of San Antonio. Through the Mission, Franciscan Spaniards  financed by the Crown, offered the Indians safety and food  while converting them spiritually to the Catholic faith. The Mission eventually failed and the old compound was converted to a military garrison. In 1836, after a 13 day siege, Mexican troops reclaimed the Alamo Mission and killed between 182 and 257 Texans including Davy Crockett.

We also visited the San Jose Mission, also known as the "Queen of the Missions". The layout of the Mission compound demonstrates how important community life was. The massive stone walls were used for defense from attacking Comanche and Apache people. 

San Jose Mission founded in 1720

Our stop in San Antonio was quite interesting and relaxing but time to move on towards Austin, Texas.....the live music capital of the world! It was quite a bit busier in Austin and a little tricky getting a campground but we were extremely lucky to land a site at Pecan Grove RV Park , right in the heart of Austin! We could have biked along the wonderful trail just up the road but why

Nestled away in Austin!

bike when you can easily walk to all the entertainment. On our first night we went to The Saxon Pub and took in a performance by Denny Freeman and band. We didn't know but Freeman played with the likes of Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. We knew we would be in for a Blues treat!

The next day we decided to take in some country and visited The Continental Club. It was hard to believe that at 3:00 in the afternoon we were listening to a fabulous band and the dance floor was full! Texans love to boot, scoot, and boogie in Austin! What a treat!

Finally, to round out our weekend and to experience the more cultural side of Austin, we decided to tour the State Capitol building. This beautiful building appeared before us in plain site on the previous day when we left The Continental Club. We had heard that it was a place to see and that they offered free tours.....why not? Off we went......

Way off in the distance, as the sun sets, you can see the State Capital Building.

The ceiling of the rotunda was quite impressive!

Austin was just awesome and definitely a fun city with a great vibe. With the average age of residents being only 33, make no wonder there was so much activity, restaurants and entertainment!!! We will definitely be back but for now? Time to move on to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Our KOA campground located outside Fort Worth was wonderful and away from the crazy busy city of Dallas. Again, this was a time to recoup from long drives and the party of Austin. We did manage to take in, however, the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Our visit here gave us a good idea of what Fort Worth was all about in the late 1800's during the times of the cattle drives. 

                        Like I said, everything REALLY is bigger in Texas!

Texas was a wonderful state and we will definitely be back but now it is time to move on and head East. Part of our daily routine has been to watch the Newfoundland and Canadian news and the recent coverage about the CoVid-19 virus, the world economy and the stock market is concerning. While we feel fine and are not panicked whatsoever it is difficult to predict how things will play out in the coming days, weeks and months. We will begin our journey back towards "The Rock" but still try to take in whatever interesting sights and sounds that we can safely see. Stay tuned, y'all, for our next post!