The Journal. Los Angeles to Daytona...

Day 8 – I’m a Cowboy Baby – Del Rio to San Antonio.

This morning we were greeted by a beautiful sunrise and already so early (ca 6.30am) we could feel the higher temperatures, yippee, no need no to adorn waterproofs.   Albeit slightly chilly, the great yellow orb in the sky returned like a welcomed friend.  Today was planned to be a short day ca 160 miles, so as to arrive into San Antonio with time to spare to see the sights and meet some friends who are on assignment to the US, for dinner that evening.

Continuing to head east on the 90, it was already clear that with the increased traffic witnessed yesterday it was getting even heavier. Its all relative I guess when compared to lone desert roads.   We passed many cattle ranches, in fact some were of the factory scale, enormous in side with thousands of cattle awaiting their fate. As if we needed reminding we were in Texas, the ‘trucks’ that are used as general cars are bigger than most delivery trucks in the US. Most of these have their obligatory fifth wheel hook for trailers and campers.

We passed through some lovely named towns; Bracketville, Uvalde, Knippa, with signs to Kickapoo and

Hondo, not Honda as our friend Darrel was hoping for.

We did take fuel in these small towns and grabbed mid morning snack at the Hondo Café in Hondo for our good friend.   A lovely small Mexican run diner right on the side of the road that serves traditional foods, huevos rancheros for example, as well as home made fruit pies – including Lemon Meringue.

Soon we arrived at the outskirts of San Antonio (SA), with its immaculate high-rise blocks and interlocking freeways. Having checked into our rooms we walked into town, visited the Alamo and took a river cruise.

The river walk area is such a pleasure and is by and large concentrated around the Alamo Plaza area. It is evident since we were here last almost ten years ago that a major reinvestment plan has been well under way and shows no signs of slowing down

The Alamo is poignant reminder of the conflict we continue to endure upon ourselves as a species, whether borne out of beliefs, skin color or ground occupancy, many have and many will continue to die

for these ideologies. We need these places to remind us how futile it is.  SA nightlife is boisterous and so colorful and takes on a completely different look with brightly colored streetlights adorning the river walk accompanied by tavern and restaurants. Our evening meal of steak, shrimp and salad was made even more enjoyable with old friends, many tales, drinks and much laughter later we departed ways until the next time.

Laner
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