A visit to San Antonio

One of the main reasons we wanted to stay near San Antonio was so we could go to the Alamo. We have heard the story of the Texans who fought and died here since we were kids and was looking forward to finding out what was truth and what was Hollywood. Surprisingly, the events were depicted quite accurately in the movies we've seen. A story of 200 men who all died fighting over 2000 Mexican soldiers doesn't need much embellishment.

Although most of the fort has been built over in the years since the battle, the main areas involved in the fight are still there. A creek flows through the fort and supplied all their water but in preparation for the battle, it was thought that there may be a siege so a well was dug to make sure water would be available. This is the well they dug. The wall with the arched door was called the long barracks and was where most of the Texans  retreated as they were overwhelmed. Mexicans set up cannon and shot them to bits. Over 160 died there.

The Alamo was originally built by monks and used as a religious compound to convert the natives. During the battle, Texans who retreated into the chapel were killed by cannon fire as well. About 20 died here.

This was one of the cannon used in the battle. They had originally been captured from the Mexicans and when the Mexicans overran the fort they turned the cannon on the Texans.

The grounds are well looked after and beautifully landscaped, not like the dusty yard it was during the battle. About 20 men surrendered after the battle, including Davey Crockett. They were all executed by the Mexicans then stripped and piled up and burned.

Somewhere we had gotten the idea that there wasn't much left of the original Alamo site, just a wall or two and the facade of the chapel. Its much more complete than that. A number of movies have been made here and the visitors centre had artifacts from the original battle as well as props from the movies. Lots to look at.

The Alamo is in the centre of downtown San Antonio. Flowing through the centre of town is the San Antonio River. Over 100 years ago they started to build walkways and parks along the rivers shores. There are miles of beautiful walkways along the river as well as canals such as this one which runs right through the Hyatt hotel. 

In the centre of town the river makes a big loop which is a beautiful walk with flower gardens and cafes. The map beside me shows the miles of river which is part of the river walk.

Every once in awhile there is a foot bridge that lets you get to the other side. Water taxis are available if you wish to sit and enjoy the view. Its hard to imagine this is right downtown.

There are miles of walkways with lovely flower gardens and huge trees.

Once we got away from the downtown area we expected the trail to peter out, but we did first. We walked a few miles and the scenery stayed beautiful.

Once in awhile we can across a grotto like this where small streams entered the main river.

We didn't feel like a $15.00 tourist burger so we left the river walk and found this plaza where we stopped for lunch and had Mexican. Gave us enough gas to power our way back.

Of all the cities we've been, this has to have the best and loveliest downtown area. If you're ever near San Antonio allow time to walk along the River Walk. You'll love it. We sure did.