Here We Go!

"Jacob's Tails ... (Back-to-the-Land)"
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We left Rockport and the ‘Big D’ on Friday (Feb.1) and to our amazement there were people at our place at 7 in the morning to say good-bye! It reminded me so much of leaving camp on the last day – maybe things don’t change that much? Close relationships happen quickly - some last and some don’t.

I’ve decided that I am “a friend collector” – once I find a friend, I have a hard time letting go. I so value the friends I have made along the way – even as far back as elementary school.
I had mixed feelings about leaving - on one hand I was looking so forward to being on the road again but on the other hand, it was so tough to leave all the fine friends we made over the past 6 weeks.

Oh, we stopped for gas before we left Rockport and found out all the rear lights on the right side aren't working. No, it's not the bulbs - tried that!! There's always something, isn't there?

We stayed at the Lone Start Corral in Hondo (about 30 miles west of San Antonio) It's an interesting park - an Escapees Co-op park - which means that most of the sites are owned by members of the Co-op. Other RV’ers, like us are called Visitors. If an owner is not going to be there, their sites can be rented to “visitors” or “temporaries” like us.

The site we had was at least twice the width of the one in Rockport and half the length again. BUT - there's something to be said about being closer together - the people seem to be more connected! But then each park has its own unique character. They don't seem to sit out and visit - maybe it was just too cold.

That first day Fred tried to find out what was going on with the lights (and I judged a chili cook-off I got volunteered for). No matter who we talked to, we were pointed in umpteen different directions to see and explore - our decision - San Antonio and the Hill Country.

First Stop – San Antonio

Sunday - San Antonio! For a city San Antonio is not bad (if you can tolerate cities). The biggest attraction for us was the River Walk that everybody talks about.
Apparently it was always a waterway used by the Spanish to supply water to the various missions in the area. But occasionally it flooded and in the '20's after a particularly devastating flood, they decided to do something about it. It wasn't until the late 60's that it really came into its own. It's not unlike the canals in Venice, Italy. It runs for about 2 1/2 miles and all sorts of fancy restaurants, shops, hotel, churches, vendors, etc line both sides of the water. We took a gondola-like boat ride with a great guide - told us all sorts of stories - and got a great view of the whole place. Of course, we stopped and ate at one of the outside cafes!!

Then we went out to the Market Square that is definitely a Mexican Market - some inside - but the best was outside. It extends about 2 good sized blocks with all types of vendors, restaurants and musicians.

Touring the Texas Hill Country
Monday, we decided to head up into the Hill Country - up towards Bandera and Fredericksburg. What different terrain. As soon as you start heading north you start heading into hills. They're not mountains, but rolling hills covered with some trees but mostly bushes. The fields are scrubby and winter dry and brown. It reminds you that even if it is in the '70's - it is winter!

The area is one huge ranch after another and Bandera is called the Cowboy Capital of Texas.

Unique and creative entrances decorate almost every driveway leading up to the ranches. Stone walls often extend on an upward slope from the highway to powerful Gate posts. Most often the gates are elaborately designed rot-iron with intricate overhead arches depicting the ranch’s name, brand and animals. There must be some kind of competition amongst the ranchers as to who can build the biggest and fanciest entrance-way to their ranches.

We went up as far as Fredericksburg which is a very old German community. It's become fairly touristy with unique little gift shops all up and down the main street. Some of the buildings date back to the mid 1800’s and reflect the surrounding rock and stone as well as the Bavarian heritage.

Our major stops were at the Pioneer Museum - talking with a 90 year old tour guide - fifth generation Fredericksburg’er - and incredible German meals of Weiner Schnitzel and 'Knockers' with sauerkraut.