Meridian

 We are sitting here enjoying the rain drops falling on the awning. Could have made it back to Alvord very easy but confess to total lack of desire to do so.

 A couple of items worth noting.

 This park, as well as many Texas state parks, owe their existence to the hard work of the CCC's back in the 1930's. In fact the Mission in Goliad would have been lost if not for their efforts. Mary's Dad served in the CCC's and helped build a park in Phoenix. We have enjoyed Texas parks for decades and always think of the hard work done.People today would consider being in the CCC's as punishment. My how far down the slope we as a people have slid. Work ethic replaced by self centered "what's in it for me" attitude.

 The park at Canyon Lake, Cranes Mill, was not a state park but a Corp of Engineer's park. Most of it was closed due to spring flood damage. We rode bikes thru the closed area and suspect a team of CCC's could have it cleaned and functioning inside a week. Sad

Writer steps down from soap box for the moment...



carpe diem...

Catch up

 Well i guess I left you hanging for a couple of days. We did fight our way over to the giant outlet centers in San Marcos. Picked up some items we needed/wanted but did not spend much time. We then drove into downtown and the campus of Texas State University. After wandering around in car following conflicting signs we gave up. Never found library, never found a place to park so we could walk and search. Maybe another time...

 Had a nice visit with friends from San Antonio, Tom and Diane, who drove up. Had not seen them in 18 months or so. Today we move to Meridian for three days then back to the stationary house. We will be there one month then we head west for 2 months, 2016 should have a lot of road trip time if our plans hold up.

Canyon Lake

 The second time we have ever camped around this lake. We were not in this park the last time. Speaking of the last time, based on who we were with, our guesstimate is sometime in 1973. To be sure nothing looks like it did all those years ago. Not sure why we have not camped here more often. On tap for tomorrow is library at Texas State University for me and outlet mall for Mary.

A little history

 Most, if not all Texas children know of the 13 days of glory during the siege of the Alamo. The Alamo and the siege is probably the best known historical spot in all of Texas. And it deserves recognition to be sure. However another site is far less mentioned, yet more significant in ways.

 During the siege, Colonel Fannin and his men were in Presidio la Behia near Goliad. An attempt to send help to the Alamo failed. Word that the Mexicans under General Urrea were approaching Goliad, Fannin was ordered to retreat. He did not get far before being surrounded near Coleto. After fighting for a time and facing cannon fire, they surrendered understanding they would be prisioners of war.

 When Santa Anna learned of their capture he ordered that they be executed. They were taken out, shot, wounded shot again, and then burned. the corpses and remains were left on the ground. There they lay until Texicans returned to the area and buried them. 342 men were executed,compared to 163 killed in the Alamo. A far greater number. The rally cries at the battle of San Jacinto were, "remember the Alamo" and "remember Goliad". Would seem that we have forgotten the brave men of Goliad.


 I leave you with images of Presidio la Behia and mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. Well worth your time to visit and pay homage.

Monument to those massacred at Goliad. Located at burial site

Goliad

Enjoying a pleasant afternoon here in Goliad SP. Will visit Presidio La Bahia and Mission Espiritu Santo tomorrow. Both date from the 1700's and played major roles in this area and Texas history.

Time to move along

 Well, that dreaded day has arrived. Time to lift our jacks, hook up the Jeep and head down the road a few hundred miles. Next stop is Goliad and a piece of Texas history.

 Do not misunderstand, we LOVE travelling, seeing new things, learning new things. The dread comes from leaving THIS place.

 In a text to a neighbor, I used the word "magical" to describe our ten nights here. With the full understanding that one person's magical is another's boring, I stand by that choice of words verbatim. Sometimes you come to a place you have never been before, and it feels as comfortable as an old pair of slippers. That is the way we have been made to feel, and have indeed felt.

 A couple of days ago I spoke of decisions that needed to be made. Glad to say decision made. We will return here in September and again next March. A lot of places to see, but we will frequent places that we enjoy.

 More from the mission at Goliad the next couple of days. Then it is a rendezvous with Tom and Diane in San Marcos. Should be more photos and less words in coming days.

my girl

Think back a few years with me if you will. February 2013 we went on cruise with Mary in brace and using cane. Then came surgery and rehab time. Then it seemed we moved directly into ever increasing back pain and restricted movement. Last April brought surgery and rehab again. All that adds up to some extended absence from a dance floor. Proud to say my dancing queen is back big time. Wonderful time at the Valentine dance tonight and looking forward to Valentine tapas dinner tomorrow. More about our time here on Monday.

Decisions, decisions

 We are scheduled to return to the Cove in Florida during September/October. We could come here and save approximately $1200 over the same time frame. Love both places, pros and cons to both places. Decisions, decisions...may just not  choose either one.

 Do plan on return here for next March and April. Would come in February but all ready booked on cruise for mid February.

 An embarrassment of riches I guess. Meanwhile I am rethinking our April/May plans. Aversion to cold temps has me thinking stay further south and warmer. Many of the locations we have booked are at 6000 ft plus in elevation, thereby having lows in teens even in April.


 Have I mentioned we really like the people, facilities and atmosphere we have found at Sandpipers?


Will not be ready to lift jacks and move come Tuesday...

MOSTH

 83 degrees and clear blue sky today. Eat you hearts out you frozen folks.

No, the title is not a case of fat fingering the keyboard. It stands for Museum of South Texas History. a nice little museum. More can be found HERE about it.We enjoyed the visit and for just $5 a head for us seniors, a good bargain. Interesting to read about a part of Texas history from a Spanish perspective. To be sure it differs from one from a pure Anglo point of view. Every sign down here is in both English and Spanish. Getting pretty good at reading Spanish but the spoken word is just too fast for me to comprehend.

 Mary decided she wanted to be different. I present to you Maria, conquistador especial!

 The metal breastplate was not too bad. That metal helmet probably weighed over 5 pounds!

 Not sure what the next days will bring that will be shareable. If there is I will post accordingly, if not will do a final review of this area and this resort next week.

Got lucky I suppose

While one set of friends are snowed in while in Pagosa Springs, other friends are freezing their butts off in Illinois. We, on the other hand have temps in high 70's and low eighties. That is what we came here for. Very nice to enjoy the pool and play water volleyball in February. Now this area can be cold and the nights bring temps down low enough to require the heater. But clear skies and pleasant temps add to the enjoyment of the area. A museum dedicated to history of the valley area in downtown Edinburg. You know that we are suckers for museum's so perhaps a report from there tomorrow. For now, time to get ready for Mardi Gras parade! Remember it is Fat Tuesday...

 Caught beads during parade! Had to take my shirt off to get the beads!

A little surprising...

 Coming to the Rio Grande valley we knew that we would need to habla espanol to some extent. Did not plan on par le vous francaise (?). Neighbors on both sides are French Canadians. Have spoken only French so far. Not as outgoing and friendly as others, but not a problem either. Just another unexpected experience on lifes highway.

Edinburg

 Well after an uneventful four plus hours we arrived safely at our destination. We will be here till the 15th so a lot of time. Have already been in the hot tub, met many friendly people. Will be attending pub night at 7pm where they have some local craft brews to taste. First impressions of this resort are very good. Will see how the 10 days go and compare final thoughts with first impressions. Unlike the fall, this trip is centered around warmth and relaxation, not so much sight seeing. Having said that, we will share things of interest as the come about.

More later...

Dreams and nightmares

 Years ago, moving to the Austin area to live was a dream of ours. Thank goodness that dream never became reality. That whole area, from Georgetown south to San Antonio, has become a nightmare. I-35 in Austin has long been known for traffic congestion. They even built a toll road to bypass the downtown area. Well according to road signs,it would have taken longer to take it, and you would have paid extra for the privilege. Anybody else see the irony of that? Nearly endless construction only adding to the misery.

 Austin has a motto, "keep Austin weird", well you have to be to live with that mess.


 As a rule we do not like commercial RV parks. They tend to be crowded and over priced. The one we are in tonight is a sister park to one we stayed in while in Houston. They are well spaced, well run, nice places. Still prefer state parks or corp of engineer parks. Especially federal parks because of getting in for half price due to being old. Last night a very nice corp park cost $11, tonight a commercial park at $33. You do the math

 Tomorrow brings a final push to Edinburg, about 250 miles. Hopefully an easier trip then the butt kicking 154 miles today.

Clear sky thunder?

How is that possible you might ask. Well we are at Lake Belton in central Texas. Our neighbor is Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases. It is home to armored divisions and they like BIG guns. Boomed late into the night and again starting very early in morning. Did they not read the notice about "quiet" time for the campground?  One of the little things you experience and learn when out on the road. A short drive down to just south of San Antonio today, so a lazy morning. Tonight a commercial RV park will be our overnight home.

Day 1

Lakeside at Live Oak Ridge park, Lake Belton

Life is good...

On the road again...almost

 Well it is about time I would say! After getting home from our last journey, we have been busy. A couple of trips to Little Rock to purchase and then work out some minor repairs. Then all those Christmas time obligations. January found us back in Montgomery Alabama for 16 days playing book store. Throw in doctor and dentist visits all adds up to us being tied down. That ends in the morning as we head south for 21 or so days. A slow pace heading to Edinburg where we will stay for 10 nights. Then a historic stop in Goliad, followed by a stop at Canyon Lake, where we have not camped in 40 years. Friends from San Antonio will meet up with us there for fun, food and fellowship. Then we wander back north towards home. It is 595 miles from Meridian Mississippi to Alvord which we drove in one long, tiring day. It is 565 miles Alvord to Edinburg and we are taking 3 days, the luxury of no time schedule! This is our first extended trip in the new coach and we are quite anxious to get started. Besides, it will be 20 degrees warmer in Edinburg than Alvord which will allow us to do what we most enjoy.

 Looking ahead for the year, April and May find us touring the Southwest. New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado mainly. Back in time for Mary to have a "girls week" in Galveston with her sister and others the first week of June. Soon as she gets back we leave heading north. Stops in Illinois and Iowa to see friends. Entire trip will take us to Minnesota and Wisconsin and home again. We have reservations in Florida starting September 1st till November 1st. When we leave in August is yet to be determined. Might end up working a week or so in Lake Charles Louisiana on way to Florida.

 Our "goal" all along has been to spend 6 months at our "mailing address" and 6 months in our home. Should come very close to meeting that goal this year. Come along if you dare and we will try and entertain and inform you along the way.

 Till the next post from some where along the road....