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.