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.