2020--San Antonio, TX
Prologue
San Antonio. This was going to be our first trip of not only the year, but of the decade. That fact was lost on me until I started this narrative. 2019 was a sucky year at work. Many, many things going on. We held our own until the merger of the two Denver buildings on October 26th.
I forget how many years ago now, between five and ten, at least, McLane purchased another food distribution company called Meadowbrook Meat Company; MBM. There was an MBM building in Denver. We all knew that eventually we would merger together. Once we moved into our new building in 2017, the clock was ticking. It struck midnight just before Halloween. The spooky holiday would turn out to me the proper time of the year. The merger went very poorly for reasons I am not going to go into here. But, it did cause long hours for me. I have been working 55 hour weeks, including Saturdays since. Margo and I took a week off right after Thanksgiving, which was needed, but the stress was building again.
I think I knew even coming back from that Vegas trip, that I would be wanting another trip in January, to both relieve some stress, and to escape the Colorado winter, even if just for a few days. I thought about Ft Lauderdale, New Orleans, and then San Antonio. Margo suggested Orlando. All had their pluses and minuses. Eventually San Antonio won out. The Alamo being on my Bucket List was the thing that pushed it over.
Planning for this trip was on the light side. I knew I wanted to stay in the Riverwalk area. I knew I wanted to visit the Alamo. After that, all I really did was pick the best hotel, decide that renting a car was a bad idea (parking was something like $40 per night), and made a list of things we could see and do. The only thing I preplanned was a Segway tour. That was because it was cheaper if you made an on line reservation. Now we would be winging it from there. A little out of my comfort zone, but also, not really. There was nothing on the must do list, after the Alamo, and everything that we would do had lots of wiggle room. This one just felt like a rigid itinerary would actually be counterproductive. With that all we had to do was wait for the end of January.
I forget how many years ago now, between five and ten, at least, McLane purchased another food distribution company called Meadowbrook Meat Company; MBM. There was an MBM building in Denver. We all knew that eventually we would merger together. Once we moved into our new building in 2017, the clock was ticking. It struck midnight just before Halloween. The spooky holiday would turn out to me the proper time of the year. The merger went very poorly for reasons I am not going to go into here. But, it did cause long hours for me. I have been working 55 hour weeks, including Saturdays since. Margo and I took a week off right after Thanksgiving, which was needed, but the stress was building again.
I think I knew even coming back from that Vegas trip, that I would be wanting another trip in January, to both relieve some stress, and to escape the Colorado winter, even if just for a few days. I thought about Ft Lauderdale, New Orleans, and then San Antonio. Margo suggested Orlando. All had their pluses and minuses. Eventually San Antonio won out. The Alamo being on my Bucket List was the thing that pushed it over.
Planning for this trip was on the light side. I knew I wanted to stay in the Riverwalk area. I knew I wanted to visit the Alamo. After that, all I really did was pick the best hotel, decide that renting a car was a bad idea (parking was something like $40 per night), and made a list of things we could see and do. The only thing I preplanned was a Segway tour. That was because it was cheaper if you made an on line reservation. Now we would be winging it from there. A little out of my comfort zone, but also, not really. There was nothing on the must do list, after the Alamo, and everything that we would do had lots of wiggle room. This one just felt like a rigid itinerary would actually be counterproductive. With that all we had to do was wait for the end of January.
Day One--Friday, January 31, 2020
My first day of vacation was begun with a conference call for work. Not exactly what I wanted or planned, but we are still digging out of the Merger. The amount of product we are losing is three times what it should be, so my boss really wanted me to help explain to his boss what was going on. When the boss asks, or in this case, hoped I would offer, you do what he wants.
I was able to conduct my end from my kitchen counter. So at least I did not have to go in, or even be dressed. It was at 9 AM, and I was in my T-shirt and underwear. Times like these I am thankful for technology. When I was done I got into the shower and getting dressed. I was still thinking of work, and what I needed to do and get done.
Margo and Jackie had left minutes before my conference call, to go visit their mom. She is doing as well as can be expected. Her birthday was also going to be while we were gone, so Margo wanted to be sure she wished her a happy day. By the time I was nearly done getting dressed they were getting back.
I spend a good part of the next two hours dividing my attention between getting my things ready, and trying to confirm the dates for Longmire Days, which is part of our summer vacation. That is really not important to this blog, so you will have to wait for that story until July.
We left for the airport around noon, and everything was pretty much according to plan. The one that did not go as planned was my computer. It looks like my mouse died. I was working on my weekly letter to Uncle Tom. When it came time to shut down, the left click wouldn’t. I click, click, clicked, and nothing would happen. We eventually got things saved and shut down. But, we would have to deal with finding a new mouse in San Antonio.
The flight was uneventful. You want an uneventful flight. The odds that an eventful flight will also be pleasant are pretty small. Just ask Kobe Bryant. Too soon? Anyway we landed, got out bags, and began another first time use of technology for us; we called an Uber.
Margo and I had never used Uber before. I don’t want to say I was leery, but it was unknown territory for us. Once we were outside, I got on the Uber app, and ordered a ride. It was just a few clicks. Our car was to be there in something like three minutes. We found the pick-up area, and waited for our car.
It worked pretty smooth. The app gave us a make and model of the car picking us up, the name of the driver, and his license plate. He was there in just a few minutes and loaded our luggage. We got in and we were gone. Vincent was chatty, but that was fine. When we ordered our car they gave us a choice on the conversation level of our driver. I picked on who was chatty, so we could ask questions. Rush hour slowed the drive down, but it was still only a bit more than 10 minutes.
We were staying at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. The name suggests it is on or near the Riverwalk. That is absolutely true. They have an elevator that takes you right down to the river and puts you right on the walk.
I was able to conduct my end from my kitchen counter. So at least I did not have to go in, or even be dressed. It was at 9 AM, and I was in my T-shirt and underwear. Times like these I am thankful for technology. When I was done I got into the shower and getting dressed. I was still thinking of work, and what I needed to do and get done.
Margo and Jackie had left minutes before my conference call, to go visit their mom. She is doing as well as can be expected. Her birthday was also going to be while we were gone, so Margo wanted to be sure she wished her a happy day. By the time I was nearly done getting dressed they were getting back.
I spend a good part of the next two hours dividing my attention between getting my things ready, and trying to confirm the dates for Longmire Days, which is part of our summer vacation. That is really not important to this blog, so you will have to wait for that story until July.
We left for the airport around noon, and everything was pretty much according to plan. The one that did not go as planned was my computer. It looks like my mouse died. I was working on my weekly letter to Uncle Tom. When it came time to shut down, the left click wouldn’t. I click, click, clicked, and nothing would happen. We eventually got things saved and shut down. But, we would have to deal with finding a new mouse in San Antonio.
The flight was uneventful. You want an uneventful flight. The odds that an eventful flight will also be pleasant are pretty small. Just ask Kobe Bryant. Too soon? Anyway we landed, got out bags, and began another first time use of technology for us; we called an Uber.
Margo and I had never used Uber before. I don’t want to say I was leery, but it was unknown territory for us. Once we were outside, I got on the Uber app, and ordered a ride. It was just a few clicks. Our car was to be there in something like three minutes. We found the pick-up area, and waited for our car.
It worked pretty smooth. The app gave us a make and model of the car picking us up, the name of the driver, and his license plate. He was there in just a few minutes and loaded our luggage. We got in and we were gone. Vincent was chatty, but that was fine. When we ordered our car they gave us a choice on the conversation level of our driver. I picked on who was chatty, so we could ask questions. Rush hour slowed the drive down, but it was still only a bit more than 10 minutes.
We were staying at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. The name suggests it is on or near the Riverwalk. That is absolutely true. They have an elevator that takes you right down to the river and puts you right on the walk.
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We checked in, and went right to our room. Then next up was dinner. The Riverwalk has many choices for a meal. But, I had a secondary issue. While we were back at the airport, I started this letter. When it came time to save it an close, my mouse would not work. It would not left click. We got the letter saved and closed using the keyboard, but the mouse was not working right. So, I needed a new one.
Not far from our hotel is The Shops at Rivercenter , a shopping mall. The concierge at our hotel thought maybe I could find a mouse there. Plenty of restaurants there, too. Margo was game, so we made the five minute walk. It was a beautiful night. No wind, and warm enough that a light jacket was plenty. |
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We had to walk right past the Alamo. They have it lit at night and it is striking. We saw the Tower of the Americas, also lit up, and the Torch of Friendship, a large artistic rendering of a torch. I got a few good pictures of all three on the way back. We did find a mouse at a phone shop. $24 for a $6 mouse. But, I did not have a lot of choice. At least it solved my problem. We decided on Margaritaville, in shopping mall. Margo had a Club sandwich. I had a cheeseburger. We both had an adult beverage. It was all good, and by the time we were done, I was officially relaxed and in vacation mode. Finally. 
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We headed back to the hotel, but we were in no real hurry. We stopped at a few shops on the way back. There are a ton of souvenir and T-shirt shops in the area. I am sure Margo is going to come home with a sugar skull T-shirt.
One of the places we stopped at is an ice cream and fudge shop called Kilwin’s. It is a San Antonio institution. They had a young man out front giving out free samples of fudge. They were very good, and we were pulled inside side by the smells and taste. We ended up with a small box of toffee, and some caramel. Their fudge was sold in these huge slices, which were actually a bit intimidating. We will probably be back. |
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We made it back to our room a few minutes later. But, it was still early, not quite 9 o’clock. I wanted to scout the area. Margo was happy to start unwinding for the night. So, I decided to see how long the walk was for our first destination on Saturday, Nations Segway. I figured once I was done with that I could walk a bit on the Riverwalk and see what that was like.
The walk was about 7 minutes from our door. This not having a car was during out to be a very good idea. I headed back to the Hyatt, taking a slightly different route, just to see another street, College St. That turned out to be a dud. College as little more than the back entrances to the shops on Houston and the north side of the river.
The walk was about 7 minutes from our door. This not having a car was during out to be a very good idea. I headed back to the Hyatt, taking a slightly different route, just to see another street, College St. That turned out to be a dud. College as little more than the back entrances to the shops on Houston and the north side of the river.
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Once back at the Hyatt, I took the elevator down to the river level and started to walk. The first area was lit up with a series of propane heaters that were lit up somewhat like torches. It was very pretty. The lights shimmering on the water, and the smells of all the restaurants had me looking at the menus as I passed by each. I walked down one side until I got to St Marys street, crossed and walked back down. By the time I got back to the Hyatt, I was good an hungry.
Back at the room, Margo was in bed watching Grease on her Kindle. She was in her PJs. I was disappointed, but not surprised. When she winds down for the night, she gets comfortable. It was just past 10 PM, and she was hungry, too. But, she did not feel like getting dressed. I suggested room service, something we rarely do. We found a queso dip appetizer that sounded like it be good, and would feed us both. It was a tad spicy, but it did the trick. Margo finished her movie, falling asleep several times. I worked on this letter, and then went to bed myself. I was figuring Saturday was going to be a big day. |
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Day Two--Saturday, February 01, 2020
Margo was up about 6:30 AM on Saturday to take her shower. I followed shortly thereafter. We were taking a Segway tour at 8:45, and needed to be walking out of the hotel at 8:30. We were both ready, at a relaxed pace, and decided we had plenty of time for something from Starbucks, in our hotel. Margo had a pastry and coffee. I had a croissant sandwich and water.
We were early leaving, heading up Losoya St to Houston and then making a right. We were at least ten minutes early, and found the doors to the Segway place, locked. They had asked up to be there at 8:45, so I figured our guide would be there waiting for us. I was a bit irritated. I told Margo I would be calling the number on the sign outside the building at 8:45.
And I did. I was about 2 minutes into the call when a bearded, overweight, Hispanic of about 30 showed up on his bike. I was thinking “Oh, great. This guy looks like he knows history, like I know deep sea diving” I was wrong. He got us set up on our Segways, and did a very good job of instruction, and a quick practical test on the machine. I could tell quickly he had spent a lot of time on a Segway.
The tour started just minutes after 9 AM, and we went with one other couple, Bill and Cindy. Our guides name was Joseph. The tour was to last two hours and we seemed to stop every 5-10 minutes for him to tell us the history of building or neighborhood. He was very proud of his town, and he knew his stuff. I was thinking that only someone who had lived in the area for a long time, and really loved it could be this knowledgeable.
We were early leaving, heading up Losoya St to Houston and then making a right. We were at least ten minutes early, and found the doors to the Segway place, locked. They had asked up to be there at 8:45, so I figured our guide would be there waiting for us. I was a bit irritated. I told Margo I would be calling the number on the sign outside the building at 8:45.
And I did. I was about 2 minutes into the call when a bearded, overweight, Hispanic of about 30 showed up on his bike. I was thinking “Oh, great. This guy looks like he knows history, like I know deep sea diving” I was wrong. He got us set up on our Segways, and did a very good job of instruction, and a quick practical test on the machine. I could tell quickly he had spent a lot of time on a Segway.
The tour started just minutes after 9 AM, and we went with one other couple, Bill and Cindy. Our guides name was Joseph. The tour was to last two hours and we seemed to stop every 5-10 minutes for him to tell us the history of building or neighborhood. He was very proud of his town, and he knew his stuff. I was thinking that only someone who had lived in the area for a long time, and really loved it could be this knowledgeable.
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We went by the Buckhorn Exchange, The Alamo, The Alamo Dome, many neighborhoods, Markey Square, and the one place that I had hoped we would go, The San Fernando Cathedral. The San Fernando Cathedral is on the far parameter of what Margo would consider walking distance, but it a small crypt with the cremated remains of the Alamo Defenders. I really wanted to see that. We not only got to see it, but Joseph had a rest stop there, so I was able to get pictures, too. There was a requiem mass going on. A lady had brought out her noisy child and Margo and her talked for a few minutes, as the kid calmed down. The lady had Margo take her picture in front of the church, as it was her uncle who had died.
We had a little difficulty getting back to the Segway office, as streets were being blocked off for the Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive. This is the kick off event for The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The big draw are the longhorn cattle which are driven right in front of the Segway office, on Houston St. So we literally finished our Segway tour and found a spot along the street to watch the parade. It was really odd to watch these cattle walking down a city street. They were followed by goats, with a pair of shepherd dogs, more or less keeping the moving. The dogs seemed more interested in the gutters of the parade route, but did not dawdle.
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The parade was too spaced out, so after the goats, Margo and I went to the Walgreens to get water for our room. By the time we picked out what we wanted and paid, a bag pipe band was coming by, so we watched that, and then basically followed them to Losoya. They kept going, and we turned towards our hotel.
We dropped off our water and decided we needed lunch. Our small breakfast had worn off. Margo wanted Mexican and we would have not shortage of choices on The Riverwalk. So that is what we did. We ended up at Café Ole, just a few minutes from our hotel on the river. Margo had enchiladas and a margarita. I had chicken fajitas and an Alamo Amber. The beer and the food were really good. Margo complained about eating too much. I was full, but ready for a walk.
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We had watched many of the Rio cruise barges go by, and we decided this was the time for a little river cruise. This on the list of things to do. The barges at night are very pretty, but I wanted to see what the guide was telling us. It was just a few minutes’ walk to a place that sold tickets. Not the place I was intending to go, but one in the opposite direction. Oh, well.
Tickets purchased we got on our barge and were soon on our way. Our guide was Leon. He was from the area, but had spent most of his adult life somewhere else and returned. The boat ride was only about 30 minutes and we learned a little about the San Antonio river and the area. Our guide confirmed the location of the Selena bridge (it is by the Iron Cactus restaurant), confirmed that even though the whole Riverwalk river is encased in concrete it is still a natural river, and pointed out St Mary’s school, which is now apartments. All in all it is was very relaxing. It was so relaxing that Margo kept nodding off. I was tired, too. It had been a fairly short night, with the time change and getting up early. I suggested that we go back to the hotel and take a nap. Margo thought that a most excellent idea. 15 minutes later we were crawling into bed. Seemingly 5 minutes after that the maid was opening out door to clean the room. We had the Do Not Disturb sign up. They claimed “welfare check”, but that was just a lame way of saying “we wanted to see if the sign was left up by mistake”. I got something over two hours. Margo less, as her stomach was bothering her. We decided it was too early for dinner and decided that we would go a buy a combo ticket from Ripley’s Believe It of Not. That ticket got us admission to Ripley’s Odditorium, the Wax Museum, and the 4D Moving theater. I was a little concerned that we had to do them all right in a row, or even the same night. With Margo’s tender tummy, do the Moving Theater was likely a bad idea. We had done one of these before, and it involved a lot of bouncing. But we had a whole year to use up each part of the ticket. I thought we would do better than that. |
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Ripley’s was cooler than I expected. I thought it would be just lots of reproductions of oddities, and there was plenty that. But, it also told us about Robert Ripley. I always thought he was just a columnist/cartoonist. He was much more than that. He was a world traveler and collector. I think he visited every continent except Antarctica and 200 countries. I also learned he had terrible teeth, but still had a hot, actress, wife. We spent over an hour checking out the reproductions, but also plenty of authentic things from Mr. Ripley’s collection.
We were not ready to eat yet and we could see the Menger Hotel, and the staging are for the carriages. I think the company is Blue Bonnet Carriages. They run day and night. A night they are lit up. Each carriage is different. Margo had her eye on one that looked like Cinderella carriage from the Disney movie. The ride was about 20 minutes or so and our driver pointed out a few places for dinner, and we talked about his horse, Casper.
Casper was acquired from an Amish ranch. Shane, told us that they are pretty rough with the rein and bit, and that made Casper harder to train. You had to pull very hard to get his attention. He had been with them for about a year and it took half of that to get him manageable. |
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Shane also told us that they train the horses to pee over drain grates on the streets. Casper, while willing to do that, does not like to pee on himself. So, he spreads his leg and squats down. He said it is funny to see.
This ride was as relaxing as out boat ride. But, with a nap in our system, we were both almost completely enjoying. There was one point, when we and another carriage were side by side, coming up on an intersection. We were turning left; they were going right. An idiot behind us in a car, was leaning on his horn, because he could not wait an extra few seconds. I joked that maybe he had to pee. We laughed and finished our ride.
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After our stroll around the area it was time for dinner. We didn’t want Mexican again, and figured we could find something on the Riverwalk. We had never eaten at a Dick’s Last Resort, but when we checked the wait was an hour. The rest of the Riverwalk looked like it was going to be the same. Shane had warned us off The Rain Forest Café, saying the atmosphere was good, but the food not so much.
We checked The Hard Rock Café, and found the wait only 20 minutes, and we were seating in less. I had their pulled pork sandwich. It featured coleslaw on top, and thin slices of Granny Smith apples. It was good, but it was messy. I ended up with coleslaw dressing running down my arm. I’d still order it again. The Riverwalk area was still going strong, so we decided to go use another leg of our Ripley’s combo ticket. The wax museum was only supposed to take around 45 minutes to do. That turned out to be about right. I haven’t been to a wax museum in over 30 years, when Margo, Jolene, and I went in 1985 in Colorado Springs. I did not think that most of the statues looked like their real life doppelgangers. Donald Trump was not even recognizable. Eddie Murphy took some time to identify. |
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They had a Texas history section with likenesses of Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, Father Hidalgo, and others.There was also a religious section, with depictions of The Last Supper, Pilate's Court, The Crucifixion, The Pieta, and The Resurrection.
The low light, at least for Margo, was the Basement of Horrors. That is my name, not theirs. It was their tribute to Horror movies of the past. It was dark and spooky, and had bangs and other loud sounds to startle you. Not Margo’s thing. I liked it. But, we made our way through it quickly. I think we finished up around 9:45.
We were getting tired of walking, so we headed back to our room. Margo wanted to sit in chair and unwind. I suggested that I could take my computer downstairs, and work on this narrative, while she read. We went to the combination Starbucks and Snack Shop and got something to drink. I think we sat down there for close to an hour. After that it was time to go to bed. I wrote some more anyway, soon it was past midnight. It has been a fun day.
We were getting tired of walking, so we headed back to our room. Margo wanted to sit in chair and unwind. I suggested that I could take my computer downstairs, and work on this narrative, while she read. We went to the combination Starbucks and Snack Shop and got something to drink. I think we sat down there for close to an hour. After that it was time to go to bed. I wrote some more anyway, soon it was past midnight. It has been a fun day.
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Day Three--Sunday, February 02, 2020
I told Margo last night that I wanted to visit The Alamo on Sunday. That way if something went wrong, we still had Monday to check this item off my Bucket List. But, I also was going to sleep in. So, there was no alarm set. I know me, and I wasn’t going to sleep the morning, let alone the day away. I was right. I was up shortly before 9 AM. Margo was gone, leaving me a note, saying was getting coffee and going to read. By 9:30 I was ready. Margo walked in shortly before that, and we right away went to check out the Alamo’s tour schedule.
I was pretty sure that there was a tour in the 9 o’clock hour and then one at 10:30. When we walked the 200 yards to the Alamo, I could see a tour guide starting a tour. I wondered if we could still get in it, but fortuitously, we could not. Our tour would be at 10:30, which was about 50 minutes away. Margo and I both figured that would give us just enough time for breakfast, if we could find something close.
We were searching for something when I saw the sign for The Colonial Room, at The Menger Hotel. I remember reading something about the Colonial Room, and suggested it to Margo. She thought it was a good idea, so we went around to the front and found our way in.
I was pretty sure that there was a tour in the 9 o’clock hour and then one at 10:30. When we walked the 200 yards to the Alamo, I could see a tour guide starting a tour. I wondered if we could still get in it, but fortuitously, we could not. Our tour would be at 10:30, which was about 50 minutes away. Margo and I both figured that would give us just enough time for breakfast, if we could find something close.
We were searching for something when I saw the sign for The Colonial Room, at The Menger Hotel. I remember reading something about the Colonial Room, and suggested it to Margo. She thought it was a good idea, so we went around to the front and found our way in.
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The Menger is an old hotel, built in 1858, by a German brewer, who made San Antonio his home. The hotel is both storied and beautiful. I was glad we stumbled on sign. We made quick note of the sign outside the Colonial Room which said Sunday Brunch was $30 per person. Pretty steep, but we were committed at this point.
The had a nice buffet set up, with biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit, and potatoes O’Brien. I had water to drink, and think Margo ordered a Dr Pepper. Our waiter warned us that the buffet closed at 10 AM, and it was 15 minutes shy of that. I was thinking I could load up one plate with more food than I cared to eat in one trip. Margo was of the same opinion, and worked perfectly. We did not have to wait for our meal to be cooked, the food was good, and the atmosphere was upscale casual. It was very nice way to start our Sunday. To top it off our bill was only $25. The buffet must have been cheaper, or we got a discount because they were nearly done. Either way; Score!
The had a nice buffet set up, with biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit, and potatoes O’Brien. I had water to drink, and think Margo ordered a Dr Pepper. Our waiter warned us that the buffet closed at 10 AM, and it was 15 minutes shy of that. I was thinking I could load up one plate with more food than I cared to eat in one trip. Margo was of the same opinion, and worked perfectly. We did not have to wait for our meal to be cooked, the food was good, and the atmosphere was upscale casual. It was very nice way to start our Sunday. To top it off our bill was only $25. The buffet must have been cheaper, or we got a discount because they were nearly done. Either way; Score!
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We talked two hundred yards to the Alamo, and to the place where we were to meet. A gray-haired black guy, obviously a guide walked up, and we were thinking, “OK, time to go” But, he basically just checked in at the booth and went off in the direction of the church. Next was an unshaved, white guy, whose hair was even more in need of a barber than mine. His name was David.
He was knowable enough, but he had this whiny voice that was distracting. I was in too good a mood to care, but it was annoying Margo. He took us from place to place telling us and showing us where the 18# cannon was that answered Santa Ana’s call for surrender or no quarter. They gave a single shot telling them there would be a fight to the death. He told us and showed us where Jim Bowie was killed, and the same with Davy Crockett. He briefly mentioned that there were reports from the Mexican side, that Crockett and a few others were captured alive, and then executed. This has pissed off the whole state of Texas, who grew up with the story, maybe apocryphal that all defenders fought to the death. Personally, once the walls were breeched, and it was a foregone conclusion that the mission would fall, I don’t see any shame in trying to find a way to get away and fight another day.
I enjoyed the whole experience walking around the grounds and learning the history of the place. The one thing I did not like was their fanatical view about not taking pictures inside the church. When you see pictures of the Alamo, it the church with its iconic façade that is shown. I think they claim that this is hallowed ground, and you should not take pictures. Only you take pictures at Ground Zero, before they put up the Freedom Tower, at the USS Arizona, and number of churches we have been to. It makes like sense. You can take pictures and still be respectful.
He was knowable enough, but he had this whiny voice that was distracting. I was in too good a mood to care, but it was annoying Margo. He took us from place to place telling us and showing us where the 18# cannon was that answered Santa Ana’s call for surrender or no quarter. They gave a single shot telling them there would be a fight to the death. He told us and showed us where Jim Bowie was killed, and the same with Davy Crockett. He briefly mentioned that there were reports from the Mexican side, that Crockett and a few others were captured alive, and then executed. This has pissed off the whole state of Texas, who grew up with the story, maybe apocryphal that all defenders fought to the death. Personally, once the walls were breeched, and it was a foregone conclusion that the mission would fall, I don’t see any shame in trying to find a way to get away and fight another day.
I enjoyed the whole experience walking around the grounds and learning the history of the place. The one thing I did not like was their fanatical view about not taking pictures inside the church. When you see pictures of the Alamo, it the church with its iconic façade that is shown. I think they claim that this is hallowed ground, and you should not take pictures. Only you take pictures at Ground Zero, before they put up the Freedom Tower, at the USS Arizona, and number of churches we have been to. It makes like sense. You can take pictures and still be respectful.
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We spent about three hours there. The had a short film, a cenotaph, a small museum, and the Museum store. The latter was in a building that looked to be a couple of hundred years old. The Long Barracks, which are as old as the church, were blocked off. They are undergoing some sort of study/restoration project.
Margo asked where I wanted to have lunch at this point. I suggested the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. The Buckhorn is known for its huge collection of mounted animals, which they have turned into a museum exhibit. They have also added a Texas Rangers museum, and a section that commemorates and explains American side shows, and Mystery Spots, which were common in the 1940s and 1950s.
We ate there. The food was OK. My burger was decent, but Margo’s sampler, Onion Rings, Breaded Mushrooms, and Mozzarella Cheeseticks, was subpar. There was plenty of it, so we didn’t walk away hungry.
Margo asked where I wanted to have lunch at this point. I suggested the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. The Buckhorn is known for its huge collection of mounted animals, which they have turned into a museum exhibit. They have also added a Texas Rangers museum, and a section that commemorates and explains American side shows, and Mystery Spots, which were common in the 1940s and 1950s.
We ate there. The food was OK. My burger was decent, but Margo’s sampler, Onion Rings, Breaded Mushrooms, and Mozzarella Cheeseticks, was subpar. There was plenty of it, so we didn’t walk away hungry.
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I did not think I would like the stuffed animals, but he had a zoo’s worth. Not just deer and other American mammals, but big game from Africa like a lion and an Elephant. He has a Mountain Gorilla, and even a display of mounted sharks, including what looked like a Great White and a Mako shark. There was everything you could imagine. There was a display honoring Bill Negly, a big game hunter who bagged the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo), with a bow and arrow, and without a rifle back up. I would say he gave them a sporting chance.
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The Mystery Spots section was a nice attempt. They had a Mystery House set up. It was set up on an incline where a ball could appear to roll up hill. Only there was no ball. You could use the same room to create an optical illusion of leaning while standing straight. Only it was too steep and it seemed obvious what was going on. But, it was a nice distraction.
We spent about two hours eating and then wandering the exhibits. It was a little expensive, but at the beginning we got to throw on a couple of ponchos, and take an old time photo, which they could put on one of several backgrounds. I am a sucker for these photos, as they last far longer than even the memories of your trip. I glared with the intention of looking tough form my wanted poster. It worked. I look like I’m a wanted outlaw from the old west, in my sepia poncho and black hat. I walked out of there happy.
We spent about two hours eating and then wandering the exhibits. It was a little expensive, but at the beginning we got to throw on a couple of ponchos, and take an old time photo, which they could put on one of several backgrounds. I am a sucker for these photos, as they last far longer than even the memories of your trip. I glared with the intention of looking tough form my wanted poster. It worked. I look like I’m a wanted outlaw from the old west, in my sepia poncho and black hat. I walked out of there happy.
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Margo asked what to do now. I suggested we go back over to Kilwin’s and have some ice cream. They are another San Antonio institution, having been in business since 1947. We had been there on Friday, I think, and had gotten some toffee. They have about 40 flavors of ice cream, and I figured we could find something I liked. It was just a few blocks and I got some version of chocolate, and Margo got pistachio. She said hers was very good. Mine was good. It had that sticky texture that I associate with good ice cream.
Traffic at The Alamo should have been winding down, as it was about 4:30, and they are done at 5:30. I told Margo I would like to back there to get a few more pictures and take a few of The Menger Hotel as well. She did not care, so we made our way right up Alamo Plaza and arrived in less than five minutes.
I wish we had more time, so as maybe we could arrange to take some sort of tour of The Menger. Our Segway guide told us a bit about it. He said it was a very haunted place. I’m not really a believer in that, but it usually has some nugget of history to go along with the ghost story, so I enjoy hearing the tale. It’s a very nice older hotel.
Traffic at The Alamo should have been winding down, as it was about 4:30, and they are done at 5:30. I told Margo I would like to back there to get a few more pictures and take a few of The Menger Hotel as well. She did not care, so we made our way right up Alamo Plaza and arrived in less than five minutes.
I wish we had more time, so as maybe we could arrange to take some sort of tour of The Menger. Our Segway guide told us a bit about it. He said it was a very haunted place. I’m not really a believer in that, but it usually has some nugget of history to go along with the ghost story, so I enjoy hearing the tale. It’s a very nice older hotel.
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Anyway we got all of the pictures I wanted to get taken, taken, and we headed to Ripley’s. We still had the final leg of our ticket; The 4D Moving Theater. Margo, Jackie and I had done one of these at the Denver Aquarium, in 2018. It was nearly the same set up; a small theater, of maybe 40 chairs, and the knowledge that there would be two, short 3-D movies. The 4th D, comes from the chairs bouncing and moving, and you being sprayed with mist of something at an appropriate time. The characters on the screen might be going through a car wash, in their high speed racers, so you get squirted. It adds an element of fun. We first saw it when we took the girls to Animal Kingdom, back in the late 1990s. It was cutting edge then. Now it’s a bit sideshowish. Still fun.
It was just Margo and I until a family with four kids, all under 12 came in. The seats are staggered and elevated, so everyone could see. Plus their screams added to the fun. The first show was about some sort of mouse race, with the mice in cars. I was worried about Margo’s neck or back getting thrown out with all of the bouncing around, but she was fine. The second one, was a winter scene, in which we were bobsledding down a large, and crowded hill, with two snowmen leading the way. The Abominable Snowman later joined it. They should have had this one first, because it was not as good. The whole thing lasted about 10 minutes, including getting your glasses and a brief explanation of what was going to happen. |
We went back to our room and were annoyed to find out our room had not been cleaned again. It was not a super big deal, except that we were out of towels. I, at least, had not been hanging mine up, as I was expecting a clean towel. That and there was only one hook. So, after unloading whatever bags we had (we seemed to buy something every time we stopped. I was almost a drinking game; stop. buy), we went down to the front desk to complain. They were very apologetic, and said they would send someone up to straighten up the room, and make sure we had clean towels.
To give them time, we went out to dinner. Margo had gotten word from a former co-worker, that the best chimichanga he ever had was at The Naked Iguana, on the Riverwalk. We had not had Mexican Food in 48 hours, so off we went. We used Google Maps, my phone, and whatever app Apple has, Margo’s phone and went in search. Both devices led us to a place called Rio Rio. The addresses even matched. We shrugged our shoulders, and went inside. The mystery was solved shortly, when we saw the sign above the bar; The Naked Iguana.
To give them time, we went out to dinner. Margo had gotten word from a former co-worker, that the best chimichanga he ever had was at The Naked Iguana, on the Riverwalk. We had not had Mexican Food in 48 hours, so off we went. We used Google Maps, my phone, and whatever app Apple has, Margo’s phone and went in search. Both devices led us to a place called Rio Rio. The addresses even matched. We shrugged our shoulders, and went inside. The mystery was solved shortly, when we saw the sign above the bar; The Naked Iguana.
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We requested a received a table outside. This was elevated so we had a nice view of the river. This whole trip, the weather had been nice. Today had even been warm, getting into the mid-70s. I was wishing for shorts in the afternoon. Right now, 7ish PM, it was just cool enough that a jacket felt right. But, there was little if any wind and you just felt relaxed. The Super Bowl was going on, and while I was not trying, it was also impossible to avoid the screens with the game on. The nice part was that the game had cut the crowds down by at least 50%. We had no trouble being seated right away.
The elevated view I mentioned gave us opportunities to people watch, and to see the Parade of Lanterns. This was a series of river barges, small ones, about 20 feet, that were decorated in a Chinese theme and played Chinese music. They were brightly lit and striking as they floated past.
The food was good. I’m not sure I would order it again, but I might. The recommended dish was covered in a queso sauce. It was supposed to be deep fried, but I did not think mine was. It was stuffed with beef, and came with rice and beans. I came close to finishing mine, but ran out of enthusiasm for the food.
The elevated view I mentioned gave us opportunities to people watch, and to see the Parade of Lanterns. This was a series of river barges, small ones, about 20 feet, that were decorated in a Chinese theme and played Chinese music. They were brightly lit and striking as they floated past.
The food was good. I’m not sure I would order it again, but I might. The recommended dish was covered in a queso sauce. It was supposed to be deep fried, but I did not think mine was. It was stuffed with beef, and came with rice and beans. I came close to finishing mine, but ran out of enthusiasm for the food.
It was a short walk back to the hotel, but we detoured so I could take a picture of Margo on Selena’s Bridge. If you have ever seen the Jennifer Lopez movie; Selena, about the Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, there is a scene where Selena and her new husband are talking about their future together, on a bridge. That bridge was near the Iron Skillet restaurant, on the Riverwalk. As Margo is a fan of the movie, I wanted to make sure she saw it and got her picture on it. It was only a few minutes out of our way, but it gave her a nice story to tell later.
When we finally made it back to our room, after getting some snacks at the store downstairs, the maid had been through our room. It looked good and we had towels. Mission accomplished. I wrote for a bit, and then went to bed.
When we finally made it back to our room, after getting some snacks at the store downstairs, the maid had been through our room. It looked good and we had towels. Mission accomplished. I wrote for a bit, and then went to bed.
Day Four--Monday, February 03, 2020
Monday was only about an hour old when my phone went off. Margo said when she heard it the first thing that went through her mind was that something bad had happened back home. My first thought was it was work. Somehow, I just knew. It turned out to be Maryah, the girl that finishes up invoicing during the night. She should have been done hours ago, but she had one final case holding her up.
Out system will not let you bill product that does not exist. If the system says we have zero, then she can’t bill it. Only we did have this case, so the whole route was waiting for this one case. The Operations Managers have access to do this. But, as the one on duty was from the old building, he had somehow not been trained to do this very simple task.
In my grogginess, I tried to walk Maryah on how to do it, but we got to a certain point and I remembered she did not have access to do it. Margo by this time was up and had the lights on. So, I asked her to hang on for a second, signed into our system from my personal laptop, and got it fixed for her. She was happy and I went back to bed. I noticed I had over 200 emails. I felt a little sick.
Monday the 3rd, was going to be our last full day. We had done about everything I had planned to do, so I really had no formal plans, when I was thinking about this on Sunday. But, Margo had been posting pictures of our trip on Facebook. One of the people who commented was a good friend from High School, Shelly, who lived in San Antonio. Margo wanted to know if we could meet up, and I figured why not. The only thing that was on our agenda was to walk over to Market Square, where The Mercado, Mexican market, was and look around. So Margo set it up for 1 PM.
Out system will not let you bill product that does not exist. If the system says we have zero, then she can’t bill it. Only we did have this case, so the whole route was waiting for this one case. The Operations Managers have access to do this. But, as the one on duty was from the old building, he had somehow not been trained to do this very simple task.
In my grogginess, I tried to walk Maryah on how to do it, but we got to a certain point and I remembered she did not have access to do it. Margo by this time was up and had the lights on. So, I asked her to hang on for a second, signed into our system from my personal laptop, and got it fixed for her. She was happy and I went back to bed. I noticed I had over 200 emails. I felt a little sick.
Monday the 3rd, was going to be our last full day. We had done about everything I had planned to do, so I really had no formal plans, when I was thinking about this on Sunday. But, Margo had been posting pictures of our trip on Facebook. One of the people who commented was a good friend from High School, Shelly, who lived in San Antonio. Margo wanted to know if we could meet up, and I figured why not. The only thing that was on our agenda was to walk over to Market Square, where The Mercado, Mexican market, was and look around. So Margo set it up for 1 PM.
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Staying on the Riverwalk is expensive, especially to eat. There are two fast food restaurants near our hotel, McDonalds and Whataburger. For whatever reason, neither of these sounded good for any meal we had, so we ended up eating at sit down restaurants, for each meal. Today, we decided that for breakfast, we would have coffee and doughnuts. That shouldn’t be too bad, dollar-wise.
Margo and I, independently, found the same doughnut shop, Shipley’s. I found it via a Google Maps search. Margo found it with her nose, as she was out and about before I was up. By the time she was back, I was nearly ready to go. We were on our way in just a few minutes. The doughnuts were just OK. To be honest, King Soopers doughnuts, back home, are better. These were a bit more dense, and did not have a light, melt in your mouth feel, which fresh doughnuts should have. The coffee came out of a convenience store style machine, that gives you three flavored choices, none of them “coffee”. So, I’m giving it three out of five stars. Still we were almost the only ones there, and it was relaxing. |
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We still needed to get a few things for the people back home. There was a tea shop nearby, which I also found on Google Maps. I wanted to get some tea for Antonio, back home. This seemed like a good spot to try. It looked like it was in Rivercenter shops, but it was hard to be sure. We followed the cell phone, which led us inside the Marriot. No Tea shop visible. We went inside this little food shop, figuring maybe it was what replaced the tea shop. Strike Two. Found a concierge, and asked him. Nope, but he suggested inside the mall, which was just behind those double doors. Went out there. Nothing. But, realized that Google Maps operates in 2-D. We were in a 3-D kind of mall. So we went downstairs and discovered we were right by Margaritaville, where we basically started this trip. A minute later we found the tea shop.
The Spice and Tea Exchange was exactly what I was looking for. With one exception. The lady, likely owner, was very pushy. I would have backed her down, except Margo was enjoying |
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having her show her every $7 bag of tea in the shop. I wanted one. I ended up with six. But, the last one was free. Hallelujah. What would I have done without that fee bag? But, at least this gift was done.
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On this last, river-level leg of this quest, I glanced outside and saw two skeletons dressed up, and sitting on a bench. I figured this would be a nice photo op for Margo. Margo has, within the last couple of years, become a fan of Sugar Skulls, and the related Dia do los Muertos, Day of the Dead, decorations. They feature painted skulls, and skeletons dressed up. It is not a creepy as it sounds. Anyway, I figured this would be something Margo would want to see.
As it turned out these skeletons marked the entrance to Sisters Grimm, who did ghost tours. I already mentioned my position on these, so we went inside. They offered a bus tour and a walking tour. We already figured after a mile walk to get to The Mercado, we were not going to feel like more hoofing. The bus tour was $40 per person, but had time in a cemetery and in a tour of the Menger. What the hell. |
The lady warned us that we were the first to sign up, and they needed 8 people to do the tour. If they did not meet their quota the tour would be cancelled. Did not seem like a lot of downside, so we signed up
With nothing else to do in the hour or so we had before lunch, we went back to the hotel, dropped off our bags and went downstairs. Margo read some more of The Cold Dish, the first of Craig Johnson’s Longmire series. I have listened to/read the first three, and we will likely listen to one when we drive up north this summer for Longmire Days.
Shelly, and her husband Dennis, arrived at 12:55. I was just coming down on the elevator, taking my laptop up to our room. They had lived in San Antonio for 13 years and had never been down to the Riverwalk. Kind of odd, but I have heard of the same think happening in NYC with the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
The night before we had scouted out a place to eat; The Lone Star Café. It is on the Riverwalk and had a nice view of the San Antonio River. Shelly has a bad knee, so we were directed to an elevator, and made our way inside from street level. Even after three days of walking around, the Riverwalk portion of this area is still confusing. We would walk 200 yards and find out our destination was just around the corner or bend, if we had been a level up or down.
Anyway, we were seated. Margo and I had meatloaf, Dennis a pull pork sandwich and Shelly, I can’t recall. There were no complaints about the food. I liked the meatloaf, and it was a welcome change from Mexican. Dennis is retired from the Air Force, spending over 30 years in both active and reserve. Shelly, was also retired, with her last job working in the neo-natal ward of a local hospital. We talked and caught up for about two hours. It went pretty fast. I wouldn’t find visiting with them when we had a little more time. They had asked what the rest of our plans were, and were very gracious about letting us get moving at 3 PM, so we had a couple of hours to spent at The Mercado.
Shelly, and her husband Dennis, arrived at 12:55. I was just coming down on the elevator, taking my laptop up to our room. They had lived in San Antonio for 13 years and had never been down to the Riverwalk. Kind of odd, but I have heard of the same think happening in NYC with the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
The night before we had scouted out a place to eat; The Lone Star Café. It is on the Riverwalk and had a nice view of the San Antonio River. Shelly has a bad knee, so we were directed to an elevator, and made our way inside from street level. Even after three days of walking around, the Riverwalk portion of this area is still confusing. We would walk 200 yards and find out our destination was just around the corner or bend, if we had been a level up or down.
Anyway, we were seated. Margo and I had meatloaf, Dennis a pull pork sandwich and Shelly, I can’t recall. There were no complaints about the food. I liked the meatloaf, and it was a welcome change from Mexican. Dennis is retired from the Air Force, spending over 30 years in both active and reserve. Shelly, was also retired, with her last job working in the neo-natal ward of a local hospital. We talked and caught up for about two hours. It went pretty fast. I wouldn’t find visiting with them when we had a little more time. They had asked what the rest of our plans were, and were very gracious about letting us get moving at 3 PM, so we had a couple of hours to spent at The Mercado.
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We went our separate way, and soon Margo and I were walking west on Commerce St. We would be walking right past San Fernando Cathedral, and I wanted to look inside if there was no mass going on. It was about a ten minute walk. It was interrupted by a homeless kid trying to sell me some blue, size 9 sneakers for $3. Big city life. Only it is not big cities only. Brighton is starting to have a population of beggars that set up near Walmart and King Soopers.
Anyway, about a minute past our salesman, the Cathedral was in view. From the outside, it just looks old. There are lots of black stains, which are likely from sooty smoke. I wonder how long they have been there. But, with no mass going on, I did get to go inside. It was beautiful, with the most striking chancel I have ever seen. The East Wall, religiously speaking, was dominated by this large gold structure (shrine?) which held the crucifix and four surrounding statues. It jumps out at you as soon as you look towards the front of the church. I spent about 10 minutes admiring and taking pictures. But, I still felt like a trespasser, so I left.
Anyway, about a minute past our salesman, the Cathedral was in view. From the outside, it just looks old. There are lots of black stains, which are likely from sooty smoke. I wonder how long they have been there. But, with no mass going on, I did get to go inside. It was beautiful, with the most striking chancel I have ever seen. The East Wall, religiously speaking, was dominated by this large gold structure (shrine?) which held the crucifix and four surrounding statues. It jumps out at you as soon as you look towards the front of the church. I spent about 10 minutes admiring and taking pictures. But, I still felt like a trespasser, so I left.
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We made one pitstop before getting very much further. I needed to pee, which is getting very annoying. We stopped at the Cedena Reeves Justice Center, where we had to first go through the metal detectors. But the people were very nice. The Justice Center is next door to the Bexar (pronounced either Bear or Bee-HAR, depending on who you talk to) County Courthouse, or the Old Courthouse, as they have a modern one. The Old Courthouse is a beautiful red building that is easy to pick out of a crowd. The whole city of San Antonio seems to be like that. There will be a series of old buildings, and then Boom, something modern and new. Or lots of new buildings, and seemingly forgotten building from days long ago. Only you bet your last dollar, it was not forgotten, but saved through hard work and dedication of some individual or group.
Margo and I continued our walk and found The Mercado about 10 minutes later. There was not a lot of activity going on. No dancers or outdoor activities of any kind. We stopped and got some churros and sat on a nearby bench. It was very evident that the local sparrows were used to being fed. As soon as we sat down a group that grew to about a dozen were at our feet. We declined to feed what I was referring to as San Antonio vultures, but found that the castoff sugar and cinnamon was to there liking. They were pecking at the tiny specks as soon as we would brush them from our hands or lap. |
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We walked the shops and found many eager vendors, but they were all filled with essentially the same stuff. I really wanted to find something that I had to have, but I couldn’t. Even the hand painted skulls, which I was sure Margo would want, seemed amateurish, much to my dismay. We spent less than an hour there, and decided it was time to head back.
I again offered to call for an Uber, but Margo figured by the time it got here we would be half way home. She may have been right, but it was still 20 minutes to home and we were both tired. We were even more tired when we trudged into the elevator to go to our room. I think we were back about 5:30.
It has been awhile since I have been this tired. If I had laid down, like Margo did, we would not have had dinner for two more hours, and put our ghost tour in jeopardy. She was half asleep, fighting it because she knew we would be heading out soon.
I again offered to call for an Uber, but Margo figured by the time it got here we would be half way home. She may have been right, but it was still 20 minutes to home and we were both tired. We were even more tired when we trudged into the elevator to go to our room. I think we were back about 5:30.
It has been awhile since I have been this tired. If I had laid down, like Margo did, we would not have had dinner for two more hours, and put our ghost tour in jeopardy. She was half asleep, fighting it because she knew we would be heading out soon.
At least since yesterday evening someone, the city maybe, had been putting on the Parade of Lanterns. This was a Chinese themed parade of river barges, each both sponsored by a different business, and having different brightly lit displays. We had seen them yesterday during dinner. This time, in between bites of steak, I would take a few pictures. They were very pretty.
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Margo mentioned that she really thought we should get something for Pete. I got to thinking that I should also get something extra for Mary as she would be doing the lion share of covering for me. So we went back out, and went to the Five and Dime, where nothing costs five or dime. But, Margo did find a shirt or something for Pete and I got Mary a t-shirt.
When we went to pay, I discovered my Discover card missing. No mystery where I last used it, so we back tracked to the Salthouse where our server had turned it in. Glad I left him 20%. We went to our room, did our thing with packing and writing. I was in bed by 10:45. We had put in over 9 miles today, and we were both spent.
When we went to pay, I discovered my Discover card missing. No mystery where I last used it, so we back tracked to the Salthouse where our server had turned it in. Glad I left him 20%. We went to our room, did our thing with packing and writing. I was in bed by 10:45. We had put in over 9 miles today, and we were both spent.
Day Five, Tuesday, February 04, 2020
We did not have to be to the airport until noon, and did not even have to check out until noon on Tuesday. Margo had us all packed, so we decided to just stay and eat at our hotel. They had a nice breakfast buffet, but it came with a more than nice price tag, $25 per person. The food was good and neither of us left hungry, but I don’t think I have ever paid $60 for two, for breakfast.
We went downstairs sometime around 11 AM, and ordered an Uber as soon as we had checked out, and complained about our room not being cleaned again, yesterday. I really just wanted to let them know so they could figure out what went wrong, but for the inconvenience, they took off our room service from the first night. Unnecessary, but I did not turn it down.
We went downstairs sometime around 11 AM, and ordered an Uber as soon as we had checked out, and complained about our room not being cleaned again, yesterday. I really just wanted to let them know so they could figure out what went wrong, but for the inconvenience, they took off our room service from the first night. Unnecessary, but I did not turn it down.
Richard, from Uber, had us picked up five minutes after I ordered the Uber. I later told Margo after this trip, and the realization of how painless this Uber thing was, that next trip maybe we just Uber from our front door. An UberX is less than $30. Times two that is $60. We paid $52 to park, once we got back home.
Dropped off at San Antonio airport, checked in, and then security. I got stopped for a random. They needed to check my electronics. All I had on this trip was my laptop, and enough cords that I am sure the x-ray looked like spaghetti. TSA produced some sort of magnetic wand, which they wiped across at least three of the four edges. There was not any explanation of comment, but he put it back in my bag and sent me on my way. I guess his wand did not detect my explosive wit or writing.
Other than the drama of if I would make it to the bathroom once we got to Denver, the rest of the trip back home was uneventful. When we touched down, we finally saw that the dates for Longmire Days were announced; July 16th through the 19th, just as we had hoped. Glad that was confirmed.
It had been a great trip. We had done almost everything I had expected to do, and we never felt rushed. I wish we could do all our trips this way, but the stars have to line up just right for that to happen. Out next trip, barring unforeseen circumstances is going to be an Upper West road trip, featuring the aforementioned Longmire Days in Buffalo, WY. Can’t wait.
Dropped off at San Antonio airport, checked in, and then security. I got stopped for a random. They needed to check my electronics. All I had on this trip was my laptop, and enough cords that I am sure the x-ray looked like spaghetti. TSA produced some sort of magnetic wand, which they wiped across at least three of the four edges. There was not any explanation of comment, but he put it back in my bag and sent me on my way. I guess his wand did not detect my explosive wit or writing.
Other than the drama of if I would make it to the bathroom once we got to Denver, the rest of the trip back home was uneventful. When we touched down, we finally saw that the dates for Longmire Days were announced; July 16th through the 19th, just as we had hoped. Glad that was confirmed.
It had been a great trip. We had done almost everything I had expected to do, and we never felt rushed. I wish we could do all our trips this way, but the stars have to line up just right for that to happen. Out next trip, barring unforeseen circumstances is going to be an Upper West road trip, featuring the aforementioned Longmire Days in Buffalo, WY. Can’t wait.