We slept in a bit late as the last few days had been really hectic with lots of activities (train, Great Sand Dunes NP, Roswell, Carlsbad Caverns NP) and quite a bit of driving. About 10a we set out for San Antonio on I-10 east. It was quite a long drive, about four hours, but the 80 mph speed limit really helped speed things along. Big Bend country was very beautiful with many mesas dotted with cacti and other plants not seen in our part of the woods.
Windmill store near our hotel in Fort Stockton, Texas
Big Bend Country mesas
Cool terrain in west Texas, Big Bend Country
After a couple hours and switching drivers a couple of times we arrived in Junction, Texas at a BBQ joint that Google reviews seemed to like. It was called Lum’s and wasn’t much to look at, basically a lunch counter in a gas station convenience store. We ordered and got our food but didn’t receive a ticket or have to pay; the gentleman just said pay later and it’s good. The food was wonderful! Michelle had sausage, creamed corn, potato salad, and chocolate pie. Genetta had ribs, potato salad, and macaroni salad. Addison had a half pound of brisket and Doritos. I had brisket with raw onions (that seems to be a thing in Texas and Oklahoma), potato salad, baked pinto beans, and pecan pie. We settled our bill and got a magnet and hit the road again.
Lum’s Barbeque in Junction, Texas
I’ve always liked the Texas flag
Brisket dinner at Lum’s
Another couple of hours of driving and about 3:30p we arrived in San Antonio. The traffic wasn’t too bad which was great as we circled the block a time or two to find the garage entrance for the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk (a sign with the arrow pointing the wrong way was to blame). We parked at the top of the deck with no one else crowding us then checked in. We went up to our room but it was being cleaned. Waited a few minutes before realizing it was the wrong room — ooops! Got into our room and relaxed for thirty minutes before heading back out. The hotel was really nice and a part of the river came into the lobby.
Interior of the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
About 4:30p we headed to the Alamo. The crowd wasn’t too bad, which was good as it was hot outside and the trellis to the side of the building offered interesting historical facts but scant shade. Inside we couldn’t take pictures but enjoyed seeing the surprisingly small space. When we were wandering around a guy asked Addison about the shirt he was wearing, my King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard concert shirt from Asheville the week before. Turns out he was from Kinston, NC and was a tour guide. Michelle and I gathered around the glass case containing a scale model of the Alamo as he went through the entire timeline of the building including the battle of February and March, 1836 and the aftermath leading to the capture of Santa Anna and the formation of the Republic of Texas.
The Alamo
Courtyard plants at the Alamo
At 6p we headed to the Riverwalk, a pedestrian walkway / shopping / restaurant strip below street level along the banks of the San Antonio River. Walked a bit looking at menus before settling on Waxy’s Irish Pub. Not my first choice — I mean, an Irish Pub in Texas?! — but it was quite good. Michelle had fish and chips, Genetta beef stew, Addison ribs and cheese fries and veggies, and myself shepherd’s pie. Not bad, though the tater skins appetizer wasn’t super. After dinner we split up with Michelle and Genetta going shopping and Addison and I walking a bit. Addison wanted to go back to the room so I headed back out to see the Alamo at night, encountering Michelle and Genetta.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Errrr, why is there a Pat O’Brien’s in San Antonio?!
The Alamo after hours — no crowds!
Horse-drawn carriages beside the Alamo
We looked in the window of a shop called Kings X which sold metal military figures then got some ice cream at the nearby Haagen-Dasz (coffee for me, of course!) and ate it on a bench in front of the spot-lit Alamo. The cool evening was very pleasant after the hot day and it was great to spend time with the ladies. Headed back to the room about 9:30p or so to offload pictures and relax, going to bed about 1a.
Interior of Kings X Toy Soldiers
Mexican army miniature
Closeup of the Alamo at night
The Alamo
Route for Thursday, July 5th, 2018