San Antonio River Walk

I drove to San Antonio and got stuck in traffic on I-281.  I exited and found my way downtown.  I parked for $5 and started off.  I quickly realized I might want to take pictures and that my camera was the most expensive item left in my car so I retrieved it and started continued to the river walk.  I spotted a sign, followed, and soon descended a staircase down to river level. 

I immediately felt impressed.  On either side of the river, large bald cypress trees grew beside the sidewalk providing sanctuary for the twittering birds.  I walked along in amazement as the scenery got better.  I passed La Villita and saw many enormous bald cypress trees (which surprised me since I was in downtown San Antonio.)  I also saw many arched, stone bridges crossing the canal.  I passed many stylish and expensive restaurants, some with seating right alongside the canal, bustling with business. There were hotels, bars, and throngs of people congesting the narrow walkways. 

Light dimly lit the river improving the atmosphere.  I passed a few waterfalls entering the river (which I later found out helped aerate the water).  I walked in a daze completely taken by surprise by the wonderful atmosphere, impressive architecture, and unusual mesh of enormous trees and cement.  The trees most impressed me.  They elicited and emphasized a feeling of age and time and gave the walkway a somewhat surreal and dreamy atmosphere. 

I’d originally set out with one goal in mind; I wanted to see the Alamo up close.  Without a map, the many junctions of the river walk confused me.  I finally retrieved my compass and map and began anew.  I followed the river walk, reemerged onto the streets, corrected my course, and soon stood in front of the Alamo.  Seeing the building up close, gladdened me. 

From the Alamo, I walked to the River Walk Mall.  I found the food court and decided on a turkey sandwich from Schlotzsky’s Deli and a strawberry kiwi smoothie from Smoothie King.  I soon realized that the river walk began just outside the food court.  As I exited, music filled the air.  I sat at a table across the river and enjoyed the music and impressive architecture.  The mall surrounded the canal on 3 sides.  Walls of glass stood 3.5 stories tall showing all the stores inside.  The end of the canal, formed a loop where a bridge led across to an island in the middle.  Many boat tours passed as I ate.  The air felt cool but that didn’t take away from the wonderfully enjoyable experience. 

After dinner, I decided to ride a boat and learn about the river walk.  I got quite a comedian for a guide.  I learned how they’d moved a huge hotel on wheels, created the Hilton from prefabricated block rooms laid in place like Legos, and found out that the gargoyles on the Tower of Life building spit water when it rains.  I enjoyed the tour.  Riding the river walk gave me a good feel for the seemingly complex river way. 

Afterwards, I walked back toward my car stopping by flood gate # 1 to see the 15’ waterfall.  This gate appears to dam the river to it's current level.  Then, I drove to the airport, picked up Jeffrey, and shuttled him to Geary Schindel’s house.  I enjoyed spending that evening at Geary’s.  Paul Aughey, Doug Strait, Jeff Moore, Alan Cressler, Manuel Beers, Geary Schindel, his wife, daughter, Phillip Rykwalder, and Steven Bryant were all there and socializing.  As the night continued, we learned about the area, made plans, and learned about a few things we should do in Big Bend.  We went to bed about 1:30 AM CST.  I slept on a futon in his hot tub room.