And then we began to see wildflowers, including Texas bluebonnets! Lee said when he was in school, his class took a field trip to see the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. It's a big deal in Texas, he says. I discovered upon closer examination that Texas bluebonnets are actually a species of lupin (Lupinus texensis).
There were other wildflowers as well, and I was reminded that one of Lady Bird Johnson's projects was to beautify the highways of Texas by planting wildflowers. This must be her handiwork. There were yellow flowers (buttercups?), pink evening primroses, coral-colored Texas paintbrushes, and purple-pink pincushions.
I had always imagined San Antonio and the Alamo to be in the middle of a hot desert. But they are not, it is very green, at least during the spring. I also thought the Alamo was located on the outskirts of San Antonio. But no, it is not. It is right smack in the middle of town, only a couple of blocks from the River Walk.
Behind the Alamo is a lovely walled garden, created by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. They have added a few buildings as well, to accommodate special events, a library, and gift shop.
Most of the fort at the Alamo has been paved over by roads and sidewalks, except for the iconic church and Long Barracks. The church, at the time of the Alamo battle, had not been used as a church for some time, and had lost its roof and the top portion of its walls. The troops built a ramp of dirt and rubble up to the top of one of the walls, and mounted a canon there. The church has since been restored, roof and all.
The Long Barracks flank the church on the left. Beyond the old walls is a 20th century highrise.
Another view of the Long Barracks, below:
The old well is under an oak that was planted 100 years ago:
Part of the old wall of the Long Barracks:
If you walk through this courtyard then across the street, you will find a series of stairs and water features that lead down to the River Walk:
Construction of the River Walk began in 1939. In 1941 the first boat parade was held, and boat parades continue to be popular to celebrate any and all occasions.
The most popular portion of the River Walk is four or five blocks long. There is a walking loop, a rectangle of about two city blocks wide and four or five city blocks long. Beyond the loop, visitors can walk along the river to museum row, but this section is quieter and doesn't have the restaurants and businesses along the way.
The waterfall on the left side of the tree is just one of many water features:
It was 90 degrees and humid in San Antonio, so the coolness of the River Walk was welcome. I am just glad it wasn't August.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, we head for Pensacola, Florida. The next post will be about our two days in New Orleans.
