San Antonio, TX (3-01-11)



skipping stones on the Guadalupe River



 The last time we were in San Antonio, we totally focused on the "tourist" highlights of the city.  This time, we are doing some touristy things, but we are also trying to branch out and see some other parts of the area.  To this end, we drove over to Government Canyon Natural Area, to do some hiking.  When we arrived, the volunteer was very excited to tell us about the area and which hikes she thought would be the best "first" hike, with the best scenery etc.  We settled on the "Joe Johnston" trail, which was about 6 miles long, and featured a scenic overlook and several ruins. This is where the term "everything is relative" comes to mind.  Relatively speaking, for the San Antonio urban area, this hike is probably a highlight.  Having just come from Big Bend National Park, it was just a stroll in the woods, with a cliff overlooking more trees.  The ruins were mostly fenced, and therefore inaccessible, although one ruin of a farmhouse was accessible but not restored in any way.  Along the path, we did find one geocache, which added a little interest to the day.
        Part of our plan was to slow down a little bit, which we aren't very good at, actually.  We did spend one day here just hanging out, taking care of some paperwork, and in general being lazy.  Saturday night there was a Sock Hop dance at the RV park.  We had a good time although we realized that a lot of early 50s music is too early for us and we don't know it very well.  The "DJ" also didn't seem to understand the difference between listening music and dancing music, so  a lot of what was played wasn't very danceable.  We did have a good time though, and were invited to join a table of regulars. 



    Yesterday we headed up to Guadalupe River State Park.  That's where we were originally going to stay, and its a beautiful river! But, we're glad we didn't stay there because it's pretty far from everything else. In the summer time this place must be packed because there is great tubing down this river.  Right now is off season though, so it was quiet.  We hiked along the river for a couple of miles, and had lunch before heading back home.