Mission for the Day

October 21, 2012

We arrived in Corpus Christi today following a relatively short drive from San Antonio.  Wow, in the 90s and humidity we have not experienced for several weeks.  Although late in the day, we decided to visit the USS Lexington Museum.  The USS Lexington is an aircraft carrier from WWII, however it is actually a replacement, as the original CV-2 was sunk in a battle in Coral Bay in 1942.  This carrier, CV-6, replaced it in 1943.  After a refit in 1955 it was used primarily for training until decommissioned in 1990. 

We have not been on an aircraft carrier, so there was an interest to learn how airplanes were launched, landed, and handled.  Unfortunately, we did not learn that here.  At $24 for the two of us, it was overpriced for what you learn.  The price seems to be justified, in their opinion, for the 3-D movie and hands on simulators.  In all fairness however, our late arrival only gave us time to see about ½ of the self guided tour, but our admission permits a revisit tomorrow, which we may do.  A couple of pictures are provided.

October 20, 2012

Today we went into downtown San Antonio to visit the Alamo and wander around the Riverwalk. The campground was perfectly situated at a bus stop that took us down for $1.10 each / each way.  It worked out well.  Although Dan has been to the Alamo several times, something new is learned with each visit.  The Docents there are very knowledgeable and helpful, and it was Founder’s Day, so there were folks dressed in character.  We had a chance to speak to William Travis. 

 The young man playing the part fit the character to a tee and we had quite the discussion about his decision to fight.  With some confidence, he thought Houston was going to send reinforcements.  A new fact for us, did you know that Alamo heroes Bowie, Crocket, Travis, Bonham and Dickenson we Masons? 

We had quite a conversation about Santa Anna and how he got to power with another Docent.  Hmmm… talk about history repeating itself.  This guy was elected, overwhelmingly, by the new Mexican republic for his support of a Federalist style of government; then changed his mind after he got into office.  Not only to a Centralist government, but a Dictatorship!  So it was no surprise that many decided to rebel rather than live under a Dictator.  San Antonio de Valero was considered a strategic location for the northern Mexican state of Tejas to fight for their independence. 

Upon recommendation, we also visited the San Jose’ and Concepción Missions.  There are several missions in the San Antonio area, including the Alamo, that were built in the 1700s by the Spanish in their efforts to “civilize” the Indians.  What sets this area apart from others we’ve visited on this trip is that the Indians saw benefits by joining and did so voluntarily.  While San Jose’ is fully restored there are several others not restored.  Considering they are over 300 years old and still being used for weekly services they are in remarkably good condition. 

Mission San Jose

Mission Concepcion

We finished off the day with a great dinner, with friends, at a local restaurant.

October 19, 2012

We got an early start today, as we had a long drive ahead, 450 miles. The scenery in southern New Mexico and northern Texas was dotted with oil derricks and pumps.  Only about 1 in 8 pumps were operating.  What gives?  We suspected they were idled awaiting the oil price to rise…. really?  Probably hoping for $200/barrel.  

I-10 had a fair number of decent hills. We were also bucking somewhat of a headwind, so mileage this segment was pretty dismal at 8-9 mpg and gas running $3.80, made for an expensive day.

October 18, 2012

We went back to Carlsbad Caverns today to go on the lantern tour and enter via the Natural Entrance.  I also took a tripod to get some better pictures.  If you go to the Caverns, we highly recommend it, a good itinerary would be to get there at 8AM, buy the King’s Palace tour tickets for 10AM, hike in using the Natural Entrance, take the King’s Palace tour, which meets at the end of the NE hike, then tour the Big Room.  For a second day, if you want the lantern tour, called Left Hand Cave, buy tickets when you buy the King’s Palace tickets.  These may be hard to get as only 15 are permitted on the tour.