We put on our travelling boots for a long journey from New Mexico to San Antonio Texas. Setting the caravan on cruise control the long miles tick away. Driving through changing desert we have with hills on either side, then a large flat area with low growing mesquite and cactus, then rolling hills with oak and lush undergrowth. Originally much of this was grassland, but as the Spanish increased their horse and cow herds the grass disappeared, then with the lack of wildfires the grass did not reseed–so luscious grassland became rather plain looking Mesquite bush and Gambel’s Quail for many hundreds of miles.
From no population to sparse ranches to farmlands we are gradually reintroduced into evidence of human habitation–other than the long expanse of Highway 10 with rest stops roughly placed 100 miles apart–Texas is big! Jerry had recommended the River Walk (Paseo del Rio) in San Antonio. The River Walk has sidewalks on either side of the channeled river that is below street level of downtown. Restaurants and shops line the river and quaint boats motor tourists around the circuit of waterways–designated the “Venice of America.”
After finding a camping spot a bit out of the main city we pedal our way in on a marvelous bike path that follows the San Antonio River. We first visit the ill-fated Alamo, that became a rally cry, “Remember the Alamo” as Texans fought Santa Anna for independence. The Alamo was a calculated slaughter, only a slave was let go to tell the tale of woe and spread panic to others who thought of joining the rebellion. However the “take no prisoners” policy had the opposite effect on Texans, who were made even more determined–in 1839 they became an autonomous republic and ten years later the Republic of Texas joined the United States.
Onward we wheel ourselves to the River Walk where we are charmed by the waterways, overpass bridges, many of which were built in the 1930s as part of the WPA, and the many shops and restaurants. We eat lunch at the Casa Rio, it turned out to be the oldest eatery (1946) along the river. The restaurant was was started by a failing hardware store owner, taking over an old home and digging the mud out of the basement by hand, the vintage restaurant is still run by the family. From all the busyness of the River Walk we emerge to street level and find the beautiful St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Upon entry the feeling here makes it known that this is a “House of God.” The artistry and colors are truly magnificent.
We go in search of another church, the Cathedral of San Fernando, designated the nation’s oldest Cathedral Sanctuary and was visited in 1987 by St. John Paul II. The outside of this Cathedral looks to be very old, originally built between 1738-50. Venturing into the very front through a winding narrow hallway we come face to face with a magnificent altar. Magnetically drawn we sit first row and are immediately drawn in. The world can be interesting, lovely, even engaging, but how much more so is God! The world drops away and there is only He, blessed He. A sanctuary of peace and God’s Presence in the midst of a bustling city–we are at home.
Today we continue on our North American God-tour to Houston. He takes us to places unknown, but as our tour guide He is infallible. We have chanted His holy Name across many miles now, filling our hearts and this dharamshala on wheels with His Light and radiating the power of His Nam as we travel from coast to coast.
Picture: St. Joseph’s Church San Antonio Texas
