SAN ANTONIO, TX

SAN ANTONIO, TX

27 Apr - 3 May

This is our second time we have visited San Antonio, TX. To read about our first visit click HERE. This time we are staying a Lackland AFB FAMCAMP, about 15 minutes from down town San Antonio.

Hiromi has felt a little under the weather so we have been limited to the area around the base. Towards the end of the week of our stay I have caught whatever Hiromi had. I took my vitamins, aspirins & Day Quil (Nite Quil at night) and got out of the RV to do some sightseeing. I hate to be sick and will do anything to stay active. However, Hiromi dose not want to move and sleeps until she feels better.

If you have never been to Texas, be careful on the highways. The exits and off ramps are not like most other states. On ramp flows into traffic with very short lanes. The road along the highway are one way and are part of the off ramp where the ramp cars have right-a-way, but the cars don't yield when you get off. Speed limit is 65 on the high ways and 45 on the side roads. However, cars passed me like I was standing still. No wonder there has been 782 deaths on Texas roads this year in just four months that's an average of 195 deaths a month.  BE CAREFUL!

Close to Lackland AFB and just along side US 90 stands the 9-11 Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial. Thousands of people must pass these Memorials daily, but we were the only ones there when we stopped. Both of these events will live in infamy, I just sat at these Memorials reflecting on these times in History.

Before going to tonight's baseball game, I made a stop at Sports Cards Plus to start restocking my inventory. The store is not big on common cards, they are know for boxes and high end cards. So I was like a kid going through boxes after boxes of cards searching for my cards. It was all about the thrill of the hunt. When I was done I walked out with 45 cards for $8, about $.17 a card. I can't even find cards that cheap online (plus adding S/H). I was able to add 9 more cards to my Travis Shaw collection along with some Cleveland Indians I got signed in spring training and started on my Pawtucket Red Sox players for when we get to Rhode Island.

Another town, another baseball game. This time it was the AA minor league team of the San Diego Padres, the San Antonio Missions. The team is rich in histroy dating back to 1888. The team is only two years removed from it last AA title in 2013. From 1973-1975 they were the Cleveland Indians minor league team. As a die hard Cleveland Indians fan, there has been several big name Indian players who once wore the Missions logo. Along with Kent State alumni Dirk Hayhurst.

I got lucky once more as I walked around the stadium and found four more baseball from batting practice.

I got the usual team mini bat and 2014 team baseball card set.

As we arrived an Air Force plane was passing over the parking lot to land at Lackland AFB.

The promotion tonight was $1 nite on hot dogs, soda and beer. Hiromi came to the game and it was a cheap dinner out. For the stadium I was a bit disappointed by the size as it was the smallest AA park I have seen in a long time. This time we sat on the third base side front row in front of the third base bag. The bullpen was along the wall beside us, but the team stayed in the dugout until the pitchers needed to get warmed up before entering the game. I saw the home team pull off another win, winning  9-0. It was a trifecta for the fan, the win, 8+ runs and 10+ strikeout fans left the ball park with coupons for a free pizza (8+ runs) and $5 off at Pollo Tropical (10+ strikeouts).

 Our seats along the third base line

 Team mascot a Jalapeno  

The last full day in San Antonio and we took off to see downtown. We walked the River Walk, Alamo and The Menger Hotel. To read about the River Walk and Alamo please click on the link above from our last visit. I heard about the history of The Menger Hotel so I just had to stop by. Located right next to the Alamo, this Hotel was a meeting place for Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders before setting off to battle. It also holds baseball history (go figure I would find baseball history in a Hotel). In 1922 Babe Ruth stayed here when the New York Yankees visited San Antonio to play an exhibition game with the San Antonio Indians baseball club on 31 March 1922.

 River walk

 The Menger Hotel 

 Babe Ruth

 Getting photo bombed in 1922

(The guy back left)

Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders are on video only no pics .. sorry.

Alamo

 Hiromi and her ice cream trying to cool down from 

the hot Texas heat.

What's Next?
Three days of driving to Alabama, with visits to Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.

BIG BEND NP

BIG BEND NP

22 - 26 Apr

When going off the grid, it becomes hard to keep up with all the actives that we do. Last year when this happend I feel behind and missed three months of our travels with places like BC Canada, Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP that never made it to this blog. I hope I learned from that experance this time around.

The next five days we will be off the grid with no cell phone connections and only our genator to provide us with the short amount of power we'll need to reheat some of our food. I enjoy the times we are off the grid as we spend our days out of the RV exploring mother nature together. The only down side is the weather is still hot at night making it almost impossible to sleep. But, we came up with a few good ideas on how to try and remain cool to beat the heat. Day temputers in the high 80's to low 90's and night temptures in the mid 60's. One thing is for sure, every morning was a Claritin morning.

Before departing Fort Bliss FAMCAMP we stopped to eat lunch on base in Freedom Plaza at Texas Roadhouse. We ordered the Wendsday special of 8oz steak dinner for $9.99. We were so full there was no need to take another bit of food for the rest of the day. As we got back to the RV, we hooked up the car to the dolly and hit the road for Big Bend NP. Over a seven hour drive, We saw no markings of a rest stops on the map along US 385, so with less than three hours remaining we stopped on the last I-10 rest stop before turning off on US 385.  We would finish the less than three hour drive the next day. We arrived at our campground in Big Bend NP around midday so we still had time to do some sightseeing. Two and a half day of dry camping and mother nature what else could you ask for.

Driving the RV to our campground in
Big Bend NP, did not think we would make it at first.

I've never been book smart, I've learned more hands on and first hand experiences. As a young boy I'd love to camp and explore the outdoors while in the boy scouts. Big Bend NP brought me back to that time in my life where I camped and explored with my three brothers. These pass days I tried to pass that on to Hiromi. Coming from Japan she has never experienced such a wide spread beauty, this was my gift to her and a a glimpse into my boyhood past.

The Rio Grande River is the boarder between the US and Mexico. The river flows west to south 70+ miles before it starting the bend and moves 100+ miles north. This Bend in where the National Park gets it's name "Big Bend". Big Bend has a lot of history were at one time there was a 100 acres of cotton field (the campground where the cotton field use to be is called cottonwood). It was once a major customs office for good brought over from Mexico. At one time it was also the Headquarters for the Texas Rangers (law enforcement, not the baseball team). During prohibition smugulers tried to bring alocholic over the Rio Grande from Mexico to the US.

Big Bend NP is the size of Rhould Island and sometimes we were so far out we did not see another person for hours. Seeing this kept the stories I heard true as Big Bend is the largest NP and least visited. There is a boarder crossing into Mexico, but we stayed in the US and explored what Big Bend had to offer.

We only spent three days dry camping and in that short time we did a lot of hiking. Our first night we went to the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande River. The off road drive getting there was narrow and times I thought Hiomi would drive us off the road and into the dry river bed or into the mountain side trying to stay on the road. She did neither and we got to ejoy the hot springs.

The next two days consisted of hiking canyon floors and mountain ranges. Where else other than Big Bend NP can you explore desert, mountains and rivers all in one place? None that we have found ... yet!

Nothing like surprising Hiromi with breakfast

before we start our day of hiking

The first sign we pass driving to our hiking trail.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), we did not see a bear or lion.

However, we did see a lot of these colorful guys while 

hiking the mountain side to Balance Rock.

Hiromi standing next to a Ocotillo that stands

taller than her.

 Me, stand next to a Century. They live up to 50 years

and reproduce only once before dying.

Hiking along the canyon (East side of the park) 

Hiking along the canyon (West side of the park) 

 Hiromi taking a break from the Hot Texas

heat under a large rock.

                                              

Some the the ruins left behind. 

Seashell rock.

 After many years, a cactus growing out of old door way.

One thing to keep your eye open for are the illegal souvenirs. Mexicans will cross the river illegally and place these on trails leaving a pay jar and then cross back into Mexico. The park rangers inform you about this and not to buy them. If caught, customs will take them from you.

 We could have used our shower in the RV, but the only water we had was what is in the tank. By the time the water heater would heat the water most of the water would have been gone and our gray tank would be full. If lucky we would only have one day of showers in the hot south Texas sun. so we came up with a idea. Every morning I would fill up one gallon water jugs with the water in the campground bathrooms and lay them out in the sun all day to get warm. After dinner we would take our dry camping showers.

We are both looking forward to taking a normal shower once we return to civilization.

What's next?
San Antonio, TX

EL PASO, TX

EL PASO, TX

15 Apr

After spending the night at a Home Depot parking lot we hit the road and headed south on our way to warmer weather to Fort Bliss FAMCAMP in El Paso, TX.  We were going to stay 5 night, but when they said if we stay 6 nights the 7th night is free, I thought where else could I spend $19 and get two night of camping, so we are staying a week. The main base is only a few miles away and a MUST see. There is not a lot on our list, but I'm sure we can find stuff to do. If not, we'll just hang out and recharge our batteries for the week ahead. Shower houses are clean, big and private. Wi-fi is free, but can only access it from the clubhouse. The clubhouse is open 24 hr with a gym on one side and a kitchen on the other. Why not use a full size kitchen just have to clean up after yourself. 

16 Apr

Hiromi is feeling a bit under the weather, so we are taking it slow today. We only did shopping at Fort Bliss commissary For this week's groceries.

17 Apr
White Sands NM

Only 1 ½ hours away, we drove to White Sands NM in New Mexico. We took 54 North and then 70 West. For the military readers, there is Holloman AFB FAMCAP just 7 miles away. It's very interesting on how mother nature created these white sand dunes in the middle of desert like surroundings. Rain storms and flash floods wash these minerals from the surrounding mountain rang and form lakes. When the New Mexico heat dries up these lakes the minerals forms rocks and break apart with the high hard winds moving these minerals across the desert. White Sands NM is constantly reshaping it's dunes. When you visit White Sands, bring your sunglasses as the sun reflects off the sand like snow. Also, bring a sled (or buy one in the gift shop) to ride the dunes.

18 Apr
Chamizal National Memorial

Only 5 miles away and the furthest point South of El Paso you can go before crossing the boarder into Mexico is Chamizal N MEM. The Rio Grande was the border between the US and Mexico but as the river shifted the boarder became disputed between the two Countries. Back in 1962 during the missile crises President JF Kennedy wanted to ensure the border was secure. After his assassination in 1963 President LB Johnson continued the efforts to secure the border.  The US gave about 400 acres while Mexico gave about 150 acres. The new cemented channel of the Rio Grande was built. The resident and communities who lived on these lands their Country was responsible to pay and relocate their people. The Chamizal Convention was signed in January 1964 and the ceremony held on 25 September 1964. After a century-long boarder despite, both side agreed on peacefully settlement. Most of the land US received was turned into a park for everyone to enjoy. There is a year round schedule of events with American and Mexican cultural.       

 Boarder crossing next to the N MEM

We are only 20 miles away from the New Mexico state boarder where there is a Texas welcome center; we needed a Texas road map and other travel books for more ideas so we made the drive to pick them up.

 Hiromi found a Carl's Jr coupon for two burgers, fries, drink & cookie for $5.99 and there was a Carl's Jr close to the welcome center so we stopped to eat lunch. We are sure the workers had no idea about the coupon as they gave us the large burgers and we paid $5.25 for our meal. The burger was almost the same size as Hiromi's face and the cookie was as big as her palm.

19 Apr
Downtown El Paso

We wanted to see downtown El Paso, but when we arrived it was dead and everything was closed. These might have been because it was a Sunday. I went to Chihuahuas stadium to get my ticket for Tuesdays game, but the box office was closed as there was no home game on Sunday.

We walked into the convention center because of the USBC open championships. As we walked in all we could hear was the sounds of balls knocking down pins. As we walked out, there was a few guys looking for extra bowlers for their team. I suck at bowling and told them I don't bowl. If you want to sub get to El Paso you may walk out as a champion. This open run now thru July... what are you waiting for?

Again, to my military reader; if you are ever in El Paso you MUST stop at Ft Bliss. Along with the exchange and commissary there is a full outside shopping mall HERE. Just to name a few of the stores Under Armor, Denny's, Dollar Tree, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, a 10 screen movie theater and a lot more. There is so much, you will never have to leave base. Where was this mall when I was active duty?

We stop at the movie theater and watch Fast and Furious 7. Tickets was only $5.75 for military. Trying not to give away any spoilers, but at the end of the movie the tribute to Paul Walker was tear dropping.  

20 Apr

I searched the BBB for baseball card shops in El Paso. There was no phone numbers, just addresses so I drove to the locations. The first three shops are no longer open. I stopped and called it the day. I will just have to wait until the next big city.

Not much more going on except for relaxing and enjoying our down time in the AC with temps in the low 80's.

21 Apr
El Paso Chihuahuas

Last full day in El Paso and it's dedicated to laundry, groceries and night baseball game at El Paso Chihuahuas.

El Paso Chihuahuas is the AAA team for the San Diego Padres taking on Sacramento River Cats affiliates of the San Francisco Giants.  My luck of getting a baseball ran dry tonight. I knew I could not get one every game. I did come close a few times but the number of fan in the stadium was larger than the last two games. For a AAA team Southwest University Park is the perfect mix of a high level team while keeping the game close to the fans as a minor league team do. There is a double level above home plate seats and a little off down the first and third base lines. For a downtown stadium it fits perfectly within its surroundings. Over the right field wall is the main street and there is a three story building that are luxury suits along with a giant LED scoreboard to stop balls from leaving the park and landing on the main street. The home team bullpen is along the third base line, while the visitors bullpen is out in right field on field level of one of the three story buildings. The is a viewing fence like they have in San Francisco, near the entrance and visitor bullpen.

The Chihuahuas played ... you guess it "Who let the dogs out" as the team took the field. Some of the unique food ideas was that the nachos was placed in a dog bowl (you have to see the picture, it's a pretty good idea). I added the Chihuahuas mini bat and 2014 Inaugural Season team set to go a long with the dog bowl and ice cream mini helmet.

On 22 September (my birthday) the Triple A Championship game between the Pacific League Champs and.the International League Champs will play at Southwest University Park. The 2015 Championship trophy is on display so fan can tough and take pictures with it all season long.

I finally saw the home team pull out a win and won 7-1.


Up Next?

Off the grid for the next five days while we explore Big Bend NP. Back to civilization around the 26th or 27th when we arrive at Lackland AFB in San Antonio.