2019 SouthWest: San Antonio - The Missions

We are staying at the Alamo KOA, partly due to wanting full services to de-winterize, and partly due to its convenient location to downtown. We were very fortunate to get in for 4 nights, considering we were arriving when the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is town, one of the largest events in Texas.  Being such a popular show, the vast majority staying here are participants in the rodeo, all massive rigs, either motor coaches, or camper/horse trailer combos, which we have never seen the likes of before.

We purchased an all day transit pass (for a shockingly low amount of $2.75), a great way for visitors to check out the city. Today was a bit overcast, with that annoying spitting rain, so we decided it would best to make the circuit and see the Spanish Missions.  The San Antonio ‘Viva’ metro bus service offers a dedicated bus route that only stops at cultural destinations, including the Missions...what a fantastic idea.

We started at The Alamo, which is in the centre of the city, and then headed south on the bus to the other missions.

The Alamo

We all know of The Alamo, perhaps because it’s famous 1836 siege and one day battle that has been portrayed in many movies, or perhaps because it was home to Spanish missionaries for over seventy years. The Alamo is the first of a chain of missions along the San Antonio River, one of Spain’s more successful attempts to extend its dominion northward from what is now called Mexico. Five missions, a presidio (fort), and a settlement, flourished between 1747 and 1775.

The Spanish missions helped form the foundation of the eventual City of San Antonio. Since the 1920’s, the City has been working to preserve the missions, recognizing their important connection to the past.

Walking around The Alamo, one is quickly transported back in time, all glimpses of the modern city around us faded into the background, and we were absorbed by the simple materials around us. The stone, the mortar, the wood and iron. The wet overcast day saturated the colours of the earth tones, bringing out a deep richness.

We chatted with one of the hosts inside, and he explained the siege and battle to us, filling in many details regarding why the battle occurred, and the incredible commitment made by virtually every individual to stay and fight to the end. His enthusiasm made us eager to continue on and see all the other missions along the route.

These photos show glimpses of the Missions, well worth seeing...

Mission Concepcion

Mission San Jose

Mission San Juan

Mission Espada

After walking the Missions, we were well ready for some Texas BBQ and a cold beer. We have decided that Triple D will be one of our key resources for finding great spots to eat, and so the Smoke Shack became our spot to grab a bite. A very laid back joint that serves up a classic variety of BBQ, and it sure did not disappoint.