Last Friday, I packed up and drove up to San Antonio. I had plans to explore around Brackenridge Park and one day and visit the zoo the next.

I got up and over to the gas station around seven for some gas and a little breakfast. After about a two and a half hour ride, I parked by the zoo and walked into the park. My goal for today was to walk from the park to the Pearl Brewery. From maps I had seen, it looked like it was possible. They are only a few miles from each other and it looked like if I followed the river I would make it.

I took the foot path behind part of the river on the right side of the zoo and followed the river toward the golf course. I didn’t stay of the sidewalked path, but took the trail along the river bank. It wasn’t a real path, but one that had been worn away by traffic. There were a few places to park back there with a few cars, but mostly no one else was back there.

It was a beautiful day. The temperature was in the low 80s and there was a lovely breeze. Because I was on the bank, I was in the shade most of the time. I stopped and watched a couple of squirrels do their squirrel thing, one even watched me back. I saw ducks swimming and napping and a turtle snacking on some nice green algae. It was a peaceful way to spend a morning; quiet, fragrant, pleasant temperature.

I tried to keep the river at my side and with the help of Google Maps I was able to, until I hit a residential area. I could see the highway on the other side of the houses. I turned back here. I could have continued on but I would have had to walk on the street. I didn’t make it today. I won’t say its not possible, I might have followed the wrong street after I crossed the railroad tracks. I may not have made it to the Pearl, but I enjoyed my morning, getting a little glimpse into the way of the river.

I ended up back tracking toward St. Mary’s Street. There were several school buses, but so far I hadn’t run into any kids yet so I kept going. Later I found out the students were in San Antonio for a band and choir competition and they were mostly in the zoo and the open area of the park, not where I was spending time. I decided instead to go to the Japanese Tea Garden.

I had been there before, but hadn’t spent much time. The gardens were breath taking. The whole time I kept thinking it was like what being in Alice’s Wonderland garden must look like. I trekked up and down before deciding I was thirsty and wanted a snack. I went over to their restaurant and ordered a bubble tea and a brownie. I’d never had a bubble tea before. I like black tea, but I accidently sucked up a couple of the bubbles (not really certain what they were made of), but they didn’t really sit well and I only drank half the tea. I really enjoyed the brownie. It was big, but not sickeningly sweet.

It was only about one p.m. and still too early to check into the hotel, but I was getting tired. The only thing to do was to take a ride on the San Antonio Zoo Eagle Train. The train was not inside the zoo, so I only had to walk up to the train station, buy a ticket and wait for the next engine. I got there right as the train was pulling out so I had to wait on the next one. It was fine with me, I sat on the bench and enjoyed the peace of the day as others came up to wait for the train as well.

I was joined by about 20 members of the Deer Park Choir. They sang for about half the trip around the park. They kids could sing so it wasn’t bad, but they did put a damper on my good time when they saw some of their friends that weren’t on the train. Their friends kept running up to the train to give the riders high fives. While it might have been fun, it was very dangerous. The chaperones didn’t stop it. I hope they said something to the kids when they got of the train.

After the I got off the train, it was still a little early to check in, but I called and they said I could come over a little early. I know there isn’t much parking downtown San Antonio. I had read on the hotel’s website that they had valet parking, but I had no idea where to park while I was checking in or where the valet area was. I went around the hotel block twice before I just found a spot. I checked in and went up to my room. It was a small room, barely enough room to walk between the bed and desk, but it had a nice large window facing Travis Park and a good sized bathroom. The bathroom only had a shower, I would have liked a tub to soak, but you can’t have everything.

After resting a bit, I walked over to the Alamo and then to the river walk to get some dinner. I hadn’t been to the Alamo in years and was a little disappointed. They did have some nice actors showing what life was like then, but the barracks museum was closed for restoration. But the Alamo was free and a beautiful green space. After a quick dinner on the river walk, I was back in the hotel and showered by 7:30. I was pooped so I watched a little Walking Dead on Netflix and went to bed because the next day I was off to have breakfast with the hippos at the zoo.