Day 23 Mission San Jose

We decided to stay an extra day. We visited one of six missions here. It is really well put together, although only 15% is original,  and is still an active Catholic Church. I really enjoy the hands on learning that we are getting on this trip and it will only be better when Ella is older.  We really wish that we had our bikes with us and Ella's cart because there is a path all along the river. The path is really nice and connects several of the historic points of interest. The weather has been perfect for a bike ride. 

Visited: mission San Jose, nps visitor center and we went on a guided walk, a huge grocery store full of sugar, we were not surprised to be surrounded by obese people, so we drove 20 minutes to a whole foods. I'm picky when it comes to what we eat especially Ella's formula. And whole foods is cheaper than Alaska. 

Weather- 50-70

State- Texas

We went for a swim in the afternoon. Ella had a blast kicking around the pool but it's a tad too cold to be in an outdoor pool so we kept the swim short. 

Standing in the window of an Indians home. They were sent to the mission to be converted to Catholicism and to work. 

The mission's church. The mission was to convert Indians to Catholicism and then they could become citizens of Spain and thus begin paying taxes to the king! 

Do you notice the difference in arch style? The curved ones were built first and the pointed arches came years later

Have you ever thought about Jesus's grandparents? I don't think I ever did before today.  Mary's parents are the statues on either side of the doors. 

The Indians in this area were hunter gathers and they moves with the animals. This tool was used by a different group around the same time. (Although, they did farm at the mission but they used tools from Spain.)  It's a hoe used by farming groups. A scapula is used for the blade. This one is from a deer.  Large bison bones made larger hoes. 

Starting a fire with two sticks, a rock and some rope. 

Our happy camper before bed 

Day 22 San Antonio Alamo, River Walk 12-10-13

Destination: originally we were going to pass on by San Antonio but there is way too much I wanted to see here so we made a stop. 

We didn't make it in until the late afternoon but I was able to make it to the alamo wth 30 minutes to spare. We then walked over to the river walk. We really love the downtown area, it is decorated for Christmas, there was little traffic, it is clean and was extremely pedestrian friendly. There are tons of restaurants along the river walk and we choose to eat at aceñar. Our dinner was good and Ella enjoyed trying rice and beans, tortilla chips, tomatoes, and Mexican cheese. She wants to try everything! After dinner we were told that Santa was down the street and it was a fundraiser for children in need of an adoption. Double Yay! The streets above are just as cute as the river walk too!  Overall a good ending to a rough day. 

Camped at Carefree Travelers World

She loves playing with the table. It makes a noise when she moves it. 

The Alamo

On the river walk under Alamo Street 

 boats are decorated for Christmas

Santa!

Walking around our trailer park

Day 21 Amistad National Recreational area 12-9-13

I had to change over the propane tanks in the middle of the night. I was rewarded with a spectacular star filled sky. I even saw a shooting meteor dart past. I would of stayed out longer but little Ella woke up when Jason was explaining what I needed to do outside... So he could stay in bed. She cried until I returned. 

Depart-12

Arrive- 4:30

Highway- 385n to 90e

We enjoyed the morning sun before hitting the road. I would of loved to stay another day but since we were out of water we decided to just keep going. Its a huge park and there are many trails. I'm sure we will be back. 

Out of the three deserts we have visited (Mohave, Sonoran, and Chihuahua) I enjoyed the Sonoran the best, especially the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. 

Highlights:

 Sitting in the sun and relaxing in the morning. Eating out for dinner. 

We are once again the only ones here. It's a small campground but there are several larger rv places down the road. Ya know, with all the bells and whistles we have no use for! Like wifi, and cable! 

We are again camping right on the other side of the rio grande and Mexico. The boarder crossing is half a mile away. 

Right below our camping spot

It was another beautiful sunset. 

Day 20 Big Bend National Park 12-8-13

Our second day in the bend and thankfully it was clear and warmer. 

Trails: lost mine- a steep hike with about an 1100 elevation gain but with beautiful view of the Chisos Mountains. 

Riding in the back with Gordo

Look at my two teeth! 

Vermillion fly catcher

She is all over the trailer now. And she has learned to wave HI! 

The Chisos Mountains in the middle of the Chihuahua desert. 

A hike in the mountains. We didn't run into any black bears or mountain lions. 

Group shot half way up

She is ready to go! 

She gets a good nap in while riding along 

A tasty morsel for a roadrunner 

She is a goof ball! 

She enjoyed listening to the Texans while at the hot spring. 

Hot spring with the Rio Grande

It was a nice way to end the evening 

Highlights

Hiking in the mountains, being out of the car all day and seeing the sun again! 

Ella now waves Hi! But only when she wants too... 

Day 19 Big Bend National Park 12-7-13

Destination: Big Bend

Depart 8 am from an icy Fort Davis 

Arrived 12:30

Visited- Alpine for groceries and a hose

It was a very cute town. Milk is really expensive for some reason. More than Alaska! And there are diary cows every where. 

Highways- 118 south

Animals- cows and birds

Trail- hotspring trail along the Rio grande. 

Weather- thick fog, cold 18-35

Highlights

Arlene- the hotspring right next to the Rio Grande was awesome. Ella fell asleep on the trail so we left her in the stroller while we soaked. The water does not smell and it comes out at 105 degrees. The river is much colder. I sat there looking for Mexicans that come over to sell their trinkets and was able to have conversations with other adults. (Which is nice after 19 days with Jason!!) We even met someone who flew with Don Sheldon. The fog began to left while we were there and we had a nice sunset. 

Jason-

Ella- going for a ride in the stroller

Gordo- getting to sleep in the trailer instead of the car

Lowlights

Arlene- gordo expressed his anal glands and I got them on me while we were driving. Our water was still frozen so I could not wash my hands. Hand sanitizer does not help with the smell. Blah

Jason

Ella- bit her fingers with her new teeth when she was trying to massage her gums. 

Gordo- being yelled at by an impatient person.... 

Fort Davis TX. 

A Mesa! 

Next to a dinosaur bone found here 

The rio grande and Mexico 

Swallow nests

Trail to hotspring

Mexican trinkets (I left some change) 

Hotsprings with two naked dudes. 

It is literally right next to the rio. A thin stone wall separated us

The walk back

More paintings

The old resort