San Antonio - Live Stock Show

The Rodeo and Stock Show are in town and today is the last day for the Stock Show.  We head out to the fairgrounds so Gary can see the Longhorn Cattle.

We get there and it is free for Seniors today so we are less upset when we find out the livestock auction was yesterday so the cattle and horses are gone.

We go into one of the display barns

 There were some pigs left

 and western themed displays

We see some people streaming into another barn so we venture in.  There is a livestock judging competition going on so we aren't allowed to stay and watch.

 This all makes Gary very grumpy so he goes to the time-out bench.

 Be grumpy no more!  We find a couple of Longhorn Cattle

 This guy likes to get his ears scratched. 

 His horns measure 6' tip to tip!

I knew that - said the wise old owl!

 I thought the price of admission was worth it just to see the sand sculptures

 There is a carnival going on as well

 Apparently the greatest one on earth.

 But we've had enough and we are getting hungry - just not hungry enough for a $10 hot dog with a $13 beer.

Tomorrow we head to Padre Island National Seashore

San Antonio - The Missions

We pass by all the Missions on our way home after lunch so we stop in.

First is Mission Concepcion.  The Mission was transferred from East Texas in 1731.  It still looks essentially like it did back then

 A picture of how the Mission would have looked back in the beginning

Do you know the way to Mission San Jose?  It's right across the street.

One enters through the gate. 

 Founded in 1720 it the best known of the Texas Missions

 The mission extends around on all sides.  It is known as the Queen of the Missions. 

 The Rose Window shows the Spanish Artisans high level of skill

 an interesting circular section

Houses a spiral staircase made of wood

 It even has its own mill

 Massive stone walls for defense

 The architecture is beautiful

 as is the Church

 Next stop is Mission San Juan Capistrano.  It also was moved from East Texas in 1731 and placed on the bank of the of the San Antonio River.  You can actually get to all the missions via the River Walk by Bike or Boat

I

Burial grounds

 A final peek before our visit to the final Mission

 Mission Espada

Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas, this oldest of the East Texas Missions was also moved here in 1731 and renamed San Franciso de la Espada. 

Espada was the only Mission built out of bricks.