Capital City...LIVING LARGE

I do believe, help my unbelief.
                               Mark 9:24

Austin has a lot to offer including Lady Bird Lake, a lot of bike lanes, and the best sidewalks I've experienced in Texas! The Capital building has a majestic ambiance especially at night. The public transportation is outstanding but can be somewhat confusing (referring to the Metro Train). The  American dollar can take you far in the Austin public transportation system. Bike racks on the train and buses.

Texas State Capital at night

Who's your Daddy?

State Capital by day from Congress Street

Lady Bird Lake also known as Town Lake

Happy New Year Y'all

Christmas in Austin

 Interior space of Austin's International Youth Hostel

We have found the Messiah; Jesus Christ, who brings us grace and truth.
                                                                John 1:41

Although the weather on Christmas Day was wet and cold the company at the International Youth Hostel wasn't. There was a volunteering of efforts that put together a free Holiday meal and I think everybody has enough to eat.

Celebrating the Season in Community fashion

Austin is the capital of Texas and the Capital building is a handsome landmark easily identified from Congress Street looking north. The beautiful Colorado river flows through the city that is traversed by a number of pedestrian friendly bridges

Alamo City...been there, done that.

Some Historic Architecture in downtown San Antonio

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
                            Psalm 25

Happy Holiday's,

It was an eventful week in San Antonio. Although the weather was wetter than I hoped for; I was able to conduct some important business projects where I needed technological assistance. Thanks to SKYPE and  places like McDonalds, Starbucks, and hotels that provide a free WI-FI signal.  Thru them I was able to access the Internet and take care of needed business. Hemisphere Park was the highlight of my downtown experience where I encountered an organized occupation area of the park where concerned Americans where raising an awareness of our broken financial system. One thing I applied to their recommendations was removing my money from Bank of America. According to some spokespeople BofA is laying off 30,000 employees to pay for their lawsuits where they are being sued for about 5 billion dollars. There are also allegations that they are keeping our military in perpetual debt by some of their policies. These occupiers encouraged putting money in local banks and credit unions.

Lot's of Great American history in San Antonio, and around the Alamo. I enjoyed asking local folks about their interpretation of The Alamo, and what really happened. I learned that Mexican leader Santa Ana regained control of the strategic Alamo after he killed his appointed commander who gave up his post to the invading Texacans. He didn't put up a fight but instead retreated and met his death by Santa Ana. The Mexican commander then headed north to retake the Alamo, but couldn't  retain his homeland's presence there. Santa Ana was defeated as he continued to push northward with his poorly trained and diminishing troops by the occupying Texacans.

The roads were tougher in San Antonio than I anticipated, and the traffic was congested with very few bike lanes. Buckling sidewalks with telephone poles in the middle of them, as well as obstructive mailboxes weren't uncommon.

I'm planning on trekking northwest to Austin, then on to Houston. This Texas traffic however makes me skeptical about my plans and abilities to get around in these urban areas. I've heard that Austin is a very bike friendly city so I'm fired up about my proposed visit. One thing I tell people is that dreaming doesn't cost anything. That's what a lot of my future on this tour is...still a dream.

I enjoyed New Bruanfels, but had a hard time putting up with the smoke in the local sports bar "Scores" that telecast the Cowboy-Buccaneer game. One thing I value about my home state of California is the no smoking laws that are enforce in social environments (like bars). Unfortunately, now my cloths smell like smoke. That's the price you have to pay in 2011 Texas to catch some NFL or sports action at a pub.

Heart of Texas

Church of San Fernando-San Antonio, Texas

Government building-San Antonio

Alamo-San Antonio

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
                                   Leviticus 19:18

I consider San Antonio to be "Deep I The Heart of Texas" and that's where I am now. I've never seen a area as dedicated to medical research or as expansive as the facilities here in San Antonio. Unfortunately, it's been pretty difficult to safely cycle around town with so few bike lanes,  buckling sidewalks, as well as jutting mailboxes, trees, and telephone poles.  I'm a survivor so far though.

Fortunately, I've had the opportunity to spend the last few days with a nurse friend where I was able to thaw out from the nightly freezing temperatures. Having access to a kitchen and a warm shower was nice too.

I hope everyone is in the Holiday Spirit (filled with Goodness and Light).  Although I haven't been logging to many miles this week, I've been able to send out some Holiday cards.

Thickening Air

Lonely Saguaro Cactus

I came that they might have life and have it to the full.
                                                  John 10:10

One thing I've noticed as I move east in Texas is that the air is getting heavier and the landscape is greening up. Some of the green pastures west of Uvalde remind me of springtime. The recent rains are something I haven't experienced in a long time and I anticipate wetter travel as I continue east. The air is thicker as the elevation descends from west Texas. I wonder what the gulf coast will produce. Will I be able to handle the humidity?

I like to take at least one day off per week. It gives me a chance to go thru my equipment and tighten loose bolts, lube my chain and oil my Brooks saddle. It also gives me the opportunity to wash my cloths and rest my body.

Enjoy your day,

Francis

Rio Grande Sighting

Barrell Cactus & friends

As I loved you. So you also should love one another.
                                                              John 13:34

Finally made it to Del Rio after spending time in Sanderson and Langtry. Although Sanderson claims to be the cactus capital of Texas, the cactus garden at the Langtry visitors center takes the honors. Quite the place and well worth the time if you're in the area. One thing I must say about the visitors centers in Texas, is that they are well designed, resourceful and accommodating.

I took a walk across the swiftly flowing green Rio Grande today and enjoyed the afternoon in Ciudad Acuna (Mexico). I was able to get both dental and eye exams free of charge. I recommend that anybody with limited incomes who needs dental services patronize the dentists in Mexico. Your money goes a lot further there than in the U.S.A. From my experiences with Mexican dental services, you'll pay roughly 30% of the costs you'd pay for dental work in America and that's with insurance!

The weather was great today, the temperature reached well into the 70's. I'm happy to be further south this time of year whereas, I'm not to fond of battling cold and wind while cycling.