Blogs from Austin, Texas, United States, North America - page 6

It was very nice to be back in Texas with the warm weather. I would first make a short side-trip to San Antonio, seeing some of the history of Texas with The Alamo - the most visited place in Texas - where 189 defenders fought to the death against 1,800 Mexican attackers. While the entire defenders were wiped out, it would prove to be the inspiration for redemption and victory a month or so later. There isn't so much of a 'sight' to see (half a small church), but the history is interesting enough. Very strangely and bewilderingly, the street opposite the Alamo, (once an actual part of the Alamo grounds no less), now houses a Ripleys Believe it or Not Odditorium, Tussauds Wax museum, Guinness World Records 'museum', a Haunted House and Tomb Raider 3D ... read more

Railroad Lore Every parent can attest that boys have an innate fascination with trains and railroads. At least we certainly did in my generation. I still vividly remember my first train trip. It was 1952 and I was 7 years old. My mother and I rode a steam locomotive pulled train from the border city of Mexicali to Mexico City. At seven I did not feel discomfort, although looking back I cannot imagine sitting in those rather hard seats in non-air-conditioned discomfort for two days. It was a great adventure. I loved every moment, the smells, the noises, the colors and the people. Tomorrow, I look forward to experiencing a travel back in time. To a time when the railroad was the primary mode of transportation in this Nation, “And the sons of Pullman porters & ... read more

McKinney Falls State Park is the closest state park to Austin, TX. It is located southeast of Austin on Onion Creek and has two waterfalls, the boringly named Upper and Lower Falls. The park has some great shady trails, my favorite being the trail that leads to the rock shelter. Native Americans had lived here for centuries protected by the natural coverings. You pass right by Old Baldy, one of Texas' oldest bald cypress trees at 103 feet and 500 years. The falls allow swimming in its cool waters. It makes for a great summer visit for the family.... read more

This doesn't have anything to do with Austin. This is just a tribute to a great aviator, and space pilot. I don't use the word astronaut. Which he was. But he was more. He turned disaster into success twice in space. First on Gemini 8, then on Apollo 11. In my eyes, that makes him a space pilot. Look it up on Wikipedia.org... read more

I feel the end of summer rapidly approaching! Its scaring me to death so I've decided to take a short road trip to visit Colby in Corpus Christi. This will be one of my last visits since we've decided not to move there after all. I will miss Corpus with its beaches and seafood. I will shed a tear later though. My first stop was the Texas State Capitol Complex. I headed over to see my most favorite monument EVER: The Tejano Monument! I feel a special affinity to this monument being a first generation Texan. The monument showcases the Tejano's contributions to Texas History: Family, Ranching, the Longhorn, Vaqueros, and Exploration. I love the vaquero the most. Vaqueros taught Cowboys all there is to know! Plus, its nice seeing my people finally being visible on ... read more