Monday, 5 April 2010. New Braunfels, TX. Cloudy and cool, turning to partly cloudy and nice.
Link to pictures..
Still playing with the truck, which continues to show the Check Engine light. Finally found this morning that the nuts holding down the tabs that go onto the field studs on the alternator were not tightened all the way – just turned a little onto the stud. Forgot to tighten them, I guess.
Not having the correct 9/32” socket or wrench, I tightened them as much as possible by hand. I bought the socket later in the day and turned the nuts all the way down, which ought to end that problem.
In the meantime, we went to San Antonio again. First stop was the Mission Concepcion, the oldest unrestored mission in the US. It really is a unique place. It was disestablished in 1794, and let to self-destruct, but various people kept it from going all the way to ruin.
Now, the diocese of San Antonio owns and maintains the church, while the US Park Service maintains the grounds. The church is still in use every Sunday and frequently for weddings and other occasions. We took many, many, pictures.
The docent giving us our tour, George Dawson, is very knowledgeable and a good speaker.
After that, we went downtown to El Mercado, the merchant square full of Mexican goodies for sale, and various restaurants and stores. We bought a few goodies. We were very lucky to find a meter spot right at the front door – parking isn't too bad downtown, but it isn't easy, either.
Then we went closer downtown and did the famous Riverwalk. We took a boat tour of the downtown circle and the stub off to the convention center and mall. It took about 40 minutes for $6, not bad at all. Lots of restaurants and a few shops on this level, one level below the streets. Sidewalks allow walking along the river easy for strolling.
We got a little thirsty on our walk back to the truck, so we stopped at the oldest VFW post in Texas, Post 76, on 10th Street on the northern extremity of the Riverwalk. Nice-looking old building, but run-down inside.
Then back to New Braunfels on the I-35 freeway at 80 mph. Only one close call requiring full-to-the-floor brake application.
We ate at the Gristmill again since we hadn't planned anything in the house. Good chicken dishes – the cows would be happy with us.
Tomorrow we go to Onalaska, Texas, on Lake Livingston, on our first leg toward home. We've no plans to do anything there, just going to look at it.
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