Day 36, Monday 10/21, Fort Clark Springs, TX

   Fort Clark was an active military facility for 100 years, used by the Calvary. It was decommissioned shortly after WWII and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  In recent years, the property status was transitioned, and has now been developed into a community with homes, golf, nature trails, birding sanctuary, trophy deer hunting, and a campground. The property has a very productive natural spring which feeds a large swimming pool that has been used by the troops to cool off, and is now a community asset.  Many of the old buildings are being used today, with restoration. These buildings are built with quarried stone walls 12-18” thick. 

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   Frank E., a friend who I worked with, retired here a few years ago, and lives in a home in one of the stone buildings.  The ambiance is very unique, as is this entire site.  The thick stone walls and high ceilings keep the home comfortable and cool during hot days. Frank is in good spirits and appreciated the visit and was generous with offers of accommodation. He is a bit limited physically, but is happy with his new life. We enjoyed a lunch together at Ziggy’s BBQ.

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   Las Moras Springs are located on the grounds of Fort Clark in Brackettville and are the ninth largest group of springs in Texas, discharging an average of about 12 -14 million gallons per day. The springs flow to the surface at this location under artesian pressure through a fault.  The springs fill a large contained area which spills into a 300-foot long swimming pool.  The flow from the spring forms the headwaters of Las Moras Creek. I swam laps in the pool today, and had the entire pool to myself.  While the water temperature is stated to be 67 degrees, I felt it was around 76, very comfortable, clear, and refreshing.  Most of the pool had a depth of 9 feet which was wonderful. 

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   The beer of the night is a local Hopadillo by Harbach Brewing Co, Houston, TX.  I’m still loving the local beers!!

   “Cuidado.  He lurks in the shadows, waiting in bold anticipation. He is surprisingly bitter, bitter about something. Legend has it that he feasts on those with fresh hops, coursing through their veins. This dry hopped Texas IPA has a flavor as defiant at the Hopadillo himself.  Its packed with the bracing bitterness of hops from around the world that this creature craves.  He’s a comin to git you, you’ve been warned!”

   And, Go Patriots, on Monday night foot ball!

 Day 37, Tuesday 10/22, Mission Concepcion, San Antonio, TX

   San Antonio is a short 2.5 hour drive from Brackettville, it is a straight shot east on US-90.  Check in at Travelers World RV is simple, this in town RV park is well maintained with shade trees, and is on a bus line into town center and is on the River Walk Trail.  WiFi is provided and it works at site 24!! This is a big deal when one wants to get on line and update WordPress blog posts.  We have been rather blacked out for about 6 nights at previous camp areas. No over the air television, no radio, yes, none or one at 2 locations in Big Bend, and no WiFi, or WiFi complications.  Sometimes it feels good to be back in civilization. Last night we were in Brackettville, and wanted to watch Monday night foot ball, Pats vs. Jets. The recreation room has a TV and direct TV service, but after much effort, ESPN is not included in the subscription, no Monday night football 😦

   Popular tourist destinations in San Antonio include the Alamo, 4 old Spanish missions, and a popular in town river walk with shops and eateries.  In the afternoon, we rode bikes north to the Mission Concepcion. The mission was completed in 1755, and served as a village, church, school, farm and ranch for the Franciscans. 

   Mission San Jose, established in 1820, is south about 4 miles, and is also on the bike path, an easy morning ride. This mission is on a larger site with much parking, and is well maintained by the national park service.  The mission is fortified, as the others were, with stone walls surrounding a community, large heavy gates with ports for defending against attack. The buildings are significantly intact, and show the detail of craftsmanship, including carved limestone figures and features.

• 2019 Fall