May 24 (Day 1) - San Antonio

May 24 (Day 1) San Antonio

Today was a busy day - I got an early start, and once fed, watered and showered, I was all set to go. The first stop (after Starbuck's for coffee) was Cabela's Outfitter's (TEXAS sized)

Cabella's - about 30 minutes outside of Austin (yes, that is their OWN water tower in the parking lot!)

You can only capture about about 25% of the total floor area

A "portion" of the fishing area - complete with it own aquarium (through that door in the back corner)

The next stop was at the Tangent Outlet Mall in San Marcos (about 1/2 way between Austin and San Antonio). I just stopped and grabbed a map so Heather could see what was there. It was TRULY an awesome feeling to not have to stop forever while my family goes into EVERY store in these malls. The bad news is that I might have to stop at some stores on the way back to Austin if I get a shopping list.

Then onto the Natural Bridge Caverns - this was about an hour outside of San Antonio....and while this was just a little commercialized (even all the paths were paved with non-slip grip tape on them) the caverns were really amazing. The Discovery Tour was about 90 minutes and covered about 3/4 of a mile and went to a depth of 180 feet. There was tons of really stunning formations...which, of course, do not really translate into good pictures.

One interesting side note is that this cavern is about 1/2 mile from the Braken Cave (the famous one where millions and millions of bats come out each night to hunt insects).

I took the discovery tour ($12 with coupon)

The natural bridge!

Here is the entrance

Some of the amazing  formations

After the cavern tour - straight into San Antonio. I booked this hotel via PriceLine - it is called the Riverwalk Plaza...and have to say it is awesome (especially for the priceline price of $70 per night). It is kind of a boutique hotel....and is in the perfect location - right at the "start" of the Riverwalk.

I certainly used the pool - it is around 100 degrees here - VERY hot for a Canadian!

After checking in....it was time to find some late lunch as I was pretty hungry! I thought my best bet was to find something along the world famous San Antonio River Walk! (pictures below)...and I have to say definitely cool and a place I would like to come back to with Heather when we have more time to explore and enjoy the city!!!!

After my meal...I headed back to the hotel to jump in the pool to cool off...then headed out again to find market square ...which is a (kind off) Mexican market - kind of so-so to be honest

 On the way back I stopped by the San Fernado Cathedral - which is right on Main Square

Now I am ready to go fall into the pool again....I have drank and sweated out about 6 1L bottles of water today! Tomorrow the Alamo!