A stop in San Antonio would not be complete without a stroll on the River Walk.
Our visit coincided with the draining of the San Antonio River. It is scheduled each year (although for reasons I do not know some years are skipped) in the first week in January.
It is drained for for maintenance and sediment removal.
It also gives the opportunity for trash and debris removal.
It was overcast but in the 60's so our walk was very enjoyable.
It is so absolutely beautiful even in its winter mode.
Even though it is winter there are still flowers blooming.
The River Walk winds and loops under bridges with sidewalks on both sides of the river.
Being one level down from the street I feel like I have been transported to another time and place.
There are many pieces of artwork to stop and admire.
We thought that these two men were workers but when Walt asked them what they were looking for they said "old bottles and things like that." Confused us.......
The plants along the River Walk are beautifully maintained.
This bench is an example of faux bois art along the River Walk.
The protection of being a story down and the closeness of the buildings creates microclimates that allow even tropical plants to flourish.
As we continue our walk I cannot help but continually be impressed by the use of fanciful stonework in the sidewalks, retaining walls, and bridges.
So many hardscape details in just this little snippet of space. Robert H Hugman was the original architect that had the vision of what the River Walk could be in 1929 but as with many truly talented people he had to deal with politics and was eventually fired from the project. Thank heavens that years later those who followed had the good sense to make his vision a reality.
What's not to like about a red, tile tunnel?
I was especially charmed by this bed of cyclamen. I had them in my yards in California and was always amazed when they reappeared in the spring.
Some parts of the river were almost entirely empty.
When the bridges were designed they were made to arch enough to allow gondolas and other boats to go under. They were planning on the boat parades way back when the original planning began.
The River Walk now runs over 15 miles and between our last visit and this one we have covered quite a bit of it but this is certainly a "return destination" on our list.
No crowds or sun so there was no one enjoying a treat here this time.
My conclusion is that YES, it it still a River Walk even if there is no river. The beauty of the architecture, hardscape and plants is not diminished with no water. The water is the topping on the cake.
The main drawback of no water is that you can't take the river cruise. We did that last time and it was a great experience.
After our enjoyable walk we finished off our visit to the River Walk with a bowl of Poblano Soup and a salad with a wonderful lime vinaigrette dressing at Casa Rio.
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
Ralph Waldo Emerson