Beware the Chupacabra

by RoadRunner | Aug 21, 2017 | history, nature, San Antonio insider, tips

The legend of the chupacabra is a surprisingly recent one, originating in Puerto Rico in 1995. The name means “goat sucker” in Spanish, and a series of farm animal mutilations on the island were attributed to a horrific lizardy creature, like the one...

Start Earning the Patch: Vice Presidential Walks

by RoadRunner | Jul 31, 2017 | history, San Antonio insider

The American Volkssport Association’s Special Programs add a little spice to your walks. The Vice Presidents Walks program expires at the end of 2018. Even though only 12 events are needed to earn the patch, each VP and each walk can only be counted once, making...

Dr. Shiga’s 1914 Alamo Monument

by RoadRunner | Jul 17, 2017 | history, San Antonio insider

Nagashino is the Alamo of Japan; The Alamo is the Nagashino of America. Whoever knows the heroes of the Battle of Nagashino Knows the heroes of the Alamo Two monuments, one in Okazaki, Japan and one in the Alamo courtyard in San Antonio, bear these words commemorating...

Alamo Stadium Murals: a WPA Project

by RoadRunner | Jul 3, 2017 | art, history, San Antonio insider, Sightseeing

During the 20k+ walk on Sunday, the Texas Trail Roundup takes you by Alamo Stadium at 110 Tuleta, across the street from Trinity University. If you have a spare moment, check out the murals at the west entrance. The federal Work Projects Administration (WPA)...

The Little Train in the Big Park

by RoadRunner | Jun 12, 2017 | history, San Antonio insider, Sightseeing

Since 1957, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle has chugged along the tracks skirting the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park, on the route of the longer Sunday walks of the Texas Trail Roundup.  Stops include the Witte Museum, Kiddie Park, and the Japanese Tea...

Fiesta Medals: the Volkssporting Connection

by RoadRunner | Apr 17, 2017 | history, San Antonio insider, tips

San Antonio touts its annual Fiesta — 20-30 April this year — as a “party with a purpose.” It traces its origins to 1890 with the first “Battle of the Flowers” parade, commemorating the Texians victory over Santa Anna at San...