Our plans for the year just made a 90 degree turn!

If you would re-read the last blog post, you would see that we were planning to leave Alice, Texas, to make a left-turn as we headed west across the United States for the next couple months. We had made some reservations at key places and had figured out a loose itinerary through May. But when we talked to our son and daughter-in-law about the chance to meet them for some vacation time, our plans suddenly made a 90-degree turn. Instead of turning west, we have decided to continue north for now. We spent the morning cancelling some reservations, and then headed for our next destination in this new direction. We are now staying at Angels in Goliad RV Park in Goliad, Texas. {Remember the name of our campground, because we'll talk about it later.} We would have preferred a camp site in Goliad State Park, but they are completely booked up for the weekend. But we love having this nice little campground just a few miles from the state park entrance gate and its iconic Mission Espiritu Santo.

This mission was built and used in the 1700s. But by the early 1900's it was simply a pile of rubble and rocks. During the 1930's a CCC camp was built down the road, and the restoration of the mission became their project. Parts of the walls were purposefully left bare to show the rock construction that lies underneath the white stucco.

With our Texas state park pass, it was a free visit to see the mission, including the indoor section of the old sanctuary.

Just down the road is another mission. But the Presidio Mission/Fort is owned by the Catholic church and is not part of the state park. As we walked the grounds, we got our Texas state history lesson--and some insight into the name of the campground where we are staying.

We've all heard of the amusement park "Six Flags over Texas." Well, this mission/fort has actually had nine different flags flown over it. All nine flags are on display out front. It was during the Texas War for Independence in 1836 that General Fanning's Texas regiment was captured by the Mexican Army. The captured Texas soldiers were held hostage here, until 341 men were shot in the Presidio's courtyard one by one.

A beautiful memorial for those soldiers was built on the hill top over-looking the Presidio. Their leader, General Fanning, had to endure what is now called the Goliad Massacre until they shot him last.

The wildflowers in this field are beautiful at this time of year. Someone picked a bouquet that was left in the barrel of the cannon at this place of sad Texas history.

We are getting to wander among God's wonders of the spring wildflowers! The bluebonnets seem to be at their peak, as we walked to another statue in this field.

That's the statue of Francisca Alavez. She begged for mercy for these prisoners, and she helped some of them escape their certain death. Some of the pavers around the statue were purchased by her descendants, who are obviously proud of her heroism. Other pavers were purchased by the descendants of the men she saved, expressing gratitude that they are here because of her. She is called the Angel of Goliad. {Now we understand how our campground got its name!}

We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Our plans are cast in jello. Our plan to head straight west made a 90-degree turn yesterday, as we are now heading north. But whichever direction we go, we find interesting places to see, historical information to learn, and more of God's wonders!