Thursday Doors – San Antonio River Walk

Last month, when I was in San Antonio for the AIIM Conference, the conference hotel was right on the River Walk. I knew I’d get to see some this self-proclaimed “world famous destination” but I wasn’t sure how much of a tour I could squeeze in. Cheryl suggested that I take the barge tour. That turned out to be an excellent idea. It took about 35 minutes; the tour guide was funny and informative (which is a great combination) and there were lots and lots of doors. I’ll spare you the history/engineering/depth and elevation data. I will say that the San Antonio River that winds through the River Walk is made up of natural segments and man-made extensions. That wasn’t bad, was it? Oh, and it’s only 3 – 5 feet (about 1.5m) deep. Sorry, I couldn’t let that rest.

Since I’m skipping the history (I don’t remember much), I’ll share a funny story with you and then let you stroll through the gallery.

On my way back from The Alamo, I spied a Visitor’s Center. You can ask my family, I always stop in these places, and I always gather brochures. I picked up a brochure, maybe two, a tee shirt, a magnet and I proceeded to the checkout. I saw a sign for “Barge Tour” tickets and I asked about that. This conversation ensued:

“Can you tell me about the barge tour?”

“Blah blah blah barge, blah, river, blah blah tour.”

“How much are the tickets?”

“Well, the problem is, we’re out of adult tickets. We only have youth and senior tickets.”

“How old do you have to be for senior tickets?”

“Sixty.”

“Woo hoo!”

“Really? You don’t look like you’re sixty.”

Note: At this point, I took off my Pirates baseball cap

“Oh, never mind, you’re good.”

She quickly apologized. I told her not to worry, as it’s the kind of think I would say.

If you’d like to take a barge tour along an international virtual river of doors, head down to Captain Norm’s dock on the outskirts of Montreal. The ice has melted in Canada and Norm has replaced the skies with pontoons and is ready to set sail. You can see his doors as you approach the dock. Look for the little blue deck hand – he’ll punch your ticket and off you go.

As you look at the photos in the gallery, try and imagine sitting in an office with a view of the River Walk and trying to do any work. Between the happy tourists and the places selling food and adult beverages, I don’t think I’d be all that productive. If you want to start a slide show, click on any picture in the gallery. As always, thanks for dropping by.

As soon as I saw this building, I began hoping the egg-shaped thing on the bottom was also a door.

I like doors and arches and lines.

Inside that arch is a “pocket-door” style flood gate.

That’s a flood gate (a type of door) that prevents flooding of certain sections of the river.

A better view of the flood gate (a type of door) that prevents flooding of certain sections of the river.

I’m guessing that used to be a door. Feel free to use your imagination. Bonus points to the best mental door.

I like fire escapes.

So many pretty doors along the River Walk.

The white grid pattern is striking.

Yes! the little egg-shaped thing is a door!

Imagine sitting on that balcony.

Most of the bars have folding doors to let them have an indoor/outdoor flow.

More folding doors.

More folding doors with balconies.

I love the balconies.

The second story is one huge balcony.

I just like this building.

Inner and outer doors – different styles – both beautiful.

This restaurant isn’t open yet. Folding doors – closed.

I think there’s a door up there, but I liked the shot.