THE DOGRUN

A couple of Fridays ago, the “Nerd Train” took a sketch trip to San Jose Mission in South San Antonio. It was a humble beginning, consisting of fellow LFer Ben Hartigan and myself. Not the longest train, but determined none-the-less. We began the 6 mile bike trip a bit after 4pm and set out with dreams of Spanish Colonial grandeur, I on my miniature Dahon foldable bike and Ben on his more appropriately sized road bike. Being from Illinois, the heat was a bit intense, but with a little effort we arrived at our destination right at 5pm… just in time for the mission to close. Regardless, we spent 20 or so minutes talking about the exterior and getting a couple of quick sketches of what could be seen. The heavily fortified walls contain portals bored through vertical stone slabs just large enough to fit the barrel of a rifle. These portals present themselves frequently, illustrating the opposing goals of a religious mission and the fortress like nature of these solemn walls. The mission is a wonderful mix of contradictions. We ended our trip at Rosario’s for cool libations and good food. Till next time…