Download & Print
June 20, 2023
Growing Up In Bandera
By Glenn Clark
The Bandera Prophet
Thinking back to my younger days I realize my attitude about San Antonio has done a complete 180. I was born in the Santa Rosa Hospital and the area provided a comfortable living for me and my family later in life, but the times they are a changin'.
I have watched it grow as it enjoyed prosperous times along with some years of economic struggles. Sadly, I now view it only as an approaching monster intent on completely devouring the country way of life in my hometown. There will be solutions brought forward to address the problems created by urban sprawl, but country folks ain't gonna be happy with what's coming. Progress!!! What an ugly word that has become.
Back in the day when I commuted daily to the big city for work, I could drive from my house to Loop 410 on Bandera Highway before I encountered my first red light. As I recall there was a total of four flashing lights along the way. The first was on Main Street in Bandera by The Corner Drug Store, and the last one was somewhere close to the Texas Star Inn. By the time I reached my retirement I could have written a book on alternate routes to navigate around traffic jams in that city.
Nearby Kerrville pretty much has whatever I would need from the big city without all the major traffic problems. That being said, I use shortcuts and alternate routes around that area too these days. I think Kerrville's traffic problems are due to being a retirement community and a lack of coordinating traffic signals. Or maybe everyone just heads to town when they hear I'm coming to do some shopping. I avoid the town as much as possible when I know it's the time of the month when retirement checks are being deposited. I know I'm considered old by lots of folks, but I still know green means go and red means stop. Don't get me started!!!
I avoid going to Boerne on Highway 46 unless it's an emergency. The crazies outnumber sane people on that road at least three to one. You will be tailgated if you dare to drive less than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Driving the speed limit or less will lead to you being passed in the no passing zones. I can't wait until they start construction to widen that road. Lord help us!
On the weekends it doesn't matter which direction you are headed out of Bandera you will encounter lots of highway traffic. It used to be limited to sight seers or as we called them, "Sunday Drivers.” With the popularity of motorcycles continuing to grow, I fear the roadways are going to get busier as my Growing Up In Bandera golden years have arrived. Back in the day I couldn't wait for the weekends to begin, but now I patiently wait for the peace and quiet of weekdays to return so I can get in a good nap.
#380 2023
I have watched it grow as it enjoyed prosperous times along with some years of economic struggles. Sadly, I now view it only as an approaching monster intent on completely devouring the country way of life in my hometown. There will be solutions brought forward to address the problems created by urban sprawl, but country folks ain't gonna be happy with what's coming. Progress!!! What an ugly word that has become.
Back in the day when I commuted daily to the big city for work, I could drive from my house to Loop 410 on Bandera Highway before I encountered my first red light. As I recall there was a total of four flashing lights along the way. The first was on Main Street in Bandera by The Corner Drug Store, and the last one was somewhere close to the Texas Star Inn. By the time I reached my retirement I could have written a book on alternate routes to navigate around traffic jams in that city.
Nearby Kerrville pretty much has whatever I would need from the big city without all the major traffic problems. That being said, I use shortcuts and alternate routes around that area too these days. I think Kerrville's traffic problems are due to being a retirement community and a lack of coordinating traffic signals. Or maybe everyone just heads to town when they hear I'm coming to do some shopping. I avoid the town as much as possible when I know it's the time of the month when retirement checks are being deposited. I know I'm considered old by lots of folks, but I still know green means go and red means stop. Don't get me started!!!
I avoid going to Boerne on Highway 46 unless it's an emergency. The crazies outnumber sane people on that road at least three to one. You will be tailgated if you dare to drive less than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Driving the speed limit or less will lead to you being passed in the no passing zones. I can't wait until they start construction to widen that road. Lord help us!
On the weekends it doesn't matter which direction you are headed out of Bandera you will encounter lots of highway traffic. It used to be limited to sight seers or as we called them, "Sunday Drivers.” With the popularity of motorcycles continuing to grow, I fear the roadways are going to get busier as my Growing Up In Bandera golden years have arrived. Back in the day I couldn't wait for the weekends to begin, but now I patiently wait for the peace and quiet of weekdays to return so I can get in a good nap.
#380 2023