America: A Viking Colony Since 1000 AD, Oh wait, it's Columbus Day!

The Year 2000 marks the 1000th anniversary of the Viking exploration of  North America. At the very northern tip of Newfoundland is a site that preserves this outstanding cultural and historical event - L'Anse aux Meadows. 

Origins of Columbus Day A U.S. national holiday since 1937, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. The Italian-born explorer had set sail two months earlier, backed by the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century.  Just a little history.

Since we had off today, to celebrate the discovery of the Americas, Steve, Luke and I went for a bike ride.  We rode through downtown San Antonio, right past the Alamo.  We live less than 3 miles from the Alamo.  We rode our vintage road bikes!  Mine is a Bianchi Brava from 1989. 

Caroline took the picture for us so I took one of her....

I got to go the store to get  a few items for our family room.  We recently sold the pool table, so we did a little rearranging.   

BEFORE.....

AFTER......