Texas

November 1st and off early to Texas. Just over the state line and into Beaumont, the refinery / oil patch mecca begins. Our RV park is on Galveston Island. The island is approximately 32 miles long and no more than 3 miles at its widest point; it is situated approximately 45 miles south of Houston, the 4th largest city in the US.  Prior to the Civil War, Galveston was the largest cotton shipping point in the world and the second largest port for immigration in the US.  On September 8, 1900 the Galveston Hurricane came ashore destroying much of the city and the island, killing at least 6,000 people; the greatest natural disaster to ever strike the US.  On September 13, 2008 Hurricane Ike hit Galveston causing widespread damage. 

The highlight of the day was seeing Chris, Steve, and Jenna Folk; Chris was a soccer teammate and friend of Mellow Yellow and now lives in Houston. We had a nice dinner at Fish Tales and then Steve toured us around Galveston. It was just like old times Chris:) We were fortunate to have another evening with the Folk's and a visit at their beautiful home in Houston. Thanks for the goodies Chris.

We spent a day at Space Center Houston, NASA's Johnson Space Center for human spaceflight activities.  This is a must see for anyone visiting the Houston area. Attractions include a restored Saturn 5 rocket from the Apollo series, a tram tour of the Johnson Space Center and a visit to the original Mission Control Centre.  5 non-stop hours of tours, films, exhibits, etc. 

Strolling the waterfront and Strand street in Galveston: Started the morning at LA Confectionery and watched the making (and sampling) of Salt Water Taffy on a 100 year old machine. What a cute store; a throw back in time with its ice cream parlour tables and chairs, wall to wall candy bins, old fashion shakes, espresso bar, etc. 

Two cruise ships ( RCI and Carnival Magic) are in port today. Linda was wishing we could jump on one of the ships and go cruising (I did the next best thing and took her on the ferry at the north end of the island back to the mainland). 

Next stop was the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, a decommissioned rig dedicated to further education of the offshore oil and gas industry. 

Next island: South Padre. The first rain we have seen since Tennessee started on this leg of the drive and half the week on SPI. As with everything in Texas, even the rain comes in a very big way:) But when it is nice, it is exceptional, in the 80's, humid, and very tropical. We have a great RV site at a KOA, with our own deck out front overlooking the bay of Laguna Madre. The seafood is once again amazing; the gulf shrimp are so fresh.  It was our intention after leaving New Orleans to eat in more often; however, the restaurants on the island are so good we can't resist. 

The beaches are beautiful and for the most part deserted at this time of year.

Pelican warning sign on causeway to South Padre Island

Managed to get in a round of golf with a couple from north of Toronto (seems like only Canadian's golf down here).  Again a great bargain at $14 including cart.

After a week on South Padre, we have moved back up to the Corpus Christi area and staying on Mustang Island....who knew Texas has so many islands!