Stromboli's Rolling Log: Leaving Galveston (March 26-29) To Smith Point,TX

Days 25-27 At Galveston,TX March 25, 26, 27.

SEE PICTURES AT BOTTOM OF POST!

Galveston is a long barrier Island connected to the mainland by a large series of causeways and I-45.

The Gulf Coast around Galveston had much to offer in the way of bird life. Interestingly many of the good birding “hotspots” spots are not on the Ocean side but in the mud flats and back bays that often have standing water where the shorebirds can get many crustaceans and worms in the shallow waters. There are also many developed and natural wetlands there. This is where we spent much of the three days here. Three roads worth mentioning were; Stewart Rd, Sportsman Road (the best ) and 8 mile road. All about 8-10 miles west of Galveston downtown.

The birding has been consistent with 50-60 birds identified each day. Some new species added were the Whimbrel, Tree Swallow, Black Bellied plover, Solitary Sandpiper, and many White Ibis that we have seen in flocks.

Galveston, “discovered” in 1817, is an historic town, not only has it withstood and been destroyed by hurricanes, it was a major scene during the Civil War when the Union placed batteries (cannons) on the shores and across the Bay on Bolivar Peninsula to prevent goods from getting out to the Confederates. (Much like Rockport.) It has about 47,000 people only 10,000 more than in 1940. The tourism industry is along with fishing and shipping, the main industries. The Hurricane of 1900 that destroyed most of the city and was the largest disaster in USA history (ever), with the loss of 6,000-8,000 people, mandated that a seawall be built . It was built in the next few years and is 12 feet high and extends 10 miles along the waterfront. It has served well since then. Reading “Isaac’s Storm” and other books about the storm are worth the time to help understand the tragedy.

The city of Galveston extends the length of the Island (30 miles) and is separated by new communities that have sprung up along the Gulf shoreline .Multimillion dollar homes and resorts ‘sprinkle’ the shoreline.

As an example, the RV Park where we stayed had spots for 79 large RV’s with cement drives and pads fully equipped. A large modern pool, and eating room along with recreation halls are included. After only three years since its’ establishment , the owner is building an addition to the park of equal size. It has another pool, (bigger) and another recreation hall. It also includes a mini golf set up and other child amenities and exercise rooms. The tourist money comes in here and he expects more will come. Many of the people we met were “Snow birds “ from the North staying 1/2 the year here. One man indicated that as Texas has no taxes on his mobile home for 6 months and one week he claims his home here and lives the other 5 months and 3 weeks in Nebraska and pays no taxes on his “summer “ home there. Hmmm. Something wrong there?

Most of the homes along the beach are those often seen on the Ocean shores up on stilts and three stories high with 15-20 rooms at a minimum.

It will be good to get to Smith Point, in spite of the good birding here, on the backwaters of the Galveston Bay, away from the highway (45 miles off the main road) and where life is slowed to a crawl. It does a person so much good to slow down a bit . We’ll check in on our friends at “Geri’s Seafoods” and see how they have been recovering from the Hurricanes “Ike” and “Rita”. They are oyster farmers and since late 2011 the oyster beds have been closed in South Texas due to the red tide. This is caused by the organism_ Kerenia brevis which makes the oysters toxic to humans. Only recently have some limited beds been opened again. These businesses have suffered greatly.

Included are a a few pictures from the past three days for you to enjoy as the computer seems to be working fine after a delay of 1 1/2 days.