We've been on Galveston Island for a few days. Galveston is a funny kind of mix of an industrial (oil and shipping), agricultural (cotton), and resort town. And its history is equally interesting. In 1817 the pirate Jean Lafitte had a settlement on the island. The town was abandoned and burned when the US forced him out a few years later. During Texas' revolution for independence, Galveston harbor served as the port for the Texas navy. It continued to grow in size and importance and by 1890, had become Texas' wealthiest city. But Galveston was practically wiped off the map by a hurricane in 1900 where 6000 people died. The island was flooded by 15 feet high seas. Although Galveston was eventually rebuilt, it took another big hit from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Many homes that were lost in that hurricane have not been rebuilt.
We have landed on the Western tip of Galveston in a very nice new RV park. The west end is known as "the quiet side" with mostly expensive beach front residential properties. This has meant we have enjoyed peaceful practically empty beachs, but it's a looong drive up the island in order to reach any of the usual beach town hoopla. We've enjoyed watching the amazing variety of birds that freqent a pond that's nearby our very peaceful campsite.
We've mostly really enjoyed Galveston, though we were disappointed in the color of the ocean. We had anticipated a Gulf beach with beautiful clear blue-green water. Instead the water is a muddy brown, caused by all of the mud brought in by the 3 rivers that empty into that part of the Gulf.
While in Galveston, in addition to beach time, we've had a city tour, shopped in the cute downtown area, went to a party at a brewery, and shopped at a farmer's market.
We're headed to Austin next.
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