Galveston, oh Gavelston

Our last full day in Texas was spent in Galveston. First we explored the 29 mile Seawall with it's lovely beaches.

After the devastating Hurricane of  the late 1800's that killed 60,000 and destroyed the majority of Galveston, the idea of a seawall was developed and completed in the early 1900's. This area is recreational, for swimmers, shelling, fishing, kiting and general enjoyment. There are piers with bars, with fishing huts, and even a large amusement park. A magnificent waterfront!

After Hurricane Ike, when again devastation of the area occurred, much restoring and rebuilding has been needed. Over 1,000 large trees were killed when flooded. But chain saw sculptures grew in popularity, as a way of preserving the history of those trees. This is especially true in the historic east side district. Touring the area to see these carved trees has become a tourist destination, so we drove up and down the streets to see them. My favorite was this one depicting Grandma reading to the grandchildren. One family on the Galveston Island donated the cost of the sculpture of a beloved tree in the local playground in Grandmother's honor.

In addition to lovely tree sculptures, this area also features many lovingly restored Victorian homes, alongside a few yet to be restored after Hurricane Ike.

Grandpa and I loved the area, appreciated the love and energy required to preserve these lovely homes, and realize our time to do just that has passed. We've moved onto another phase of our lives with the motorhome living.