Tree Sculpture Tour

Galveston Island RV Resort
Galveston, TX
January 23, 2018

The Tree Sculpture Tour mostly located in the East End Historic District begins at the intersection of 20th and Sealy.  There is a great map at the Visitor Center with details of each sculpture...21 of them.  Back in 2008 the damaging combination of powerful winds and waves uprooted many of the city's old trees.  Some of the local residents had the great idea to turn the downed trees into signs of rejuvenation.    

Whimsical tree sculptures have replaced the majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets.  The sculptures, tucked away in gardens and side yards were paid for by private residents.  These homeowners own a Great Dane.  The tree had actually grown around the fence at the spot where the paws of his sculpture grip the fence.


The sculptures aren't the only draw to this historic neighborhood,  the homes range from small, simple cottages to large...ummm...huge elaborate homes.  





The earliest homes were built around the 1850s and have withstood the devastating hurricanes of 1900 and 2008.


Most of the homes are adorned with plaques...the most impressive to me is the 1900 Storm Survivor.  There are lots of plaques to describe the homes architecture, year built and information about who built and lived in the home.




The self guided tour is open to the public.  We walked, but you could bike or drive the tour...don't forget your map !

Following are a few pictures from the tour...

Tall Ship Elissa Figurehead...homeowners love for ships

Geisha Girl...represents the homeowners love for the Orient and is a reminder to their many trips there...she is facing west to represent the direction you need to travel to get to Japan

Birds of Galveston...this large Live Oak contains 17 birds on the branches

My favorite was a sculpture of dolphins.  I don't remember the name.  Joe reminded me that we did see a sculpture that was not on the map...prehaps a newer one...makes for a nice excuse for not knowing.  The detail was incredible. 

We did enjoy our walk.  Parking is along the street and free.  This time of year, we didn't have any trouble pulling into a space.  Of course we did work up an appetite and chose The Spot for a combo (snapper and shrimp) Po-Boy and yummy onion rings.

Stay tuned for our adventures with Corky and Libby.  Libby loves Galveston and Corky's mom grew up on the island so when they found out we were coming here, they made plans for a visit.  It was a blast !  

Until next time...

I have a thing for doors !

 HAPPY TRAILS!

West Bay

Galveston RV Resort
Galveston, TX
January 22, 2018

Monday was marsh day at West Bay.  I love the wading birds and at the top of the list to see were a Roseate Spoonbill and a Reddish Egret.  Here is a sampling of our sightings.  



I couldn't believe it when I spotted a   Reddish Egret and a Great Egret in a small pond when we first arrived.

Reddish Egrets are permanent residents on the island.  These long-legged, long-necked waders are either dark or white for life beginning with the downy stage in the nest. 

Another full-time resident is the Tricolored Heron.  These slender birds prefer to feed alone in shallow waters.  Standing like a statue they patiently wait for small fish, insects and crustaceans to come their way.  







 

The Great Blue Heron is the largest of the North American herons.  It's always a treat to see these large, grumpy looking birds.  They can be found in saltwater and freshwater habitats and foraging in grasslands.

 The elegant Great Egret is slightly smaller and more svelte (more slender...I had to look that word up.) than the Great Blue Heron.  These birds sparked conservation movements and some of the first laws to protect birds.  It seems they were nearly hunted to extinction for their plumes in the late 1800s.  


   
It was so much fun riding along with high hopes at what we might find around every turn.  We did walk a lot too...through the muddy reeds and grasses.  

It's very special to visit these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 






West Bay is wonderful...a delightful way to spend a few hours.  As you probably  guessed, we didn't see a Roseate Spoonbill on Monday, but we are not done yet !

Looking across the bay to the mainland.

 

Until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !