The journey from the Texas capital city of Austin, to Galveston Island took us through the heart of Texas. The route lead us southeast across the rolling hills of central Texas, where we saw historic ranches, and huge open ranges. We buzzed through Houston using Interstate 10 with its maze of overpasses and made it to Galveston in about a 3 1/2 hours.
Heading southwards the Gulf Coast the landscape becomes a mosaic of wetlands and bayous and before you know it you’re crossing the infamous Galveston Causeway.
The causeway was built in 1912 and served both train and automobile traffic. In 1939 a new causeway designed strictly for auto traffic was opened. We made our way across the causeway, marveling at the scenery unfolding in front of us.
Yet another KOA, our campsites of choice, was our final destination for the day. Kampgrounds of America rarely disappoint! Especially if they are listed as a Holiday or Resort. The park was quite away to the south of the Island, in fact about 30 miles from the city.
Galveston didn’t escape the “ hard freeze “ warning and once again we had some frozen lines. Not as bad a in Austin, but annoying enough to put both of us in a bit of a funk. That lasted til after breakfast.😂
Over coffee we made a decision to head into the city and check out the historic old city despite the weather. The wind was howling and the rain was freezing on its way down. It felt like tiny needles piercing our faces. We persevered, started walking the Freedom Walk route with an idea that we would get a nice coffee along the way. Little did we know, it was MLK day and there wasn’t a store, coffee shop, or museum open. Brrrr! After about an hour, we ditched all plans, headed back to Serenity Bob and high tailed it out of Galveston, back long the costal highway towards the KOA.
The area between the city and Jamaica Beach, where we were glamping is dotted with summer homes. All built on stilts, they stand as a testament to Galveston’s resilience in the face of hurricanes, and floods. At first, they looked awkward and ridiculous to us, but over time we got used to the look and they seemed quite normal by the time we left the area.
The weather improved as the days passed, letting us explore the beautiful pristine beaches lining the coast. It was still very windy so our beach time was limited to quick walks. Our dogs even enjoyed a few beach walks! Jack, being blind, was confused as to where he was but we could tell he loved the sand under his feet. He likes to swim and actually made his way to the toward the ocean on his own. He wasn’t prepared though, for the high waves!
A trip to Galveston is not complete without a lunch at The Spot. This restaurant sits across from the beach and has a terrific view of the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston’s version of Coney Island, the Fun Pier.
On our last morning in Galveston, we revisited the historic Strand district. This time with more success! We completed the Freedom Walk with its colourful murals, its historical markers that told the story of Galveston’s role in the fight for equality. It was in Galveston in 1866, that General Order No. 3 was read, it was the official announcement of the emancipation of slaves in Texas. That announcement came 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. No social media back then! Our next stop on our whirlwind visit, was breakfast at Star Drugs, a nostalgic pharmacy turned soda fountain, where locals and visitors alike indulge in sweet, all day breakfasts, or even top shelf grilled cheese sandwiches. It is the oldest Drug store in Texas, and the first in Galveston to desegregate.
Travels with the Eh Team 