Greetings From Galveston

Early in March on a beautiful Spring morning we ventured out on a road trip that would lead us to the ocean. This was the first time we experienced Galveston together. We took 45 South which takes  us though Houston. The drive is more spectacular at night when all the buildings are lit up.

STEWART BEACH

When we arrived in Galveston, we parked at Stewart Beach. Here there is a playground, building with a store, ice cream shop, restrooms, and a huge Adirondack chair to have an awesome photo opportunity. Along our walk toward Pleasure Pier we came across the memorial of  "Lil Jacob", an unidentified 3 yr old boy that was found onshore in late October last year.

SEAWALL SEATING

The walk along the seawall provided beautiful and educational benches to rest on. Bright tiled mosaics with references to the structure of the seawall and historic era establishments. The last bench pictured is an ode to the Balinese Room a posh casino-dance hall in the 1940-1950s.

MURDOCH'S

Murdoch's was originally a bathhouse in the early 1900's and had to be rebuilt several times due to Hurricanes throughout the years. All sorts of trinkets, souvenirs, and coastal flare are available in  this wrap around store. The porch which has a relaxing view of the Gulf provides a row of rocking chairs and a bar where you can sip, relax and take in the salt air.


PLEASURE PIER

 We finally made it to Pleasure Pier which was a long walk from where we parked. Even though me and the Hubby didn't go on rides we still had to pay $10.00 each just to be on the pier, that was a bit of a bummer. The kids rode rides, played games, and got temporary tattoos. Then we continued to stroll Galveston Seawall with a new friend in tow.


MURALS

There are so many bright and vibrant paintings, art, and signs. I did not bring my camera this trip so these are what I captured on my phone. We ate at a spot called the The Gumbo Diner. The waitress's had such sweet southern hospitality and the vibe was great for family's. After we ate and rested for a bit we needed to make the long walk back to Stewart Beach were we parked.


THE BEACH

The sand is a finer texture than the west coast and the shell variety is different as well. I have to admit this whole trip had us missing Santa Cruz and there were moments of sadness for what we had left behind in California. But the move to Texas is our new chapter and we have to look at the bigger picture of  the life we have here.

THE SUNSET

We rode off into the sunset headed back through the city that leads to the country which has us nestled in the woods.

Post Cards From Arizona

This post is a little late, but here are some photos from Arizona when we took our road trip to Texas. I thought of all you blogging friends who live out there as we were making our way across your beautiful state. I have some exciting news for y'all but must not count my chickens before they hatch.....stay tuned!

The Road Trip - California

Here's a quick update for yall. We have been here in Texas for a week now and we are currently looking for a home in the heart of the country. I'm in unknown mode right now but found some time to update everyone. These shots were taken from inside the truck while we were driving along California I-5 . The kids were taking turns getting sick out the windows. A lot of craziness happened along the way which I may blog about later. One thing though, do not stop in Indio C.A.

 Farmland

 Angeles National Forest

 Fault Lines

 LA Cityscape

 Miller Lite Plant

Devil's Slide-San Mateo

Intrigue got the best of us as we were cruising Pacific Coast Highway 1 towards San Francisco. A  building on the hill, what could it be? After parking in the designated parking lot and a stroll down a paved walkway with the ocean waves lapping at the rocky cliffs as our view, we arrived at the foot of Devil's Slide Military Bunker hill. Climbing up to the vista is worth the exploration. The once World War II observation point is now a graffiti artist canvas. The view from the top is breathtaking on all sides and a guarantee to clear your head, salty sea mist is amazing for the body and soul. The drive through the tunnel takes us to the city were I always leave my heart💙

Side Notes:

                  . Park in the designated parking lot not on the side off the road, police will ticket               

                  . not recommended for toddlers, sharp drop off on all sides of the vista

                  .located between San Mateo & Pacifica

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Our third stop on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 roadtrip leads us to the tallest operating lighthouse on the West Coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, California. If your new to this roadtrip we started in Santa Cruz and stopped at Swanton Berry Farm before heading toward the bay area.

Even during the crisp morning hours this lighthouse beckoned us to stop and discover a piece of California's golden history along the jagged coast line. When visiting the West Coast wear layers.

 The lighthouse is currently closed for tours as fundraising efforts are underway for restoration, but there were still plenty of treasures to discover during our visit.

The glass enclosed room at the top of the tower housed a 16 foot tall Fresnel lens weighing in at two tons. The Fresnel lens was dismantled and reassembled in the Fog Signal building . An exterior automated beam still flashes at 10 second intervals.

 French designer Augustin Jean Fresnel handcrafted 1008 brass framed lenses and prisms that concentrate light up to 24 miles. This reminds me of the Wonkavator that shoots through the roof of the factory.

 A clockwork mechanism rotates the panels producing a light flash every 10 seconds. The light prisms are stacked vertically to form two dozen nine and a half tall panels on a circular frame. The docents on the grounds are really informative and have a way of taking you back into mariner history.

 Pigeon Point has a Hostel lodging option. Imagine sitting in a hot tub looking out at these coastal views. I wouldn't mind staying here if I could convince the Renaissance man of shared restroom and kitchen quarters with other guest.

Pigeon Point was originally named Whale Point due to the grey whale migration to the area. In June of 1853 a clipper ship on her maiden voyage named Carrier Pigeon crashed on fog covered rocks and the point was renamed Pigeon Point.

 This grey whale skull was amazing to photograph,  puts in prospective how massive these sea beauties are. We are really small fish in a big pond so to speak.

 I kept my eye on the ocean in hopes of glimpsing a pod traveling by. Lush ice plants and moss lining the bluffs paints a poetic memory in my mind, I can still smell the salt infused air.

 A mother and her pups relaxed on a bed of kelp without a care in the world.

Kelp that reminds me of mini palm trees swaying in the breeze. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a must stop for sure if your coasting by. Next stop on the roadtrip will have you living on the edge.