Atlas Comet!

It has been an interesting week, astronomically speaking.

Last weem we were in Branson, MO, when we saw that the northern lights might be visible through most of the US.  I could not see it due to light pollution, but friends back in Texas posted pics.  Even Miami was posting pictures of a purple sky.

Then, on Sunday night, October 13, I was walking, trying to get my steps in, when I saw a strange streak in the sky.  It was hardly visible and Stephanie could not see it, but thanks to the low light camera feature on my phone I got a picture.

It was the Atlas comet.  It swings by the earth, according to one source, every 80k years.

Here is the next night (last night).

And tonight.

 

It is supposed to remain visible for the rest of the month.  I will continue to document it as long as the skies are clear.

Start of (Meteorological) Fall

September, or the first weekend of, saw a break in the oppressive heat.  While the first of summer (June and July) were mild, August was oppressive!  

September 1, however dawned cool and overcast with a light north wind.

In Texas it is the first day of dove season and usually we are graced with shotgun discharges.  None this morning; at east none close.

It is a relaxing Sunday morning with coffee on the porch.

Hopefully we will catch a few white bass later.  It is a good day for it!

Jamaica Beach - Touring Galveston Harbor

The last few days were a bit cooler.  On our last full day we decided to take a tour of Galveston Bay via boat from the Historic Galveston Foundation.  Includes was also a self guided tour of the Elissa, a tall ship.  Sadie wanted to see the ship since she is writing a story involving a sailing vessel.

 

From the bay we saw dolphin, the USS Texas, and the wreck of the SS Selma, a concrete fuel freighter scuttles near the channel.  The crew of the guide boat (Seagull II) were very good and told a good tale.

Afterward we went by The Home Depot and Mom bought some plants.  I decided that when I landscape the backyard I want some flowering ginger.  I have a thing for tropical plants.

Steph and I went shelling,  which was made better due to the recent hurricane.  

It is nice that we discovered a way to get the ebikes to the beach across from the resort.

The rest of the day was Lazy River time, BBQ for supper, and just relaxing before we head home.

***

The trip home was uneventful if driving through Houston can be called that.  

We certainly are looking forward to our next trip to Galveston Island 

Jamaica Beach, Day 3 & 4

This trip to Galveston was meant to be laid back.  I usually do some vacation video filming but I did none of that.  It was relaxing, to say the least.

Day 3

Today we went to The Strand for some shopping, malts at LaKing's, and a drive through the historic downtown district.

Then back to Jamaica Beach for lazy river time before heading to Miller Seaswall Grill for supper.  It was the same meal we had 2 years ago - Shrimp and grits, crab balls (the best!) and their chocolate brownie for dessert.  We had a big crowd, as the Elsners joined us, but they were able to seat us quickly.

The ships with their lights on the Gulf was pretty cool!

Day 4

We had intended to go to the seaport to tour the Elissa, which is something Sadie wants to do.  However, since this is Brandon and fams last morning, they wanted to do tie dye, play mini golf, and have lazy river river time before they hitched up to head home.  

Lunch was po'boys from the food truck, Arney's Bayside Grill.

Then to Galveston for shopping at Murdock's and to purchase seafood at Katie's Seafood Market.  We bought a 4 lb redfish and some shrimp.  I cooked the fish in the Blackstone.

Before supper, though, Steph wanted to hunt shells.  We discovered that there always a trail to get to the beach on golf carts and e-bikes.  So that was nice.

In the evening, the tortoises were out.  So big!

 

Pretty night!

Galveston after Beryl - Jamaica Beach, Day 1 and 2

This trip almost didn't happen.

A week ago we were in Branson, Missouri, wondering if our scheduled trip to Jamaica Beach would happen due to wide spread power outages on the island.

Last minute, however, the resort gained power back and we set out the next day to the coast.

The damage, mostly from wind, would be seen on some of the condos and hotels, but the biggest remaining issue was standing water (mosquitos are horrible) and debris.   Restaurants, etc, seemed to be open and ready to go.  The only place I found still closed as an Academy Sports + Outdoors.

The resort was fully operational but very empty due to many people cancelling due to the earlier uncertainty of restored power.  That's okay, since it made for a quiet first few days.

Day 1 - Arrival

The trip through Houston was uneventful but always stressful.  

We arrived around 2, were set up by 3, and soon after in the Lazy River.  Supper was at Beeno's for crab balls and shrimp.  They have good key lime pie, although I have it with meringue before.

Day 2

I'm trying to find refuge from the mosquitos, Mom, Dad, and I went to Walmart for a screened canopy, but the first one we bought was misleading (not screened) so we had to take it back.  Stephanie and Sadie went to the lazy river, and after the canopy was set up, I joined them.

Brandon and his family went to the beach, then to Bolivar to hunt for shells and sea glass.  They were delayed on the ferry back so we had to keep their supper (burgers and hot dogs) warm. 

Imagine 10 people in a canopy 86 SF in size!