Island Magic

One of the first things we did was take a tour of Galveston Island on the Duck. It's an old amphibian landing craft used by the Army that's been modified to carry tourists instead of troops. The guide was funny, and we saw lots of Galveston that we wouldn't otherwise have been able to see.



And, of course, the tour made us thirsty.



Inside, this fellow greeted us.


Near Galveston Harbor is The Strand, an area of mostly Victorian buildings filled with shops and eateries.


For those who like a little darker picture of island life . . . a Strand alley.


On our journey across Galveston, this little guy and his buddies kept us company.



And the end of a stormy day Under the Tiki Hut.


Next Wednesday will finish up with some more of my favorite shots.

Comments

Joanne said…
I've never been to Galveston, it looks like it's got lots of character. Love The Strand, what great architecture on that building!
Linda Kage said…
Oh, I went on a Ride-the-Ducks tour in Branson, Missouri. LOVED IT. Your Duke tour bus looks exactly like ours did. Did you get quackers to blow on throughout the ride?
Carol Kilgore said…
Joanne - Galveston has tons of character. From Jean Lafitte, the pirate, through prostitution and gambling, hurricanes, a thriving cruise ship port, and a top-notch medical facility. And, of course, tourism :)

Linda - Darn! We didn't get quackers :(
I just found your blog and it is great. Your photos of your vacation were great. It looks as though your had a wonderful trip.
Glad to meet a fellow writer.
Dig the army craft! What a way to tour.
notesfromnadir said…
What a wonderful vacation you had! What an innovative looking tour bus that Duck is!

Love that pic of the Tiki Hut! :)

Looking forward to seeing more of your pictures.
Lydia Kang said…
I've never been there. Thanks for sharing your pictures. You really get a feel for the town!
Carol Kilgore said…
Alex - It was a blast!

Lisa - One more round next Wednesday.

Lydia - It's a fun place to visit.
Carol Kilgore said…
Brenda - I missed your post above for some reason. Inattention on my part. Come back any time. I'm usually not quite so disorganized. Our vacation was great.
Anonymous said…
I lived in Houston for a year after high school, but never made it ti Galveston. Glad to see the place has recovered from the hurricane of a few years ago.
LR said…
Those duck things are cute. :) Saw those in Boston. Didn't get to ride in one though.
LR said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Really cool.

My family is planning to take a cruise this year and we plan to leave from Galveston. SO thanks for some photos.
Carol Kilgore said…
Stephen - Galveston is NOTHING like Houston. I love the island. I'm glad they are recovering from the hurricane, too.

LR - Make the time for a ride on one if you happen across them again. They're fun!

Clarissa - Have fun on your cruise! I also posted photos last Wednesday and will post the last batch next Wednesday.

Three cruise ships came and went while we were there. The Harbor Area is in walking distance of The Strand, so is easy to visit if you have time. The Seawall Area is on the other side of the island, so you'd need a taxi tour or rent a car.

The Duck and another tour ride are both on Seawall Blvd. I didn't see any that originated in The Strand, but that could change as they continue rebuilding.
Angela said…
Strand is the German word for beach, did you know? Pretty pictures, and I like the Tiki Hut. Greetings from our island in the Baltic Sea.
Carol Kilgore said…
Angela - I learned a new German word. Thanks. More Tiki Huts next Wednesday! I love looking a photos of your Baltic island.
Hart Johnson said…
I Love Ducks! Boston has a great Duck tour. And the guy up the pole--too funny! Love these shots!
Southpaw said…
The guy on the pole is a little freaky, but fun.
Carol Kilgore said…
Hart - The pole guy was a hoot.

Holly - And a little freaky. But he fit right into the place.
Janet, said…
You make me want to go on a vacation!
Jayne said…
Sounds like the perfect day! I want a Tiki hut!
Carol Kilgore said…
Janet - Vacations are good for the soul :)

Jayne - I enjoyed visiting these! Thanks for commenting.
G. J. Jolly said…
I love islands. They're so peaceful. Thank you for sharing.
Carol Kilgore said…
My pleasure, Glynis :)
Oh my....I stumbled on your blog and read this...my heart! I grew up in Kemah, and went to Galveston often...more than often. I went there before the strand was built, but after the seawall, I am old but not that old. I loved Galveston...thank you for offering a flash back
Carol Kilgore said…
Hi Donna!
Thanks for stopping by the Tiki Hut and leaving a comment. I'm so happy you enjoyed the Galveston photos. I've been to Kemah and had a lot of fun there. Both before and after the boardwalk.

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