Joe,

We just got back from our adventure up the Texas Gulf Coast. Since we did not have a set itinerary we made no reservations in advance. But brought along coupons from www.roomsaver.com and the booklets found at Shoneys or rest stops. Flying into IAH we drove to the Southern tip of Texas to follow the coast all the way north.

Our pre-formed ideas of what Brownsville looked like was blown to pieces. We found it to be a modern growing town. With malls, subdivisions and chain stores being built everywhere. South Padre Island was quiet off season. With one of our coupons we stayed at the Holiday Inn South Padre with a beach view for only 49.00.

The next morning after my husband played one of the many under 20.00 area golf courses. We headed north to tour the charming city of Corpus Christi. The tour of the Aircraft carrier the USS Lexington is well worth the time. We spent so much time touring the ship we were unable to get to the Texas Aquarium next door. Since our goal was to be in Galveston the next day we headed north to a small artist town named Rockport to stay at the local Holiday Inn Express (yes, I do feel smarter) overlooking the bay.

The next morning winding our way up the coast we discovered small fishing villages, large ranches, and everything to do with oil or gas. We stopped along the way to check out birds brought to the area by the numerous wildlife preserves up and down the coast. One field contained a huge flock of Sandhill Cranes, a sight that we will remember.

Unfortunately Galveston was disappointing. Having read about the Hurricane of 1900 that killed 6000 people, I insisted we drive around the historic district. Though the old Victorian homes were charming, traffic was bad and the roads were crowded. We then headed for the free ferry going north to Port Bolivar. I love boats, so the ferry was a real treat. As we left the dock dolphins played around the bow. Seagulls tracked our path and we were greeted at the end of the journey by a lighthouse and it's historic buildings.

As we headed for Port Arthur I was surprised to find on the Bolivar Peninsula cows enjoying what would be considered in Florida as prime beach property. In fact in Texas cows seemed to have more rights to the scenery then Tourists. Heading into Port Arthur there was just one more thing my Husband wanted to show me. The bridge on 87/73 going south is the almost straight up and down. Giving us a great view of the sunset and moonrise.

Though the coast changed in weather and topography, one thing stayed the same. We found all the Texans we met warm and welcoming. I would say the people of Texas made our trip a wonderful.