Bolivar Peninsula

 December 21, 2020 

The other day while at Brazoria a woman we met said we had to go on the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula even though there is nothing to do once you get there.  Well I guess we are always up for a free boat ride so today we headed to the ferry.

Not sure, what dangerous items we could be bringing over to Bolivar but they checked our

flatbed and looked under the hood of the truck as well.

We were one of about 48 cars that were loaded onto the ferry.

We stepped out of the truck to the upper deck to enjoy the trip.

My preconceived notions of Texas did not include coastal Texas,

so seeing a Texas state flag always is a reminder that oh yeah I am in Texas.

Just a short drive from the ferry we turned right to see 

Fort Travis Seashore Park.

Battery Kimble construction begun August of 1917 and  was completed in April 1922. 

 "It was named after Major Edwin Kimble of Galveston who died in 1918 during WWI.  

It's 12" guns could be elevated to gain a range of 17 miles. 

 After WWII, the battery was made vulnerable by the advent of accurate aerial bombing; 

the circular gun platforms providing a perfect aiming point.  

It was then abandoned and its guns sold for scrap."

Battery Davis built in 1898 was named for Lt. Thomas Davis, 

who was killed in the Mexican War (1847).  "It contained two 8" breech loading guns

of the 'disappearing' type.  These guns were the most advanced of their day."

Outside of Pearl Harbor, I have never given much thought of protecting our shores from attack.

Thank you to all those who serve and protect the USA, so most of us never have to think about it.

The lighthouse on Bolivar is no longer in use

and its dark color makes it look like no other lighthouse I have ever seen.

"Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933, when its function was replaced by a different light."

The park is actually quite lovely with great views of the Gulf

despite being a coastal artillery facility.  It has several picnic areas

and a  nice trail along the water.

We headed down the road just a bit to the north jetty 

where the tourist brochure said we could see 1,000s of birds.

Here are 100s of white pelicans.  So far I had only see the occasional

flock of 8-20 brown pelicans flying over the beach on the west end

 of Galveston Island were we are staying.

Here is a short video of some of the pelicans flying

over and landing on the mud flats.

And here we are walking out on the north jetty.

"The North Jetty, on the southern end of the Bolivar Peninsula, is one of two built into the Gulf of Mexico to provide protection of the channel to the Port of Galveston, Port of Texas City and The Port of Houston. Work on the jetties began as a construction experiment in 1874, and the major portion was completed only after Congress appropriated funds for the work in 1890. Final completion of the system in 1898 made Galveston a deep-sea port for world commerce."

From the picture you can see it is made up of large chunks of granite, not level,

but easy enough to walk out on.

There is a lot of marsh here which could be hiding 1000s

of birds, but I think we will have to settle on seeing 100s of birds.

We drove further down the road and found not much,

some homes, a few restaurants, we even walked into Jose's Cantina

but thought no, we can find something better.

So back to the ferry for the return crossing.

Apparently, Galveston is not worried about what we might bring back

so our truck was not looked over by security this time.

 

A few gulls flew over the ferry as it moved along.

Some dolphins made an appearance jumping in the bay.

Sorry, no photo of the dolphins, they are to quick.

We also saw some mighty big ships in the channel.

On the advice of a fellow camper I met while doing laundry 

we stopped at Nick's for happy hour.

Nick's has a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.

We got hooked on their pina colada and frozen margaritas

as well as spinach artichoke dip and some onion rings.

I was happy we took the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula,

we enjoyed Fort Travis Seashore Park and the north jetty,

but I also understand the woman who said there is nothing

on Bolivar Peninsula as there was also a lot of nothing there.