Traveling the coast of Texas from Port Arthur along the Bolivar Peninsular west to GalvestonTexas: Port Arthur, High Island the Bolivar Peninsular including Gilcrest, and Port Bolivar including boarding the free ferry that transported us across Galveston Bay to Galveston Island.
April 8, 2007. Jackup rig
While still in Louisiana but approaching Port Arthur this platform came into view. It is a jackup rig used by the petroleum industry. It is floated into position then the rig lowers those three legs you see high in the air above the platform. This rig is designed to drill in much deeper water as is evidenced by the height of the legs above the platform. The rig jacks itself up by lowering those legs. This platform is in place to drill for gas. The platform is generally used for drilling only. Once the well has been drilled the rig will be moved to another site where it will start drilling all over.
This is a production platform located very near Port Arthur. It is actually in the Gulf of Mexico although it looks like it may be on land. This rig is massive in comparison to many, especially the much smaller jackup rigs.
Jackup rigs in port
While still in Louisiana but approaching Port Arthur we spot this stunning array of jackup rigs used for a variety of purposes but primarily for drilling for natural gas and oil.
Rainbow Bridge in Port Arthur, Texas
The Rainbow Bridge in Port Arthur is constructed high enough to allow ocean going freighters and tankers to pass under on their way to port facilities north of the bridge. Note how this bridge employs a curve in order to give more clearance for ships. It crosses over the Neches River at Port Arthur Texas (29.9805 just upstream from Sabine Lake.
View of port facilities at Port Arthur from Rainbow Bridge over Neches River
These ships were at port facilities north of the above bridge.
View of port facilities at Port Arthur from Rainbow Bridge over Neches River
Ships at port facilities in Port Arthur.
View of port facilities at Port Arthur from Rainbow Bridge over Neches River
Joyce took this picture from the Port Arthur Bridge looking north as this ship was making its way to port facilities upstream.
Wild spider lilies
South of Port Arthur we spotted spider lilies growing wild in the right of way. Surprisingly, they went on and on kind of like a weed only they were these stunning spider lilies.
Free Galveston Bay Ferry
At Port Boulivar we drove the mororhome, pulling the Saturn, onto a large ferry exactly like this one. Actually, this picture was taken out the front window of our motorhome while we were on the ferry crossing Galveston Bay on our way to Galveston Island.
Port Boulivar light house
Joyce took this picture of the Port Boulivar light house while on the ferry ride over to Galveston Island.
All of this was on April 8, 2007.
Click here for more Texas Travel AdventuresUntil next time remember how good life is. Mike & Joyce Hendrix
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