San Luis Pass, Surfside, Freeport & Quintana, Texas

San Luis Pass, Surfside, Freeport & Quintana, Texas

April 8 and 9, 2007

We spent two nights, April 8 & 9, 2007 at the Brazora County Campground located on the water at San Luis Pass. The southwest end of Galveston Island is across San Luis Pass from our campground. The bridge in this picture connects the community of San Luis Pass to Galveston Island. Coordinates for this County Campground are: N29 4.849 W85 7.948

Toll bridge that connects San Luis Pass to Galveston Island

I took this picture of the sun rising over the toll bridge that connects San Luis Pass to the Southwestern tip of Galveston Island. Red sky in the morning sailors take warning is the old adage. A fierce wind was blowing and thunder storms flowed out of the Gulf taking rain and turbulent weather with them so I guess the the old sailors ditty has a ring of truth.

Black neck stilt

Black neck stilts such as this one were abundant around the campground.

Greater yellow legs

This is a greater yellow legs I think. I say I think because it could be a lesser yellow legs. Someone will certainly let me know which it is.

Killdeer was sitting on eggs

This killdeer was sitting on eggs and did not think we could see her. She is well camouflaged wouldn't you say.

American Oystercatcher

This American Oystercatcher was patrolling the beach near our campground.

Amaryllis

We have been seeing amaryllis growing wild in many places but especially in highway rights of way. Joyce took this picture of some wild amaryllis near Surfside.

Bluebonnets and primrose

In the small town of Surfside, south of Freeport, Joyce spotted this bunch of bluebonnets and primrose. This is the first big clump of bluebonnets we have spotted on this trip. In a few days we are going to be visiting some of the better known bluebonnet trails in Texas.

Indian Paintbrush

This is a good stand of Indian Paintbrush. We have been seeing scattered patches of paintbrush since we entered Texas but have not taken the time to get a picture until now. These were in the highway right of way near the small town of Surfside.

Coral bean

This pretty bush is a coral bean. It seems to be popular in humming bird gardens along with lantana. We are seeing a lot of ruby throated hummingbirds along the coast feeding on Indian Paintbrush and lantana.

San Luis Pass

The wind blew a Gale the whole time we were in the campground at San Luis Pass. Joyce took this picture to show what this stiff wind has done to the flags. Notice how, what is left of these once proud flags, is standing straight as a result of this relentless wind.

Jackup Rig

This derelict jackup rig was situated in the Dow Barge Canal between Surfside and Quintana. If you are having difficulty locating Surfside and Quintana they are located south of Freeport. The Dow Barge Canal connects the Gulf of Mexico to a giant Dow Chemical Company Refinery that stretches from almost the coast into Freeport which is a few miles inland. While I stated that this was a derelict jackup rig it very well may be operational and just in need of a paint job. I say that since it has a crane on it. It also could be being used as a training platform. Whatever, it needed some cosmetic work performed on the obvious rust.

Intercoastal waterway at Freeport & Surfside, Texas

Joyce took this picture looking east down the intercoastal waterway from the high-rise bridge connecting Freeport and Surfside.

Intercoastal waterway looking east from Freeport, Texas toward Christmas Bay

This is another picture taken from that same bridge looking east toward Christmas Bay.

Dow Chemical facility in Freeport, Texas

Freeport is a refinery town. Dow Chemical has a huge facility in town.

Dow Chemical facility in Freeport, Texas

Part of the refinery and chemical infrastructure in Freeport.

Dow Chemical facility in Freeport, Texas

More refinery also in Freeport.

Shrimp fleet at Oyster Creek near Freeport, Texas

This is a picture of the shrimping fleet operating out of Oyster Creek, near Freeport.

Intercoastal waterway looking east from Freeport, Texas

This is the intercoastal waterway taken from the top of one of the many bridges around Freeport. Note several barges and towboats operating in the distance.

Intercoastal waterway looking east from Freeport, Texas

Another picture of the intercoastal waterway near Freeport, Texas.

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Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix