Galveston Island, TX (USA)

Left College Station around 1330L. On the way to Houston, made sure to make time for a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos - site where the Texas Founders declared independence in 1836. The place wasn't too far off TX-6 - but I missed an important turn at Navasota (which I later learned is probably the site where the French Explorer LaSalle was killed). Backtracked on a farm road until I found [CR]-105 and (after a short drive south) the State Park. It was still drizzling and lightning hit every 15 minutes or so, so many of the living history displays were closed. Toured the park visitors center and spoke with the volunteers there - all agreed that "Rain is a Good Thing" (that's a pretty good song, by the way). They recommended I check out the Star of the Republic Museum next door, and I did. The lady there gave me some great resources for the kids (they have been learning Texas history this year). Museum was interesting. Thought I'd get a chance to see the working farm, but they were closed for the weather. Oh well - visit was good. Headed off to find TX-6 again (1600L)... Intercepted US-290 and drove towards Houston (gas in Hockley). The reputation the city has for horrible traffic is definitely true... I would have driven through the city and used I-45 to Galveston, but traffic made me think I should bypass everything on TX-6. Might have worked, but the storm had knocked out power to lots of traffic lights. Spent a good hour between US-290 and the town of Alvin. Eventually back on track (speedwise), but it was well past 1900L before I was able to get on the interstate. Drove across the Galveston Bay and into town just as it began to get dark. By now, the rain had stopped. But the post storm breeze was still in full force. Drove down Seawall Boulevard and found my hotel, the Holiday Inn Resort "on-the-beach." Actually, it is ACROSS-THE-(four lane)STREET from the beach - everything is. Plus, if a business got brave enough to build on the ocean side (e.g., Hooters), a Hurricane would wipe them out eventually... Didn't go to the room (free night from Priority Club!) - instead drove down a few blocks to have dinner at Gaido's of Galveston (an establishment with four distinct ambiances: fine dining, casual eating, a bar and a motor inn). Sat at the bar in Casey's (casual) and let the chef recommend a great meal: cream of poblano soup, fish tacos, grilled gulf shrimp and creole rice. Had a few unusual beers with dinner and chatted with the bartender (local kid). One thing I found interesting was that Jimmy Buffett hadn't built a Margaritaville here... Met some other tourists who also enjoyed the chef's direct involvement in menu selection. Around 2100L, headed to my room. I had a good view - but the hotel bar was pretty loud (on the same side). Got to sleep around midnight...