I decided to ride the ferry that runs from Galveston to Port Bolivar because it is a lot faster than driving the land route. Along the way, the ferry passes fairly close to the USS Cavalla, a famous WW II submarine that is now a museum at Seawolf Park.
On its first patrol, the Cavalla encountered a large Japanese fleet and relayed information about the enemy ships to US forces in the Philippines. The relayed information is credited with helping US forces win the Battle of the Philippines Sea.
A few days later, the Cavalla found the Japanese aircraft carrier shokaku and sank it with three torpedoes. Nearby Japanese destroyers dropped depth charges, but the Cavalla received only minor damage.
By the end of the war, the Cavalla had destroyed several Japanese ships and was part of the US fleet that entered Tokyo Harbor on August 31, 1945. After the surrender of Japan on September 2, the Cavalla was taken out of commission on 16 March 1946.
The ferry also passes by other submarines, ships, and ocean platforms that are not open to the public.
After passing by Seawolf Park, it was reported that the ghost ship SS Selma was located about a mile north of the ferry route; but I could not locate it on the horizon.
The Selma was constructed in 1919 as an experimental 400-foot-long warship made of reinforced concrete. About a year after being placed in service, the ship hit a jetty that cracked its hull and ended its short life.
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| Google Picture - Photographer Unknown |
While on the trip to Port Bolivar, the ferry captain decided to play "chicken" with the Bow Orion. Fortunately, we missed each other.
The historic Point Bolivar Light was built in 1872 and functioned for 61 years before being retired in 1933. This is the second light on the site. The first light was built in 1852, but was pulled down by Confederate troops so Union warships could not use it as a navigation aid during the Civil War.
Fort Travis is a historic 60-acre site in Port Bolivar with several earthen structures still intact.
In 1816, the Mexican army under the direction of Francisco Xavier Mina built earthworks on the site to protect Mexican interest. Then, 1818, James Long led 300 men against the Mexicans to liberate Spanish Texas. Before moving inland, Long's wife, who was traveling with the group, gave birth to a girl that they named Jane. Jane Long became known as "The Mother of Texas."
Battery Kimble was constructed in 1917 and had 12-inch guns that would be elevated for a range of 17 miles. After WW II the Battery was abandoned and the guns were sold for scrap.
Battery 236 is similar to Battery Kimble, but much smaller. The Battery contained two 6-inch guns and was designed primarily to defend the harbor from minelayers and submarines. It was also abandoned after WW II.
In Crystal Beach there was a kite shops that sold really large kites. The kite shown below was a 35-foot spin stock flying from a 50-foot pole. Houses in the area were all built on large stilts to protect them from flood surges during hurricane season.
Anahuac (population 1,980) is known as the "Alligator Capital of Texas." I did not see any alligators, but I did see the Chambers County Courthouse.
After leaving Anahuac, I set my GPS for the San Jacinto Monument, "The Tallest Shaft in the United States." However, when I arrived at the ferry, a sign on the gate said that the ferry was closed for the day. I tried to find an alternate route, but the GPS unit kept telling me that I had to take the ferry. After several attempts to find an alternate route, I gave up trying to reach the monument and drove to Houston.
The Art Car Museum is different than most art museums I have visited in that it features a combination of both cars and art. The exhibits are rotated about every three months. On display the day I visited were a restored 1956 Nash and other art cars along with a number of original paintings and other art objects.
"Miss Henry's China Cabinet" Honda seemed a little fragile to drive down any rough roads.
"The Phantom" started out using a Volkswagen engine, trans axle, steering and suspension; then, a body shell was crafted by welding small pieces of metal together. The gargoyle's eyes are fitted with headlights.
Eclectic Menagerie Park contains a collection of art object that are located adjacent to Highway 288 in Houston.
A truck coming out of the ground.
"King Kong" climbing a latter to reach an imaginary skyscraper.
A few of the mariachi singers are missing after Hurricane Harvey.
A new unidentified plant species?
One of the largest rod-and-reel fishing poles in the world has caught a Mazda pickup truck.
Volkswagen "Bug."
Transparent Soldier.
Texas totem pole?
Some of those last 'art' entries are almost comical.
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