Galveston and Battleship Texas (Feb 11-12)

We continued our sightseeing tours with a drive to Galveston so Mike and Joanne could see the island and ride the ferry back to Bolivar Peninsula.  We also wanted them to see the houses and other buildings that have been rebuilt since Hurricane Ike went through in September 2008.  Even though we were living in Southern Indiana at the time, we even felt the force of Ike as it barreled through Southern Indiana with fierce winds.  The winds (no rain) were strong enough that we actually received a benefit of a new roof!  Pat and I were in Michigan at a camping rally that weekend and were deluged with rain.  It was also the approximate time of the stock market crash leading to the Great Recession from which the country is still struggling to overcome.  Here is a before and after picture of the Bolivar Peninsula as taken from the National Geographic website.

Before and After Pictures of Bolivar Peninsula in 2008

Galveston Island today



Busy harbor

On Sunday, February 12, we drove back down towards Galveston to visit the Battleship Texas.  What an interesting day this was!!  We joined a tour with one of the volunteers who is probably the most knowledgeable person of the boat.  The Texas was commissioned in 1914 and served in both World Wars.  With major modifications, she was able to serve in the Atlantic as well as providing support during the landing at Iwo Jima.  She also took part in the invasion of Okinawa and managed to remain untouched by enemy guns.  At the end of the war, Texas served as a transport for prisoners of war from the Philippines to Pearl Harbor and transported nearly 5,000 troops home from the Pacific.  After her service, she was retired and scheduled to be used as a bombing target but the citizens of Texas launched a fund drive to save her.  The US Navy towed her to Texas to become a permanent memorial battleship and open to the public.




Battleship Texas



Susan, Mike, and Joanne on ramp to ship



Susan "aiming gun" 



Tour guide showing us how ammo was loaded into gun.



We were inside Turret where the big guns are. 
Received quite an in-depth explanation on operation



Back on deck-notice the "chains"-they are the anchors. 
You did not want to be close to these when anchors were released
because of the force and weight of the anchors.

Navigation Bridge



Crew quarters--cannot imagine how anyone could sleep!



Kitchen for regular crew

Bakery



The brig--no space so not a good place to be.



Pat, Joanne, and Mike

Engine room--thanks to the superlative guide, we were able to go into
areas not open to the public such as this unrenovated area of the engine room.

Radio room--volunteers are working to restore the equipment
with actual working radios of the WWII era.



Wardroom--this was the officers' dining room



Each ship had their own set of silver.  Because the Texas was
used in both World Wars, there are actually two sets of silver on display
This one and another set on the other side of the display case.

If you ever visit Houston, I would encourage you to take a day to visit the Battleship Texas.  It is well worth the time at a minimal admission cost.

EASY LIVING!