I woke super early today and Mister hasn't moved, so I go quietly out to the deck to watch the sunrise. Since I'm alone, I'm limiting myself to the beach right in front of the house and not walking too far. There are just too many crazy tales -- you know what I mean. The moment the color begins, I'm in awe. This is going to be beautiful today. Part of me thinks I should wake my sweetie, but this is his vacation. Just enjoy the splendor. I tried to bring it home with me. This is round one.
Playing with my camera a bit, I try a panorama shot but it puts everything way in the distance. I like it though.
Looking away from the sunrise, you would think it was a totally different time of day.
And back again --- I told you today is special. Round 2.
All too soon, the color is gone, but then that lovely lady shows up and starts a whole new wonder.
Watching the world awaken is fun. Even the birds pretty much wait for her - a few will be out early, but not many. NOW, they are ready to move.
Mister wakes and after breakfast he wants to go for a short walk on the beach as the sun will bake us soon. Hats are on and I've covered the legs as well.
He really has me giggling as we walk by this seaweed and he calls it "vegan octopus."
We're back a little after 8 and settle in with books and quiet deck time. We are the only people in the building and move our chairs down to the lower deck so that we can take advantage of the shade. Bringing lunch down for both of us allows us to stay outside even more. This IS the life.
After lunch and the cleaning up takes place, we move the chairs back upstairs and set out for another small adventure today. The first destination is Quintana Beach. The village has been here a very long time. It was named for a Mexican General and as early as 1532 was a thriving area. It was a Port of Entry in the Republic of Texas and a strategic fort in the Civil War. It was an industrial area (still in) and had cattle and cotton shipping from 1870 - 1900. From 1884 and after, it became a fashionable summer colony. Most of the area was largely destroyed in the 1900 storm and is now a resort and fishing center.
Freeport LNG Development has a large presence here. They liquefy natural gas and then pump it into ships for transport. This ship is HUGE.
Back it up just a week bit.
Following the road to the end, we find the jetty on the other side of the Causeway. If it wasn't pure hot sun right now, we'd make the trek, but I'm content to just look right now.
See the other side? That is the jetty we usually walk and were on just the other day. This is an all new view for me.
That's Surfside Village over there -
This is Quintana Beach on the other side of the jetty. Another visit, we'll walk her - either early or later in the day.
Passing more of LNG on the way back -
We spot this killdeer beside the road and stop real quick. I am used to these in Montana, but haven't see one down here before. So fun.
Driving all of the little roads in Quintana, we discover the Pilots House. Yep, the headquarters for the pilot boats that work this region.
And this! What can I say? I just keep shaking my head over it. Who builds a playground/picnic area where gators are an issue?
The end of another road has us right on the canals as a tug goes by pushing a barge.
Now, it's back to the mainland and we can see the barge moving down the canal as we cross the bridge into Freeport.
This is the side that Old Freeport is in and although it has definitely seen better days, it has a lovely downtown area.
Okay, believe it or not, we actually have a destination today and need to be going that way soon. We are off to West Columbia to try a meadery. It's a new experience for both of us. We order a small flight and although I'm trying to solve data issues for a bit, we settle in to enjoy this new flavor sensation. The choices are a traditional, an orange blossom, and a lime. They are super sweet and the honey is very forward. We're trying to decide if we need to visit a second meadery sometime to truly understand them, or perhaps they are just not for us. No matter, it appears that they are abundant down in this area of the state, but not so much otherwise.
The gal at the meadery suggests a stop at the Varner-Hogg Plantation so we drive out there, but it is almost 5 and they don't sell tickets after 4:30. Oh well, a few pics will suffice. I LOVE all of the Spanish Moss on the trees here.
The main house in the distance.
Another gorgeous tree. Oh, I can imagine the fun of having this in my yard as a child.
Well, that's it. We are pointing the car back towards Surfside as we have decided to go have dinner at one of the beach restaurants tonight. This has been our route today and we've enjoyed seeing new sights.
Six o-clock beach picture.
As we are standing on the deck a pod of pelicans appears to be coming our way and it looks like there are a lot of them.
Mister says to get the video ready - it's great, I promise.
Now for our walk to the Seahorse Bar and Grill. It's about a mile down the beach and although it is crazy windy right now, we opt to sit outside and hold onto our food. I have a Mai Tai while Mister breaks his own rule and has a gin and tonic.
Loving the wind (it's blowing from behind me) - but look at my food --- and OMG, so good.
And Mister's redfish --- super yummy as well. This was such great choice.
It's dark by the time we leave and the restaurant is just a glow in the night. Our spot was right by the red light.
The walk back has the moonlight as our companion and we are surprised at how much light it really does give off. Here is our last view before calling it a night. Back again tomorrow.
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