“This is the story of Isaac and his time in America, the last turning of the centuries, when the hubris of men led them to believe they could disregard even nature itself.”
― Erik Larson, Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
Oblique Strategy: Children -speaking -singing
When our kids were young we used to come over Thanksgiving, or over New Year, or both – to rent a beach house at Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, just east of Galveston, Texas. In the off season you could rent an old rickety beach house for almost nothing. It was great with high maintenance kids like ours- there were only two directions they could go on the beach and nothing they could destroy. It was the best of times.
We had to stop going because in 2008 Hurricane Ike wiped the low sandy Bolivar Peninsula clean.
Now, ten years later, a lot of the beach houses have been rebuilt. Their stilts are noticeably higher now, heavier and more numerous. So we rented one for New Year’s – Lee came from New Orleans and Nick from North of Houston.
It’s great to be back, the only problem is the weather is awful – cold, rainy, and very windy.
Lee walking in the surf at Crystal Beach. I checked my old blog entries – this was December 29, 2002. Fifteen years ago, almost to the day.
Lee walking in roughly the same spot, fifteen years later. There was no sun and it was very cold and windy. Same ocean, though.
Bill Chance 
i absolutely love this
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.
I first stayed in a beach house on Crystal Beach in 1983. It was just as you describe: one of those old, ramshackle places that had weathered plenty of storms. Friends and I went back for at least three or four years, and then I moved away from Houston and life changed, as it does.
I still pass through there from time to time, on my way to Anahuac or High Island. And of course there’s the Stingaree, for decent seafood. Here’s a puzzle for you the next time you go. Somewhere in Crystal Beach there’s a camel perched on top of a lightpole, or tower of some sort. No one who knows where it is will spill the beans: the trick is to find it yourself, post a photo of the camel against the sky, and keep the secret of its location.
Cool- I don’t know where the camel is – unfortunately with the weather like it is I won’t be searching. Love Stingaree – especially the people that bring their own fish.
On the way out, to drive home, I spotted the camel. Unfortunately, I left my digital card in my laptop in the trunk so I didn’t get a photo. Next time, for sure.
Hooray for you! That tickles me to death. I’m glad I told you about it.
I read years ago that the memories that adults cherish most from their childhood were times spent with their mom and dad. 🙂
And whether the weather was good or bad…I’m sure Lee has wonderful memories of time spent there and with you!
HUGS and Happy New Year to you and your family!!! 🙂