Lucy really appreciated the break from the day's long drive. She found a few rabbits to keep her interest peeked.

Our first camp stop was yesterday at the Colorado City Texas State Park. Very nice. Water and electric with dump station. As you can see here there are also pull throughs. Beautiful day.

Yesterday we finally got on the road. We are headed for Alaska (via a Rod's folk's house in Kansas, a friend's house in Nebraska, Christa's cousin's house in Nebraska as well, and my brother's house in Montana). Along the way we'll be hitting a lot of eateries and campgrounds. Our first stop was here at J.R.'s Restaurant in Juction, Texas, for a little lunch. Turns out that a lot of celebs like this place as well, including Troy Aikman, Whoopi Goldberg, and Willie Nelsen to mention a few. And I can see why. I had the Jalapeno Sausage an BBQ brisket plate. I have eaten a lot of brisket in my time, but this was a memorable event. Cooked to perfection (no lie). I gather the BBq is provided by Cooper, but did not get the local skinny on the relationship between them. What I know though, is that if you like Texas style BBQ, this place is a must stop.

While visiting and getting ready to depart for parts north, we went up to Canyon Lake (our future homesite) to look around. If you go up to the Corps of Engineer office, one can access this view point that is pretty fantastic.

Here, Becky and Rod's German Short Hair (Buford) greets his guests.

Not only people had a good time. My son's dog (Vixen, Fox Terrier) and my niece's pooch (I forget the name, but he's a Basset) enjoy a bit of fun in the sun.

Here my sister (Becky) is finishing up some odds and ends before the main crowd arives. Also in the picture is my wife Christa, Mom, and a friend of Becky's from her work at Texas Lutheran University (which happens to be my alma mater by the way).

Saturday 14 May, 2005. Well we made it to Seguin. The main purpose for the visit here was to pick up my Mom prior to our heading north for the Alaska Trip we are about to embark on next month. But as it happens, on the 14th, My sister and bro-in-law had their 6th anniversary, so of course there is a party. Pictured here is my bro Rod finishing up some tasties for the menu. In addition to the chicken coming off the grill here, he cooked up 4 11lb briskets, of which part of one was left.

A quick revisit to the "Aquarium" restaurant. Christa and I ate there tonight. Incredible place with 5 very large fresh and salt aquariums built into the place. By large, I'm talking 55000 gallons with about 50 species in the main tank. Sharks, cuda, sea bass, a sea turtle, and many others. The tank in the entry way is a cylinderical model bout 2 or 3 stories high, not sure of how many gallons, but very nice. The food was super. Christa had the blackened catfish, spicy and deliscious. I had the broiled Captains Platter fixed to perfection. Bring your wallet though, you will be helping to pay for the care of those tanks. Didn't mind though, the meal was excellent as was the service. To add to the evening, a big celebration was going on in the forground courtyard for Cino de Mayo. Live band, kids running all over the place, just a lot of fun. Tomorrow we hoist anchor and move on down the road towards Seguin, TX to visit family.

Finally - the weather cooperated today allowing for a bit of paddling around Via Bayou in Dickinson, TX. Beautiful day with a slight breeze and surrounded by jumping fish. No wonder this is such a popular place for anglers. A nice way to relax after washing the rig and car.

Lucy pointing the way to land.

Off of the main island of Galveston is the smaller Pelican Island. Pelican Island is home to Seawolf Park where the WW II sub USS Cavala rests and is being restored. Parking is $5 per car for the park and fishing pier. An additional fee of $5 per person to tour the sub and the destroyer, USS Stewart. A unique opportunity to see what it was like for the sailors of these earlier warships. Having served on more recent ships, I was amazed at the really tight spaces these sailors lived, worked and even died in. A worhtwhile monument that I recommend everyone visits and toss in a couple extra bucks to help the restoration project.

Here I am taking a photo moment with a prop for the "Aquarium" restaurant. We plan to eat here tomorrow night just because of the unique look of the eatery.

Another city that offers a little treat is Kemah. The big feature that attracted our attention from the State Highway 146 bridge was the Bordwalk. Has kind of an old Jersey shore feel with shops, skill games and amusement rides.

Texas City is a few miles up the coast and has a few nice scenic opportunities. One is the Lighthouse Blvd. Pictured here is a replica of the Texas Lighthouse once set about 2 and a half miles off the coast.

When in the Fisherman's Wharf, not only are you treated to good service and a fantastic meal, but able to look out on the harbor watching ship traffic and various seabirds (which you are advised not to feed) wheeling about.

In the Downtown Historic District are a number of really good restaurants. We set our appetites for the Fisherman's Wharf, great atmosphere to go along with the fantastic seafood dishes offered.

This is a picture of the aqua tunnel (my name for it) just before exiting the aquarium complex. This is a site to see.

While in the Galveston area, we had to stop into the Moody Aquarium and Rainforest exhibits. Exceptional. Comparable to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

A small park and fairly new, but if you're into fishing or boating this is a great RV park. With a Good Sam discount the site was reasonable for a front seat at the water.