Texas – Page 8 – Joe Alexander

Beach flowers at South Padre Island, Texas

Beach flowers at South Padre Island. - photo by Joe Alexander — Beach flowers at South Padre Island. – photo by Joe Alexander

The dunes on the gulf side of South Padre Island are covered with the usual dark green beach vegetation. In late June, there are purple and white flowers to liven things up.

Pelicans at South Padre Island, Texas

Coming in for a landing. Brown pelicans are common at South Padre Island, Texas. - photo by Joe Alexander — Coming in for a landing. Brown pelicans are common at South Padre Island, Texas. – photo by Joe Alexander

Brown pelicans are found all along Texas’ lower coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can see them at South Padre Island flying over the water or perched on poles in the Laguna Madre.

Brown pelicans are common at South Padre Island, Texas. - photo by Joe Alexander — South Padre Island pelicans

View of Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel, Texas

View of the Queen Isabella Causeway looking toward South Padre Island from the area near the Port Isabel Lighthouse on a cloudy morning in June. - photo by Joe Alexander — View of the Queen Isabella Causeway looking toward South Padre Island from the area near the Port Isabel Lighthouse on a cloudy morning in June. – photo by Joe Alexander

The Queen Isabella Causeway crosses the Laguna Madre from Port Isabel to South Padre Island along Texas’ lower coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Texas Highway 100 East runs through Port Isabel to the Causeway and becomes Padre Boulevard on South Padre Island.

Queen Isabella Causeway near the Port Isabel Lighthouse. - photo by Joe Alexander — Queen Isabella Causeway

Downtown Boston in the fall

Downtown Boston in November, 2021. – photo by Joe Alexander

A sunny day in the first week of November provided a perfect setting to wander around downtown Boston.

The historic city has great parks, tall modern buildings and friendly neighborhoods that are close enough together to enjoy on foot.

Only a quick subway ride away are places like Fenway Park and Cambridge.

TD Garden in downtown Boston in November, 2021. – photo by Joe Alexander — Boston’s TD Garden

Fenway Park in November, just after the 2021 season ended. – photo by Joe Alexander — Fenway Park

View of downtown Boston from the train crossing above the Charles River. – photo by Joe Alexander — Downtown Boston

Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial

Galveston was devastated by a hurricane in 1900.

A century later, the Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial was dedicated on the seawall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

The memorial survived another major hurricane in 2008.

Public art in Galveston

A sea turtle themed mural overlooks an outdoor basketball court near the beach in Galveston. – photo by Joe Alexander

Murals and other forms of public art bring color to Galveston Island.

Galveston Island animal art

Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar facing the beach in Galveston. – photo by Joe Alexander

Animal art is common in Galveston near the beach – both at businesses and in public places. Most of it reflects the island’s relationship with the sea.