Boyds Untethered

The Bryan Museum, here in Galveston is dedicated to the history of Texas and the American West. This is one of the many excellent exhibits dedicated to cowboys both American and Mexican. The museum opened in 2015 in the historic Galveston Orphan’s home. An exquisite Renaissance Revival-style building surrounded by beautiful landscaping in a historic neighborhood.  The Bryan Museum houses the Bryan Collection, one of world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. In addition to being a museum, it is a great venue for weddings, corporate events and private parties.

We have seen a number of these guys on the beach over the last couple of weeks. I knew they were jellyfish but I didn't realize that they were the infamous Portuguese Man-o-War.... until Linda found an article about them in the Hustonia. They are named for their resemblance to the sail of 18th century Portuguese war ship.(this particular one, not so much). Their strands can grow up to 100 feet long and are used to trap and paralyze fish. Occasionally (and painfully) a random human swimmer’s leg or arm, will brush them.... imparting a very painful sting. I have to confess that I had a thought or two about stepping on one just to see what would happen b ut I didn’t.... imagine my relief when I read that they could explode spraying you with their stinging venom.  On dive boats I have often offered to pee on it, if someone gets a jellyfish sting.... but I have never had any takers and now I know why.  The Houston Chronicle   reports that urinating on a man o’ war sting or rub...

Shrimp is a popular item on the menu of many restaurants here. Just off The Strand in downtown Galveston, is the historic home for the shrimp boats that make Galveston Island’s fishing flotilla.... known as the Mosquito Fleet. The boats with their nets hanging loose, and booms out appeared to the saliors on some the visiting ships in the 1800's like a swarm of mosquitos flying around the harbor.... the name stuck.  Since before the Civil War, shrimp and oyster boats have been anchoring in what is now called Pier 19 on the Island’s historic east end.  The Mosquito Fleet occupies a spot on the harbor not far from where legendary pirate Jean Lafitte first settled on Galveston in 1817.  

Galveston is a working port with a long and rich history. It was established in 1825 by proclamation from the Congress of Mexico.... as what is now Texas was still a part of Mexico then.  That makes it the oldest port in the Gulf of Mexico, west of New Orleans.  During the late 19th century the port was the busiest on the gulf coast and the 2nd busiest in the country, after New York. The port is owned and operated by the City of Galveston and is completely self-sustaining, receiving no taxpayer funding. It is equipped to handle all types of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulk, refrigerated and more. One entire wharf is used by Del Monte for the importing of bananas and BMW has a new vehicle distribution center here.  In 2000 a long quest to lure cruise ships was successful even though Galveston is unique in the world of cruise terminals as it can be affected by fog.... particularly in December, January and February. Today Galveston is the 4th busiest cruise te...