Another late start – but since this was from sleeping until my 9am alarm, it was probably much needed rest.  The maids weren’t too thrilled, but I guess on a lazy, wet Sunday, no one was in a rush to go anywhere.

Weather was pretty bleak.  When I first stuck my head out the door, it was hot and sunny, but it didn’t take long to cloud over.

Weather channel said pretty much nothing but hot weather.  Wunderground said 40% chance of thundershowers.  I sat on the fence, repacked my bags to get quick access to rain jacket and gloves, but actually put on booties and gortex overalls.  I should have gone all the way…  pulling over at the next exit is too long in these thundershowers… Now I was damp and marinading in a rain suit.  Could barely see the car in front…. traffic slowed to 30mph.

Things cleared up by Galveston.  I drove by Pleasure Pier, bit decided to eat before exploring.  Yelp suggested Benno’s and I opted for the deep fried.

I got through maybe half of it before the servers started clearing the outside condiments due to risk of rain.  I packed the rest and hopped back on the bike.

Quick trip along the shore road and looped past the ‘pay’ park.  On my way out, I decided to check out the ferry.  Gas light came on, so I took the chance to ask clerk about the ferry.  He said it was free and wouldn’t take long.

Listening was an experience.  Long hot lines with people feeding the seagulls.  Do not feed the birds you asshats!  Just waiting in line I got pooped on 3 times.

The ferry ride itself wasn’t much better.  I got stuck at the end of the line to fill a column… and the back is naturally where the ferry people tell people to fees the damn birds.  I would have ducked into the passenger area, but as I was getting ready to get off, I could feel Mend sway with the boat.  With all the extra weight, it felt outright scary.  So now I was watching the birds hover and really hoping they would poop on one of the feeders and praying Mend wouldn’t tip over.
Worst feeling ever was the ferry tapping against the dock.  Nearly peed myself.

On the other side, I got to see entire neighborhoods on stilts.  Houses built on sand.  Most of the motels looked like they didn’t even have windows to weather storms better…  still probably a gorgeous place to live when it’s nice.

I was now soaked in rain and sweat- both the temperature and nervous stuff.  Not to mention exhausted and not sure where to go.  Stopped at a Denny’s to grab some coffee, where the girls kept giving me a hard time about not eating.

Raindar seemed to show that east was a better bet, so I went by Port Arthur, Bridge City before settling in Fenton for a camp site.  Stopping to take a picture of the giant bridges, a random guy in a truck stopped to ask if I was okay.  Got to chatting about the MTS 1200 vs the FJR 1300.  He apparently really wanted the Duc, but couldn’t keep it under 90 on the test ride and decided he was too immature.  Wise beyond his years.

Had a nice chat with Hubert, the owner about politics and life in general.

Random tune of the day: Lovefool – The Cardigans