Hurricane Ike Hits Galveston

As I sit here, safe in my Dallas office -watching cable news coverage of hurricane Ike, I'm reminded  of the many trips I've taken to Houston and Galveston over the years. Galveston is a very popular holiday destination for most Texans, myself included. I've been visiting Galveston Island since I was a kid. 

It is a truly surreal experience to see streets and landmarks that you are personally familiar with, submerged in the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the most memorable parts of Galveston is the large cat colony located on the beach rocks just below the main island seawall. All along the seawall are giant boulders that are inhabited by stray and feral cats. Galveston actually maintains cat sanctuaries around the island. Pedestrians and tourists give the cats food, but they also feast on the small sea life they capture along the beach. The Galveston Seawall is now completely under water, according to news reports. Yes, cats can swim!

Godspeed Galveston and all her inhabitants.