December 10, 2004; Galveston Continued

I decided to stay at the youth hostel for another day and galavant about Galveston. First order of business was to head out to the beach. I had to go out on the rock piers or breakwaters or whatever you call them. Other than that the beach was extraordinarily dull. Guess that's what I get in the off-season.

Noon came around so I decided to make myself some fajitas since I had a kitchen at my disposal. Once I was done with that it was time to take an afternoon nap with 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' in the background. Apparently I had done something in the morning to necessitate a nap.

Feeling the need to see something touristy while in Galveston, I paid a visit to the flight museum. They have a ton of World War I and II era planes and equipment- most in flying condition. The museum also doubles as the repair hangar, so there were a few planes in varying states of repair with mechanics wrenching on them, still on display.

Although the planes and engine cut-aways on display were definitely something to see I enjoyed the nose are more than anything. It brought a sense of personality to the massive, cold machines. My favorite non-sexy nose art was the 'Put Put Maru'. It's just fun to say- put put maru. Then there was the 'Ready for Duty'- my favorite pin-up style nose art.

Speaking of ready for duty. I decided it was time for me to hit the downtown scene. It has been weeks since I have spent any time around my peers, aside from a night in Kansas City. Four beers later and I had had my fill of contemporaries. What I really wanted was to be around my friends, not a random collection of strangers.

It is finally warm enough and dry enough to consult my book of scenic drives without being let down because there is somewhere that is too cold or wet. Tomorrow I will leave for... somewhere. West to Big Bend National Park, or East to some assorted National Forests.