Sunday, June 07, 2009

A Sea the Color of Emeralds

Sometimes all the planet is aligned and an extraordinary day of nature occurs. Such a day happened recently.

The Gulf was still. Just small waves lapping at the shoreline. So still that there were wade-fisherman out in a line on the first sandbar with fishing rods and stringer lines just waiting for the redfish, snapper and trout. They came in abundance.

A fisherman told me that standing in the water up to your shoulders one could see your feet. The water was that clear. No seaweed, nothing.

EXCEPT the awesome sight of pods of dolphins in very, very close. I saw a pod of five LARGE dolphins just playfully swimming and breaching. It was so mesmerizing. Pod after pod swimming by.

I walked and then swam out to experience the clean, clear water. It was so calm that I could swim! I stayed out for quite a while watching the dolphins and looking down in wonderment at my feet.

You have to understand, I've been coming to Galveston since the late 60's. I don't remember seeing the Gulf like this..........ever. It felt like I was swimming in a sea of emeralds.

Wish ALL of you could have been there for this magnificent experience.

13 comments:

Steve Cotton said...

It is good nough that You experienced it -- and shared it with us.

Anonymous said...

But was it polluted in the past? Or were you just not fully aware of the beauty? Or is this rare and precious?

Babs said...

Anon - No it wasn't polluted but seas typically have waves and whitecaps and undertows. I have always been aware of its beauty in every season and every storm. But, that day it was a vey, very gentle sea.......the next day - heavy and high waves.......It was definitely rare and precious.
Thanks Steve.

Paul said...

Babs, you have reopened a lot of memories for me of SPI (similar to Galveston) and standing in waders in a line with other trout and red fishermen with my Granddad. I even remember special times when I could see the bottom and was surrounded by dolphins. I am so glad you had this moment. It will remain with you forever. Mine has.

picklesandroses.blogspot.com said...

My daughter and grandaughter were there and reported the same. They were so excited to swim near the dolphins.

Islagringo said...

At first I thought you were on the Caribbean!

Robin in Atlanta said...

Babs, I too, have visited Galveston island every summer since the late 50s. (San Antonio was home)Carla did major damage in the 60's (1961?)It seemed like forever when it was 'normal' again! What you experienced must have seemed so pristine and amazing. Especially the dolphins swimming so close. What a memory you have created! Wishing you a safe trip home to SMA and a nice long siesta when you get there! Robin

1st Mate said...

Serendipity again, just for you, Babs. Good timing and the willingness to explore it. A lot of people would have just sat on the sand or driven on by. Have a good safe journey home.

Unknown said...

Babs, since I was clairvoyent with the Harvest Moon regatta connection, I want to ask you something:
over at Chrissy/Keith's blog : 99 Reason why we're moving to Mexico,
on Mon June 8th, they posted a photo of themselves smoking fresh oysters in shell on a BBQ pit! My favorite.
Do you happen to remember a place in Bacliff on the water that served them this style at the bar?
I know this is kinda dumb , a long shot...just asking the question.

Anonymous said...

You have us all day dreaming about the ocean...

Babs said...

I'm so glad that all of you enjoyed the blog. I regret that I didn't photograph it as the next day it was high waves, undertows and sea weed.
Paul, SPI is a very special place still and where my son, a wildlife biologist worked doing a lot of turtle research, dolphin rescue, etc for a number of years. I can't believe he ever left there. I doubt I'll ever forget my day - I knew as it was happening how extraordinary it was.....Kay glad they got to expeirence it also!
And Robin - yes Carla was 61, Alicia was 83 and now Ike was 08. It was worse then the others combined - except not as high a loss of life - or so they say. Many, many people never accounted for.....
Charley was it Clifton by the Sea or that really funky place - the one I can't remember the name of - but I have a great sailing friend, Malcolm and Bacliff is his stomping ground - I'll ask him.....
HOPEFULLY Balciff will never be gentrified. OMG, that just brought back a memory - I feel another blog coming on....some day.

vandy said...

Gillhoolys?
Vandy

Anonymous said...

Gilhooly's! That's it!

Is it still there?

Thanks

Charley