Big City Houston

Refining Central...Houston, TEXAS!

Modern Architecture in Herman Park

Lake Houston

Galleria Mall (largest indoor mall in Texas)

Hamming it up with Houston skyline

Live on in me, as I do in you.
                         John 15:4

Houston is the largest geographical city in the county with over 600 square miles to call it's own. I've been on the west, central, north and now southeast sides. Galveston is my next major destination.

Although I've had 2 rear flats in the last 3 days I'm excited to have opportunity to continue on. Yesterday I crossed the Fred Hartman bridge from Baytown to LaPorte and witnessed some Atlantic Ocean for the first time on this trip. The water is magical and I'm not the only living thing to attest to this. The closer I get to the big body of water the more varied the wildlife becomes. I've seen white pelicans, and a variety of seagulls uncommon to me. Additionally, the sounds that come out of the birds has a tranquilizing affect on my approach to travels...the beautiful songs they sing are very diverse and it awakens me to appreciate God's creations with a newness and more patience. It's been raining off and on for the last day but I'm still going to get on down the road and try to make a few miles today.

Houston...extended stay

Old Glory with a Good Ole Buddy

Some wild life in The Woodlands

A Midtown Gothic Style Skyscraper

Do right and love goodness; walk humbly with God.
                                                                Micah 6:18


Houston is one of the fastest growing regions of our country. Good water, lots of land and a moderate climate all contribute to making Houston a desirable place to live. I've already been here a week and will probably stay be around here for another week because of the employment prospects at hand.

The skyline here is modern with unique geometric forms ascending from lean bases. Because the land is stable the heights of the architecture aren't matched west of here. The weather is a bit muggy and the traffic an issue but I have been  making way on my bike... next major stopovers: Galveston, Port Arthur, New Orleans.

Rolling In To Houstontown

One beautiful Cow

Whoever is alive and believes in me will never die.
                                                    John 11:26

Cathy Shaw bike shop owner in Kyle helped me a lot with my routing to Houston. She printed up a map used by the BPMS150 which is a annual ride from Houston to Austin. This ride raises money and awareness for research for those effected by disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It's actually grown to over 10,000 riders that follow a route  designed for two days of travel.  It took me thru Bastrop where I witnessed remains of a terrible fire that burned here during Autumn. Several homes and one human life were lost. On a more pleasant note this route  goes through some beautiful cattle rich countryside.

I've noticed more lakes and rivers as I head east and truly feel like I'm moving into a jungle (compared with dry West Texas). The higher humidity in the air, accompanied by the nighttime dew and drizzle I notice on my sleeping bag, brings this realization to me. Local folks however have alerted me about the drought that has effected this region in negative ways. Most notably is the need to buy high cost feed for the livestock because of diminished grazing space. From my perspective though there are no shortages of green pastures. I guess people need something to complain about.

One thing I want to say is that the tap water around here is the best I've ever tasted! I'm pretty acclimated to buying bottled water and the general taste of water in America's southwest.  I feel like I've found a new fresh water spring when I drink east Texas water...GOOD STUFF.