East Texas 450 Loop
Part One of Three
This update begins in the
Texas City Museum where the
largest industrial accident in history took place in 1947. In summary, two cargo ships loaded with ammonium nitrate detonated hours apart in the same harbor killing 581 people and injuring countless others. Buildings within 1/2 mile were destroyed, two nearby aircraft were blown out of the air, a propeller from one ship was found one mile inland and windows ten miles away were shattered. There are many informative videos telling the story of the Texas City Disaster.
While still in the Houston area I visited
Rice University to enjoy a relaxing Texas evening. Parking was confusing although many students, facility, and campus police passed by and smiled so I guess I was ok. One female professor even stopped to inspect my rig and hopped up inside the camper to check it out. It was refreshing to see all the young men and women engaging in sports knowing that during the day and sometimes late into the night, they were also exercising their minds.
The real reason I stopped by the campus was to enjoy an evening viewing
James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. This is an interesting art structure both visually and acoustically which seats over one hundred people on two different levels. If you are visiting the area I would encourage you to stop ans spend an hour or so there. It's very unusual and interesting.
It had been three-plus weeks since I enjoyed a proper shower plus I am not burning my Hilton Honors points as quickly as expected. With that being said, I selected a Hilton Hotel in Houston and while checking in, requested a complimentary upgrade. They rewarded my smelly-dirty self with a corner suite on the top floor. Again, just ask...
This was also the only room on the top floor with double entrance doors, two bathrooms, two refrigerators, etc. Unfortunately, this property did not have an Executive Lounge for me to visit - I always enjoy walking in to these reserved areas with dirty sandals, an unshaven face, and a t-shirt that has been worn for too many days. Interesting conversations ensue and surprisingly I find out again and again that most guys feel trapped in the own prison they have built around themselves. My final words to them are always the same - break free!
In an attempt to satisfy my continued thirst for precision micro-mechanical timekeeping devices, I visited the best jewelry store in Houston,
Zadok Jewelers. I spent most of the day with Luis and after lunch, had a nice conversation with Jonathan Zadok. One of the primary reasons I stopped in is the fact I am always interested in learning more, trying on pieces in person, and possibly adding something new to my collection. Here is the
A. Lange & Söhne boutique at their location. If you enjoy mechanical beauty, the Germans take mechanical movements to the highest level.
A member of the Holy Trinity of Swiss watches is
Vacheron Constantin who have been building the finest Swiss watches since 1755. I have had a specific model on order for over one year and can only hope it comes in someday soon. These are literally pieces of art and mechanical marvels that you wear on your wrist. Plus, every man deserves at least one fine watch in his lifetime!
Let's switch gears and get back out into the forest where I truly belong. Here I am a few hours into beginning my adventure on the
East Texas 450 Loop. This is an overland trail that is 450 miles long and passes through three National Forests in east Texas. It's long, mostly dirt, and I am expecting it will take me 3-5 days to complete. Look forward to updates and picture when I have service.
As you can see from this first trail picture heading north towards the
Davy Crockett National Forest, east Texas is significantly different when compared to central and south Texas. This has been an absolutely beautiful drive so far. My research has indicated there are some wet areas and with the recent storms I am confident I will see some sloppy and slippery miles.
My first night camping deep in the forest alone once again - it has been too long. During the night I listened to a thunder storm roll in from far away. The night was very quiet with no wind for the first few hours. Later on I could hear distant thunder and see flashes of lightening. Then, far away I began to hear the wind roll into the forest like a runaway freight train. As the thunder, lightening, and wind became closer they all became louder and more prominent. Then the rain began and intensified - for the better part of an hour it yelled and screamed and threw everything it could at the forest. Ultimately, the storm passed and everything settled down once again. In the morning I awoke to a quiet and peaceful forest with the birds chirping and the sun struggling to stand tall. It was a new day and I was back where I have always belonged - deep in the forest.
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