Galveston’s Tree Carvings – post Hurricane Ike

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall very near Galveston Island, Texas. This storm created a substantial storm surge (approaching 5 meters of sea water) which had drastic ramifications – personal, financial, and ecological – on the surrounding area, including the historic city of Galveston, TX.

Thousands of trees, primarily oak, died as a result of the salt water inundation. Several of the local property owners and Galveston’s Citizen Tree Committee commissioned “chainsaw artists” to carve and chisel their dead trees into sculptures. Here is but a sampling of the numerous and varied carvings.

 

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113926_7D_blog

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113926
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Flock of Birds 2AM-114725_7D_blog

Flock of Birds 2AM-114725
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Flock of Birds 2AM-114753_7D_blog

Flock of Birds 2AM-114753
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Geisha 2AM-113917_7D_blog

Geisha 2AM-113917
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Squirrel with Acorn 2AM-114497_7D_blog

Squirrel with Acorn 2AM-114497
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Details on Dolphin_Dorado_Moray Eel 2AM-114504_7D_blog

Details on Dolphin_Dorado_Moray Eel 2AM-114504
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114437_7D_blog

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114437
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114946_7D_edited_blog

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114946
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Mermaid 2AM-114489_7D_blog

Mermaid 2AM-114489
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Tin Woodsman 2AM-113921_7D_blog

Tin Woodsman 2AM-113921
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Tin Woodsman 2AM-114390_7D_blog

Tin Woodsman 2AM-114390
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113927_7D_blog

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113927
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Recent shots from surrounding area.

Per a previous “encouragement” by my photography mentor – Wyman Meinzer – to see the beauty where I am, I have been trying to shoot several times each week, regardless of the weather, wind, and anthropomorphic elements cluttering the scene. I figure I better just run with what there is to capture. Here is an assortment which I hope you enjoy.

I reckon you weren't expecting this though! Perhaps Deere & Company would like this one for their advertising? Wishful thinking.

 

More tractors heading out from the Port of Galveston.

 

Wetlands proximal to our neighborhood (same area in previous blog: "blessed-rain...").

 

Same area as above but this time I was going for the "African Serengeti" feel (ignore the modern looking "huts").

 

Serengeti 'ish. (Smith Point, Galveston Bay).

 

The view from our back deck/porch - it seems it hasn't been calm for months. The glow on the clouds is a result of Texas City petrochemical plants - thankfully we are located upwind of this.

 

These lovely White Pelicans are only in the area while they overwinter.

 

White Pelican preening.

 

Nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR). This area was, until very recently, dry enough to run a tractor and plow through. However, the Houston area has received in excess of 11 inches of rain for the first 8 weeks or so of 2012.

 

BNWR again.

 

Endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in rehabilitation at Texas A&M University at Galveston's Sea Life Facility.

 

Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (same individual as above).

 

Cold and foggy morning at Texas A&M University at Galveston campus.

 

Definitely NOT the Serengeti. This is the same shrimp boat featured in a previous blog ("Texas City Dusk..."). I was limited on time and the clouds were starting to look wonderful so chose to re-shoot the trawler.

 

Simple but interesting to me.

 

Sunrise and an offshore rig in Galveston Ship Channel.

 

Atmospheric clouds - as opposed to the cloud of swarming mosquitos as the missus' and I tried to enjoy a cold beverage watching these clouds and the dusk.

 

I took this picture on Valentine's Day of two red-eared slider's "smooching" (please indulge my foray into anthropomorphism) - must be a real "toe-curler" of a kiss (check out the right-rear foot of the big one on the right).

 

 

 

Blessed Rain: dusk from “Scenic Galveston” site, Galveston County

Ah, finally some precipitation – only recorded 1/2″ but the light was phenomenal as a band of clouds and associated winds caressed the evening.

 

Rain over the salt-marsh. Canon 7D with Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 1000 (the wind was absolutely howling, very nearly blowing the tripod, and me, over).

 

Wind and clouds over spartina. Canon 7D with Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 1000 (again, the wind was making it very challenging to stand, let alone keep the camera steady).

 

Granite, grass, clouds, and color... a glorious evening. Canon 7D with Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 500 (a little respite from the breeze).

 

Vibrant hues over Bayou Vista. Canon 7D with Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 800