San Francisco Trip December 2013

"THE WORLD IS A BOOK, AND THOSE WHO DO NOT TRAVEL READ ONLY ONE PAGE!"

 

     I wanted to start with a quote and the reason for this quote is because it's true. So many people go through life making a living and never LIVE. Well I understand you have to earn money for the things you have, but in the end the things will NOT matter. What matters is you life experiences, your family, and friends. So break free from the chains that bind you which is your job and go on a trip and have a great life experience. Take a lot of photos because every time you look at them they will bring back those great memories.

     Well the trip started from Dallas Fort Worth leaving on Virgin American which was a great and here is a highlight of the flight. We left on time to San Francisco on Virgin American and the customer service was AWESOME as usual. It was a 3 hour flight that didn’t seem that long due to the services Virgin has like free TV shows, movie, games, music that you can watch and listen right from your seat which makes flight time seem to pass. You can have freed drinks more than once. It’s just a tap on the computer screen to order and they deliver it, Pretty Awesome. I really don’t have anything bad to say about Virgin America or it employees, when we book a flight if Virgin is available I’ll pick them over any carrier any time.

     After arriving to (SFO) San Francisco International Airport we had to get on the Airport Tran and take a 15 minute ride to the car rentals. We rented from Advantage witch was not located at the airport however there was a bus to take us and the location it was about 10 minutes away. The customer service was great at Advantage we have used them 3 times now in San Francisco, Tampa Florida, and Las Vegas and every time has been good the only bad thing was we forgot to transfer money to our credit card that we use for travel it’s not a high limit card but we use it for car rentals, airfare, etc. So there was a larger deposit that was required since we were using a DEBT card and it was a $350 deposit along with the $180 for the rental of the SUV for the week with a total of $530 initially. We would get the $350 back about 3 to 5 days after returning the vehicle in. It’s cheaper with any rental car company to actually have a credit card, because with a credit card it’s a hold of your payment not and actual withdraw of the money. Just a little note to keep in mind for your travels.

     Now we stayed in two places both were nice in their own right but we like one more than the other. The first place we stayed in was the Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco and it was nice I actually got this through a time share that I have. Now what every opinions you have about times shares mine may be a little different. I have always said if you don’t travel at least 3 to 5 times a year don’t get a time share. They

diffidently have their purpose. The only negative side I have is they are way over priced and availability is rare especially in major travel spots such as San Francisco we

just needed 2 nights so that was much easier to get than a week. Also if your trying to sell a time share you will NEVER get what you paid for it. If you are trying to sell one you may have you Will take a loss and it's NOT an investment no matter what they say. The experience is much different though the individuals at the Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco were very personable, friendly, and knew your name. They just wanted to assist you any way they could. Now The travel club I’m apart of now, boy I wish I heard about them before I bought a Time Share. If we would have seen them I would have never bought a time share. The reasons are very simple. I have access to the time share industry with no presentation, monthly payments,

maintenance fees, etc. I also have access to a guaranteed lowest price on air fare and hotels or I get 150% of the difference back if I find it cheaper the same day, I just have to fill out information and send it to them and after they verify it and it meets the conditions they require I'll get the difference back in credit for my next booking and that is great. The Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco was also in the non-business section of the city so the atmosphere was a little different.

     The Marriott Marque was where we stayed the second time it is a nice place to stay but a little pricey however were where there for $200 for 3 days that’s $66 a night. What a great price the only way we were to get that price was through our travel club it was called a dream deal. It was $99.00 per person based on double occupancy. That’s not per night that’s the total price and when we

checked in we asked what does the room usually go for and the lady replied $279 to $479 per night depending on the time of year and availability. So basically it only cost $200 for 3 nights. Normally it would have been at a minimum $837 for 3 nights and we saved at least 75% now is that amazing or what? The travel club rocks that we are a part of that’s why we share it. San Francisco wasn’t the only place we could have went to there were many other great locations like San Antonio, Tx. , Mexico, and Orlando but we decided to go to San Francisco instead. The customer service at the Marriott Marque was great but different and this is why. It was so busy that the employees were nonstop. They were nice and polite but they really didn’t have time for you. It was like your checked in no go get you luggage over there and he takes you to your room any questions have a nice stay bye. It’s about that fast not rude at all just different and even around the Marriott everything was like that no one slowed down. Basically a bunch of heart attacks waiting to happen and again not bad place just different. Out of the two places we stayed we liked Wyndham better, but the price at the Marriott was freaking AWESOME and still just as nice and comfortable as Wyndham just different. The only complaint we have and we constantly experienced this everywhere we stay "what’s the deal with the little pillows" and I don’t mean regular twin size pillow the pillows that are about two thirds the size of a regular twin pillow. That’s our only complaint I don’t know what the hotel and resort are thinking right now but really. The beds are awesome, soft, just want to sleep in a cozy bed then BAM here is your baby pillow really. Minor problem but it’s not going to stop us from traveling or we will bring our own if it gets that bad.

     We did the standard things in San Francisco we went to Pier 39 at the fisherman worf area, along with  garadellie square, the golden gate bridge, the winding road, shopping, fine arts museum, China Town. A little not I would go to Japan town it’s much nicer and cleaner we found Japan town at the last minute. Next we went to Napa Valley and we are planning on going back. The trip to Nappa Valley is only about 1.5 hours away. We went to Robert Mondavi Winery mainly because my

 wife’s parents were with us and this trip was really for them and we are game for really anything now we all had a good time the winery was really nice and we even bought some wine. Here a little not it was the wrong Robert Mondavi Winery that we were going too. We planned on going to his winery that made a certain type of wine that her mother loves. However that was about 200 miles away, so not to self "make sure there is not more than one winery and you are going to the right one". The winery was a beautiful place and the history was great to hear about the wine we even did a winetasting and the gentleman’s name was Richard that was explaining the difference in the wines and of course we all had a few and decided on Moscato D'Oro. When we decided to leave Richard mentions another winery down the road and what caught our attention was he said it was a castle not just a castle. A castle that was just like in Europe and the owner spent about 36 million just to build it. Now we had to check it out and let

me say it was just as he said a mote and a draw bridge pretty cool and the name of the winery is Castello di Amorosa. , check out the photos and we are planning on going back for the tour and several other things close by. I'm also going to see if there can be a special trip designed around this for our travel club. The travel cub always welcomes input to make it better and If you want to see what the club is like go to this LINK and click on #2 and watch that 15 minute video and get back with me if you’re interested.

We also went to the Half Moon Bay area and ate at Half Moon Bay BrewingCo. with my wife's parents and family members that live in right out of San Francisco. Half Moon Bay is about 45 minutes without traffic and much longer with traffic so plan accordingly. This is the area where they do the Maverick Surf Competition so check it out. The food was very tasty and fresh. The view of the bay where all the boats was great and was the view from the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. restaurant right at sunset and I think a great shot. After dinner we walked down to the boat docks and decided to look at all the boats that were lit up with Christmas lights and had a cool little experience with my wife parents and family members. So check them out below...

 

The trip was a lot of fun and if you ever go to San Francisco there is more than enough to do so have fun and enjoy.

Just a little note to keep in mind the air fare, hotel, car rental, and the discounts were all purchased through my own business travel site. So not only the saving I get up front being apart of this awesome travel club but I also receive travel commissions too when anyone books travel through me. The reason I can do this and so can you is it's a part time business that anyone can do and I personally only have a couple of years left so I can retire at age 50. That will be 7 years early for my carrier and I'm looking forward to that. Check it out you never know how your life could change if you tried. Here is the LINK when you get their click on #2 and watch that 15 minute video and get back with me because having your own business defiantly has its advantages.

 

I'll end with this quote!

 

"SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS"

Austin Texas Trip

     Well we just returned about 2 weeks ago from our to Austin Texas and it was just a little get away for a couple of days and we booked our Hotel from our travel site, along with discount coupons for meals and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin while we were there. We had a great time just getting away from the everyday routine here in Dallas Texas where we currently live.
     If you would like to see information on the travel club just click HERE and watch the video. After the video click at the top right and book travel and exospore the site. The travel membership has so many benefits so if you want to see everything in detail go to the company site just by clicking HERE. Click on # 2 and watch the 15 minute video, Well enough of that here is a few things we did on the trip so enjoy.
     We stayed at a Holiday Inn Select nothing fancy this time however the bed was very convertible and we had a large room with a kitchenette and business area. The customer service at the hotel was excellent and all the staff that we talked with were very friendly. We also had a continental breakfast that was standard, which included warm food such as the bacon, eggs, sausage, etc were all very good. Here are some pictures of the room.

                               


                                    

 

     One of the places we visited while there was  Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. This museum depicts Texas history prior to the Alamo and all the way up to current events. There is an IMAX 3-D Theatre, the Texas theatre and a cafeteria. However we did not eat in the cafeteria so we have no opinion but it was full at the time and did smell good.

 

     We went to dinner at Nutty Brown's Café and Amphitheater and this is an old building with a lot of history. Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre is the Austin, Texas hill country headquarters for outstanding LIVE MUSIC, GREAT FOOD and GOOD TIMES! there enormous, live oak-shaded patio is the premier place in the Austin, Texas area to catch all of your favorite musicians and enjoy Texas hill-country style cuisine. Head south on 290 and see for yourself the big fun to be had dining and dancing under the stars — when you see our big neon cowboy you've arrived at your new favorite place for LIVE MUSIC and GOOD TIMES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

     We were able to get a discount coupon through our travel club sight and it was simple put a 2 for 1 dinner for both of us. We saved about 30% on our meal because drinks and desert were not included in the coupon. We love the club and a 30% discount is awesome  no matter how you say it. 



 

 

 



The appetizer was fried Gulf Shrimp, bacon and a jalapeno pepper all rapped up in a wonton wrapper. Boy that was good

 

     We also went to another restaurant called Gordough's this was a very interesting restaurant that why we stopped. If you click to the site and read the menu you will se why. Lets just say donuts were involved in the meals. Below is a picture of the appetizer we had just some home made chips with source.

 

 

 

     Austin Texas has so  much to offer tourist and if you were there 2 weeks you wouldn't see it all so if you are ever staying or just passing through stop and check out Austin Texas, you will be glad you did.

     Overall for the short stay we had some fun. basically when you get away from your normal routine even if its a few days its good for you. The problem is most people don't make change and that what we started to do. You only have one life and as I can say the older you get the fast life goes. You are here for a flicker so make the best of it. I head a quote recently that say's " Don't be afraid of dying be afraid of an unlived life" the crazy thing there is a lot of walking dead people on the planet so make a change and see and do more. You can have everything taken from you except your memory's so start having more FUN, FREEDOM, and FAFILLMENT in your life don't wait start now. 

Nashville, Tn Training Trip

 

Well Lest just start off my saying the Nashville, Tn. area has many things to do for all types of people. Now we are in Tennessee and it is the country and I don't mean that bad in any way what so ever. Tennessee is were you hear mam, sir, thank you, and you come bank now you hear just to name a few. Tennessee itself is a beautiful state of its own and you have access to just about any individual liking.

     We were going to Nashville for a training event for the company that we are apart of. We booked our condo through ourselves and received a great price. We found the condo at the Wyndham Nashville Resort and it was awesome. It was a 2500 sq. ft. 4 bedroom with a laundry room, large  kitchen, dinning room, living room, an office area and 2 balcony's. You will be able to tell it was nice by the photos, so check them out.

     What we figured out to do is share the cost and for the 3 days we were there it only cost $25.00 a day per person and you couldn't get that anywhere. but though the company I'm apart of and just some creative thinking. So when you look at the photos you won't believe it. so enjoy. If you want to see what we do just check out my site and lick on #2 here it is MY SITE. You will need to put your name and email but I'm the only one that gets it and its just for a follow up and if your not interested that's cool, but we got the deal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     While we were there we found a great restaurant called Caney Fork River Valley Grill so check it out it was awesome. Now it was home country cooking and everyone loved it and besides we had a great time. We like it so much we went every night we were there. So here are some of friends that went with us.

 

 

 

The gentleman directly above is brand new in the business and he was qualified to get his wheel which means he gets paid and on his way to the BMW qualification, so check it out.

Now heer are some of the things you can do in Nashville, Tn. and their are many more but I jus wanted to give you a few. Thanks for reading and happy travels.

Nashville Things To Do

Experience the Country Music Capital and explore Nashville's rich cultural landmarks, museums and performing arts center. You won't want to miss the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.

Adventure Science Center

Kids of all ages are sure to love this hands on educational experience. The Adventure Science Center features a full line-up of space and science-theme exhibits and public programs. Blast off into space at the Sudekum Planetarium featuring daily constellation shows and more. For more information, visit http://www.adventuresci.com. 

 

Belle Meade Plantation

The Belle Meade Plantation is where Southern hospitality and civil war history come to life. The Belle Meade Plantation was built in 1853 and is situated on 30-acres of land.  Don't miss a tour of the grand Belle Meade mansion, offering a peek into the cultural and thoroughbred history of the South. For more information, visit http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com. 

 

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is the beautiful home of the Parthenon replica. This large urban park features 132-acres of lush gardens and green fields. Centennial Park is home to a few band shells and events shelters for live entertainment. If outdoor recreation is your thing, you'll enjoy the sand volleyball courts, one-mile walking trail and exercise trail. For more information, visit http://www.nashville.gov/ 

 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Thousands of visitors flock to downtown Nashville each year to visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Country fans will discover a host of photographs, costumes, manuscripts and instruments that celebrate the history and popularity of country music. A visit to the museum store is essential for those in the market for country music memorabilia. For more information, visit http://countrymusichalloffame.org/. 

 

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry started in 1925 as a live radio broadcast show and turned into an exciting variety show featuring an astounding line-up of the best country chart toppers and music acts. Tour the Opry Entertainment Complex featuring the Grand Ole Opry House, Opry Museum and Opry Plaza. Don't miss one of the Grand Ole Opry House performances held a few times a week. For more information, visit http://www.opry.com. 










 

Rock Stacking In Galveston Texas

We went on a four day trip to Galveston Texas just to get away and as we were driving along the beach we started to see rock stack along this rock wall on the beach so we stopped. for what I understand stacking rocks have many different meanings such as success, happiness, health, marking trails for hikers. but below are 2 opinions and who really know all the truth on rock stacking. I have spent an hour looking and reading about rock stacking. personally I'll call it art however with anything that has folklore attached to it with multiple races attached to it in one form or another must also have some truth to it. It you know the truth it would be cool to know. So here are some photos of the rocks stack at the beach in Galveston Texas and if your ever there stack some. and in between well be to different meanings. enjoy.

First Possible Answer:

The Jewish Encyclopedia tells us that the worship of sacred stones constituted one of the most general and ancient forms of religion, but among no other people was this worship so important as among the Semites.

Sacred stones are mentioned with great frequency in the Old Testament. In Genesis 12:8, Abraham had pitched his tent to the east of Bethel and built an altar of rocks. Later, his grandson Jacob slept in a certain place and dreamed of a ladder going up to heaven then he named that place Bethel. Jacob used a rock for a pillow and after waking stacked it on a stone pillar and poured oil on it.

It has long been known that there was a West Semitic deity named Bethel, associated with the veneration of sacred stones. The Catholic scholar Bruce Vawter says that Genesis 31:13 should be read as "I am the god Bethel" ('El Bet'el). although it is commonly translated (incorrectly) as "'I am the god of Bethel". So, stacking rocks has a spiritual meaning associated with the Semitic worship of sacred stones and, in many cases, with the god Bethel.

A PYRAMID

Second Possible Answer:

Rocks are about time, a record of the planet's geological history, of forces deep within the earth thrusting up, cooling, shattering, eroding. The slowness of the metamorphosis relative to brief human life has made rocks symbols of strength, solidity, and permanence. All human endeavor rests on stone; even when we break away to sail or fly, we soon return to bedrock. Stone has been used by artists and artisans who value permanence. Yet it also has properties that make it suitable for temporary shoreline installations. Rocks can be piled, stacked, arranged, and balanced.

THE ROCKS WE STACKED

     Me and my wife are not rock stackers we just wanted to do one to so we did, and besides if it gives, luck, happiness, success, health we win and if not we just enjoyed ourselves doing something different. That what it is all about experiencing new things on a regular basis no matter how different they may be. So stack a rock, or two, or three, or four, etc.

Galveston Texas Trip december 2012

        The trip to Galveston Texas was just a 4 hour 4 day get away from the normal routine. We decided to stay at two places and one being Silverleafs Seaside Resort and the other was Four Points Hotel on the ocean. We went to several things in Galveston area such as Seawolf Park which had the USS Gavalla a WWII Submarine and the USS Steawrt a Destroyer of WWII also. We went to the Pleasure Pier and had dinner at the Bubba Gump Srimp restaurant. A couple of restaurants we tried while there are Kellys off of I-45 coming into Galveston and the Shy Katz Deli in Galveston, and I will describe everything so if you want to take a little get away to Galveston Texas you might have some what of a clue.
        For any place that has a beach in December that is a tourist area is not that busy as if it is during the summer time. I only say about 15 people swimming the whole 4 days we were there. During the summer it would be backed and there would be swim suits everywhere. The area was steady with locals and tourist but not congested with people from all over the country like the summer is so if you want less people go in the winter.

        Now lets start with where we stayed, me and my wife decided to try two places one being the Silverleaf Resorts Seaside Resort and the Four Points Hotel seen below. The Seaside Resort is a nice place if you have children and its not a torcher chamber the reason I say this the kids can play at the recreation center and outside, and at night your room has a lock so the kids don't walk in. You have a kitchen so you can eat inn and save money, if you have a descent size family like we did when our kids were growing up. We save a lot of money this way so we could see and do more with our family. We were in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen, dinning, and living room with a balcony. I was more than enough room for me and my wife but we had a friend stay the night since he was in town and we just hung out. The resort is quiet and about 13 miles from anything major how ever the ocean is right across the road and its just a short walk to the beach and right now it's the only handy cap accessible walkway to the beach in Galveston Texas.

Silverleaf Seaside Resort

        The beds at the Seaside Resort we comfortable and we had no problem sleeping. Now I don't know if they were comfortable or we were just tired, It was one of the two. Basically the bad this about the resort is you are 13 miles from the main activity however if you have children its not that bad and you are in a resort community which is nice also. Along with the recreation center you have miniature golf and you can even check board games out on the rainy days while you are there so they have something to do.
        The Four Points Hotel was different but nice and if you have children it is a torcher chamber just because its a standard hotel room however the room is a modern style design and the beds are very comfortable with a pillow top. The hotel offered free internet and breakfast does not come with your stay. If you want a microwave or small refrigerator you can rent them for an extra $10.00 US a day. The hotel has a pool, bar, and restaurant located in the lobby area to the right as you walk in. It's also right across the road from the Pleasure Pier. The coolest thing about where we stayed we purchased them through out travel club membership that we have and we are even going to make a commission on our own booking. So if you want information on how that works, click on the link to a DREAMTRIPSLIFE site and watch the video.

Four Points Hotel

        Let get to the food a the Pleasure Pier at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The food was pretty standard at the Bubba Gump and if you are looking for Gulf shrimp don't go there because all there shrimp is from a shrimp farm and believe me its a different taste and not in a good way. I would ratter have gone to the Shrimp N Stuff instead. However the food was still good but the bear battered fish was great we would have that again but forget the shrimp. The liquor drinks are tasty and reasonable in price.

        The Pleasure Pier In Galveston Texas is nice but for some it could be pricey however there may be a reason for this is simply helps control who wants to be there on the pier instead of who wants to hang out. The pricing is below and here is the link to the pricing at the pleasure pier.

All Day Ride Pass

This is the pass to have! Ride as many times as you want throughout the day! Valid for all 16 rides. Based on height requirements.
$26.99 (48" and up)
$19.99 (under 48")
You do not need to purchase a Pier Walk-On Pass if you choose this option. Good for day of purchase only. Children 2 and under are admitted onto the pier at no cost. Every guest must purchase a ticket/wristband to ride one of our rides including children under the age of 2.

Family All Day Ride Packs

$89.99 - Two passes (48" and up) and Two passes (under 48")
$94.99 - Three Passes (48" and up) and One Pass (under 48")
$99.99 - Four Passes (48" and up)
Additional passes must be purchased at regular price.

Individual Ride Ticket

Tickets start at $4.00 per ticket.*
*Requires Pier Walk-On Pass to gain access to Pier

Pier Pass (Walk-On)

You will need a Pier Pass in order to gain admittance to the Pleasure Pier. The Pier Pass only allows you to enjoy the Pier, but NOT to experience the rides. If you're on the Pier and decide to join in on the fun, you can upgrade to an "All Day Ride Pass" by paying the remaining difference ($16.99 48" and up and $13.99 under 48") – or you can buy individual ride tickets inside at our ticket windows. If you are purchasing an All Day Ride Pass wristband, this pass is not necessary.
$10 (48" and up)
$8 (under 48")
$7 Senior Citizens (must show valid I.D.)

         We also had breakfast at a place called Shy Katz Deli right off the boulevard in Galveston. Lets just say it was great and the portions of food were more than enough as you can see to the left. The restaurant appears to be an old reclaimed corner neighborhood grocery store as you can see below. Don't let the exterior of the building fool you, the food there is fantastic and if your ever in Galveston Texas and wanting breakfast or lunch go there we went there two of the days we were staying. You and your family will thank me and my wife. Besides its helping the local business instead of the large franchise corporations.

 

        Lets talk about one more place called Kelley's Home Cooking. The food at Kelly's is truly home cooking and about as close as you will get for a restaurant. the one we ate at was right off I-45 heading into Galveston located at the address below. If you like chicken fried steak go to Kelley's, if you like home made mash potatoes go to Kelley's, If you like baked potatoes GO to Kelley's. Pretty much if you haven't figure it out GO TO KELLEY'S. The food is great so check it out, and you will be full when you leave maybe a little to full.

4604 Gulf Frwy. @ F.M. 1765
LaMarque, Texas 77568
409.935.3131
Fax: 409.935.2113
Click For Map

Lone Star Flight Museum

        The Lone Star Flight Museum was pretty cool. We started out by getting 50% off to get in because the

travel club we are apart of had a 2 for 1 discount coupon seen above that we could use anytime. So we printed it out. There were several others coupons we could have used in Galveston, but we go down there a couple times a year and I can write about those places next time. You see the discount coupons are not just for things such as this. Their are so many other places such as museums, movie ticket, food, oil changes, gyms, hair salons, shopping, and much much more. Its a great right now value, other than the travel we are able to do. We have never been here and it was pretty cool and we found out that all the aircraft in the hanger works and they fly them every Saturday. They fly PT-17 Stearman Bi-plan, T-41 Muscaler, T-6, P-51 Mustang, B-52 Bomber, and the B-17 Flying Cross Bomber. They all cost to fly with the instructor and the prices for the experience is valued right. You can go to the Lone Star Flight Museum and check out the prices and schedules

The  aircraft above is a modified Boeing PT-17 Stearman. Built in 1942 and was used as aprimary trainer in the US ARMY Air Force. The aircraft has been fitted with the more powerful R-985 engine rated at 450 HP.

This aircraft was featured in the film " Secondhand Lions" sharing top billing with Robert Duvall and Michael Caine. Flying Scenes were performed by on of the Lone Star Flight Museum pilots.

        There are so many aircraft in this museum that it is very impressive that they have them but more impressive is that they fly. As they acquire more aircraft to restore to fly you have to appreciate the love of aircraft that the men and women that volunteer at the flight museum and what it takes to make all this happen. So go to the flight museum and see the aircraft you and your children will enjoy yourself. We will go back again, because this helps to support the museum in the restoration and maintenance of the aircraft.

Seawolf Park

        Seawolf Park commemorates US naval history with the USS Cavalla, a World War II submarine which memorializes the lost USS Seawolf, and the USS Stewart, a destroyer escort, both of which are open for visitors to tour. The park is situated on Pelican Island, located between Galveston Island and the mainland. Other structures at the park include a 3-story pavilion, a lighted fishing pier and a playground. We all need to support our history. The money for the military vassals are mainly by the people that visit and donations. Maintenance is mostly done buy volunteers so go do your duty young and old and see what your fellow Americans from the passed used to protect the shores of this country. Do your duty and help preserve the history of the United States of America.

USS CAVALLA SS244 BUILT IN 1943

        The USS Cavalla is berthed in Seawolf Park, Galveston, Texas as a memorial to the lost submarine USS Seawolf. Cavalla was a Gato class fleet sub, designed and built in the summer of 1943 by the Electric Boat Company and launched on November 14, 1943. She was commissioned on Feb. 29, 1944, the first "leap year" boat built by E.B. On June 19, 1944, on her maiden patrol, she sank the 30,000 ton aircraft carrier Shokaku (veteran of Pearl Harbor and Battle of Coral Sea). This earned her the Presidential Unit Citation.

        After the war, the Cavalla was decommissioned in 1946. She was brought back to service in 1951 and assigned to the Submarine Squadron 10 in New London, Conn. To meet the Soviet threat, she underwent conversion in 1952 to a new class of American sub--the SSK (hunter/killer).

        On January 21, 1971, the U.S. Navy transferred possession of Cavalla to the Texas Submarine Veterans of WWII. The Cavalla was then delivered to her permanent berth in Seawolf Park, Galveston, Texas.

Gulf coast locals usually refer to the Cavalla as the "Seawolf", mistaking the name of the memorial park for that of the submarine on exhibit there. Next to her is the USS Stewart DE-238.

        Cavalla is currently enjoying a renaissance; volunteer efforts are at a ten year high, the local press has covered her history and renovation, and efforts are underway to bring her back to the proud state her crews maintained.

Cavalla Historical Foundation 2504 Church St. Galveston, TX 77550
Curator: Master Chief Petty Officer John McMichael, USN, ret. 409-744-7854

USS STEWART DESTROYER ESCORT 238 BUILT IN 1942

         USS Stewart began her service operating out of Miami as a "school ship" training student officers. She escorted President Roosevelt in the presidential yacht down the Potomac River to rendezvous with USS Iowa in the Chesapeake bay for his mission to Casablanca and Tehran. In 1944, she commenced North Atlantic convoy operations, making 30 crossings with occasional enemy submarine and aircraft encounters. Heavy seas and icing conditions were frequent.
         Stewart moved to the Pacific theater in mid 1945, and conducted training exercises out of Pearl Harbor until the end of the war. She was decommissioned in late 1945. In 1974, Stewart was formally donated to Seawolf Park. She is the second ship named for Rear Admiral Charles Stewart who commanded another ship in the historic naval fleet, USS Constitution, from 1813 to 1815.

        Overall it was a great time in Galveston Texas and if you want to know more about the travel club we are apart of go to DREAMTRIPSLIFE and watch the video. If you want to know how you can make money go to the opportunity and watch the video you will have to put your name, email and phone number to watch the video. All that will come from that is I will contact you and this is all you have to say, not interest, I'm interested or I have some questions very simple. So click on OPPORTUNITY and if you want to be notified of future trips just join this site for free and you will receive them as we travel.