FEBRUARY 1981 HIGH GEAR Page 9

Cruising the south coast

By Bob Damron

Galveston is "to wake up and smell the sea, hear the gulls, feel the sun and smile inside your self"... at least if you believe the claims made by the Visitors Information Bureau. This little city with a population of approximately 75,000, calls itself an allyear resort, but in reality, most gay toursits visit here between April and September ... and then mostly on weekends.

The history of Galveston is

almost more colorful than the island itself. The first European to see Texas, Cabeza de Vaca, was ship wrecked here, and the pirate, Jean Lafitte, used Galveston as his home base from which to terrorize shipping throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The four ships of the fledgeling Texas Navy were stationed here during the struggle for independence from Mexico, and this was also the site of the Civil War Battle of Galveston. In 1900, a devastating hurricane nearly destroyed the city, killing over 6,000 inhabitants.

Besides being a popular resort, Galveston is a major international seaport and important medical center. Following the fatal hurricane in 1900, Galveston built it's world-famous seawall, over ten miles long and rising 17 feet above mean low tide. So far, this has withstood all subsequent hurricanes. Other points of interest include Galveston Island State Park, Sea-Aroma, Bishop's Palace, Ashton Villa, the Elissa sailing vessel, Point Bolivar, Seawolf Park, Treasure Island Tour Trains, and the

Mailbag

(Continued from Page 6) meaningful relationship with their gay parent.

Ed. note-The writer is a member of Cleveland's Gay Fathers Group and has requested that his name be withheld.

To The Editor:

Concerning your "notable quote" in last month's issue, the media managed to overdramatize our lovable Anita Tyrant's review.

She's quoted as saying: "I'm more inclined to say live and let live, just don't flaunt it or try to legalize it."

This is possibly the most hypocritical and lamebrain thing she has said to date. Nothing has changed. She said the same thing three years ago.

And her planned marriage to the millionaire Mr. Striplin proves where her real priorities lie ... with the green stuff.

J.C.M. Youngstown, Ohio

RADIO FREE

LAMBDA

on

WRUW-FM 91.1 Thursday at 10:30pm

"Wall Street of the Southwest." Strand once known as the There are five gay bars in Galveston ... which is at least two too many. The busiest club is the Kon Tiki, a disco at 214 23rd St. Robert's Lafitte at 213 Kempner is a popular downtown pub, including a few midnight cowboys. The Silver Palace Bar at 2214 Mechanic is in the same block as the other two, although each is on a different street. Mary's II at 2502 Ave. Q% (at

Rosenberg) gets some humpy levi jocks and is very cruisy. The Fly at 2101 Ave. O is happy with whatever is left over ... and plans opening an adjoining bath, The Bunk House, sometime this spring. Galveston bars are open daily until 2 a.m.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn opposite the University of Texas Medical Branch, but there is also a pleasant gay motel, The Islandia, at 2027 Rosenberg. Located just around the corner from

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Mary's II. The Islandia attracts skate boarding, horseback ridsome horny honchos from Housing, fishing, and all sorts of water ton. There are no gay restaurants sports are available. 'The Lone in Galveston... and the only Star' and 'Annie Get Your Gun' straight dinner house mentioned are two outdoor musicals, presin the national guides is a place ented annually. The Visitor's called Gaido's. It is an average Information Burau may see Galseafood restaurant, not nearly as veston one way, Glen Campbell good as the elegant and expenhears its "seawinds blowing” ... sive Wentletrap or Cafe' Terrefie'. but I remember warm nights, hot Texans and lots of action going!

The Old Queen City of the Southwest offers thirty-two miles of sandy, if somewhat rocky beaches. Golf, cycling, camping.

(For more detailed information, pick up a copy of the BOB DAMRON ADDRESS BOOK '81)

Key West, Florida

It's the southernmost point in the USA... and with a legendary lifestyle that lets it all "hang out"... Key West is a million miles from everyday. Here's a vacation that answers every pleasure-seeker's dreams. It's magnificent beaches washed by the Gulf of Mexico. It's dancing the stars away till dawn. It's the brightest, most romantic sunsets... ushered in with cool drinks and sun-warmed friends. Your Key West spree promises to be everything you've heard about. But a whole lot better... because it's real!

DEPARTURES: SATURDAY, MARCH 14 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1981. LAND PRICE: $325 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.

Caribbean Schooner Cruise

The wind is filling the sails... and there you are on deck, letting the morning sun and salt air and crystal blue seas sweep you away to a world of incredible well-being. Taking off from the lovely port of St. Maarten, your schooner will transport you and a select company of mates to some of the Caribbean's most enchanted, unspoiled isles. Imagine, strolling the silkiest beaches... yours alone. Seeing fish of every rainbow hue as you snorkel in the clear warm waters. Picnicing under the palms. But why imagine... welcome aboard!

DEPARTURE FROM ST. MAARTEN: SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981. (RETURN TO ST. MAARTEN). LAND PRICE: $830 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.*

San Francisco and Russian River

An unforgettable westward adventure... to that delectable City by the Bay, and north to the greatoutdoors world of Russian River, where the good times come as naturally as the Sonoma Country sunshine. First stop, San Francisco. The soaring hills and clanging cable cars will all be waiting. And the famed bars and baths... and the not-to-be-missed Castro Street Fair! The lifestyle you love will also be waiting to greet you in Russian River. Go swimming and boating by day. Tour the bars and discos and superb restaurants at night. It's all carefree fun... without the big-city slickness.

DEPARTURE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1981. LAND PRICE: $350 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.

ARCADE TRAVEL

The Arcade/Suite 450

401 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114/Phone (216) 241-3600

"High Atop the Old Arcade"

Ohio Reg. T.A. 0426