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NOAA Photos for the Bolivar Peninsula
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NOAA Photos for the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston areas after Ike on 9/14/2008

NOAA Photography of the entire Peninsula give us hope that she can be restored.

Ike Map
click here for map index to photos of the entire area

See "The Bolivar Peninsula is flooded and not accessible" Article

Comments

By Pam Butler-Ocean Spray (Once was) @ Monday, September 15, 2008 4:36 PM

Our house and lot was in North Gilchrist, where the devastation, to the beach- side, was brutal. Does the Army Corp. of Engineers come in after clean-up to determine what comes next, as far as infrastructure and land reclamation? Does anyone have any idea as to when we can access the Peninsula via High Island?

By Jenny Collett @ Monday, September 15, 2008 7:38 PM

Trying to get in touch with Kemo Morgan.

By KATHY @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:09 AM

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW THE PIGGY PIRCH FAIRED IT IS LOCATED 3113 PATTY

By Judy Wilson @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:39 AM

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, Caplin, and all of Bolivar! Our family has shared so many happy memories in your area. Keep your faith!

By camille @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:40 AM

It appears from the pictures that we lost our house on Caplen in Gilchrist. I can't see even the streets that were next to the coast let alone a roof to give me indication that we still have our house left. Rollover pass is even gone, along with that weird lime green house that was built next to ours just recently.

By Pam Butler-Ocean Spray (Once was) @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:52 PM

I'm very sorry about your Caplan house, and for all the loss. My husband, Joe, said that Office of Land Management is considering condemning Roll Over. He is in touch some one regarding this, I'll pass on any info he gets, as well. I guess I had some hope, that MAYBE, they would consider building up the peninsula, for rebuilding- but it's possible that it could all be condemned- which means what's left of our land, is gone, as well.

By Suellen @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:42 PM

Bolivar will remain in our memories as a wonderful place to share with our family and friends. Our pictures over 35 years will keep the best of Bolivar times and sunsets at Stingaree in our hearts.

By Sandy Hailey @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:58 PM

Memories of Crystal Beach will be in my heart forever, we will deeply miss Bryan and Jewel LaGrappe's cabin and good luck to the Barefoot Oasis. We can see old red in the back ground, she look a ticking and kept upright throught the storm.

By Keith Lee @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 5:34 PM

Hey guys, did all homes on Crystal Beach get distroyed? Is Swede's office still there? We've been coming there a long time, our hearts go out to you guys.

By Kelly Ortiz @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:07 PM

We own property in Gilchrist at Dunes at Bolivar - does anyone know if there is anything left at that community?

By Janette @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:25 PM

You are all in our prayers.
My family has rented a beach house each fall for the past 20 years. The first trip a couple of our grandchildren made to Crystal Beach was at the age of 3 months.
It has been a treasured "tradition" in our family, and I hope we can come again.

By Debbie Young @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:30 PM

Just wanted to say we have enjoyed our last 4 summer vacations there. We want to say we are so sorry for all of you and your loss. May God be with you in rebuilding.

By Yanin Magallon @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:44 PM

Crystal Beach was my get away from the City.. My prayers are with all of you who are suffering from the devastation of IKE. I will really miss "my beach."

By Deb Lee @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 7:31 AM

My friends and I were at Taylor's Treasure until Thursday before Ike. It was so beautiful when we left. We have come to Bolivar for many years and our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost so much!!!!!

By Racheal Huber @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:12 AM

Hi Pam, I have heard many things- For one- I am so upset that the goverment is not down there- Its just tragic! They just NOW started looking for bodies- No authority is to be found- I hear that they are to right the place off as a marsh land- I DONT see that happening- and I HAVE NOT heard confirmation of this informatiion. as far as letting anyone on- thats not going to happen for some time- They are mandating everyone off and even will impose Marhsal Law if need be

By Kellie Murphie @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:01 PM

Hi, i am hopin that 808 Johnson Crawford is ok, i will keep my faith until me and my parents go down there in Oct. Texas you all are in prayers... Kellie

By Kelli Ayn @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:05 PM

Bolivar is my home! I miss it soo much i hope everyone is ok and the damage IS able to be fixed keep your faith.... see u in october.. y'll are in my thoughts and prayers!

By christina @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:06 PM

Has anyone heard anything about 1980 Ave J ? Does anyone have pictures?

Thank you.

By brenda and Jak @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:08 PM

does anyone know if the lighthouse is ok? no one has mentioned it. my god we love crystal beach and spend alot of times with a lot of different homes. place in the sun was our first.

By Christian Brown @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:25 PM

My heart goes out to everyone that either lived or owned property on Port Bolivar. My family and I were just there August 28th thru September 1st. We stayed in the Blue Lagoon off Elizabeth. Had the time of our lives. I can not stop thinking about the lady that lived next to the Blue Lagoon. It was her and her daughter. I don't have her name. She and her daughter are in my prayers. May God be with you all and may you all be able to rebuild!

By Andrew Alsobrook @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:19 PM

My family had really come to love the last few years spending our summer vacation on one of Swede's pleasant locations. I had fallen in love with circus circus. My heart goes out to all of you guys down there.

By Dana in Louisiana @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:20 PM

I am so sad to see the devastation of Crystal Beach. We rented twice this summer with friends from Porter and had so much fun! We were looking forward to making this a 2-3 a year event. It breaks my heart to see everything gone. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to the day Crystal Beach returns, I know we'll be back when possible.

By Missy Ortiz @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 8:13 AM

I just want to say that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We were just down for Labor Day '08 and stayed in Cassidy's Hide a way on Gilchist. We were in Sunny on Bower's Lane Labor Day '06 We love Bolivar and the people. It has brought us many family memories. We will be supporting any effort to rebuild with our time and dollars!!!
Stay Strong!

By Sherrie Daniels @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:16 AM

Does anyone know about the Tyndall? It is over a 100 years old and was wondering if the graceful Lady still stands?

By ashley @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:58 AM

sherrie, by the tyndall do you mean 1362 keith st? if it's the same one i'm thinking of, my family stayed there this summer. we loved it. by the looks of the satellite images, it's gone. my heart is just broken over it.

By Katherine @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 10:46 AM

Sugar Shack-John and Shirley Fisher. I just wanted to make sure ya'll were safe. We were the last bunch that stayed there and we are worried about you guys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if ya'll are ok or if anyone knows any info on how they are please call us at 281-253-2845.

By Robynne @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 1:48 PM

To answer the question about the light house, we just got power back yesterday in our area, Spring, TX. But according to our battery operated radio with tv stations(no picture).The light house withstood the hurricane. My Great grandmother and her sisters along with their mother and father, were some of the very few that survived the 1900 storm. Seeing how much galveston has grown over the past 100 yrs. gives our family who have been going to Bolivar, Ghilchrist, and High Island for many years, great hopes in it's return. Our prayers go out to all who has lost from IKE. We hope you and all of your loved ones are safe during this catastrofic event. We look forward to returning in the future. Good Luck and God Speed to you all.

By Amanda Zent @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:27 PM

Here is an article with GREAT pictures from the first person allowed on the island!!!

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000012077

Very hard to see - hopefully it will help some people who haven't been able to identify their property via NOAA pics - very detailed. Lots of cattle - no pics of the "loose tiger" tho... ;)

By Linda Gray @ Friday, September 19, 2008 12:47 PM

We stayed at Kings Kastle before Ike, it was a great weekend. We will miss coming to the beach for a while but hope King Kastle will return. Our prayers are with all of you. As we are in Willis and Conroe we are with out power & water. God Bless you all.

By karenh @ Friday, September 19, 2008 7:45 PM

According to the news late yesterday, it won't be turned into a marsh land or bird sanctuary. They also interviewed a man who was a builder on the island and says he built alot of the homes on Boliver. He said that most of the homes built in the last 5-10 years were still standing because they were built under the new code. I'm not sure if that includes beachfront. We stay every year at Rhea's Retreat for Thanksgiving. I am so sorry about all this mess. I cannot imagine this home surviving as it was only 8 ft or so from the beach. My prayers go out to all affected by Ike in any way.

By Sells Fam @ Saturday, September 20, 2008 8:49 AM

We're also wondering about Piggy Perch, as we stayed there and it's on one of the roads further back. But, this last year we stayed at Barn at the Beach and though the house was smaller, being right on the beach was awesome for my children. I'm sure it's gone now, too. It breaks our heart to see the damage and devastation out there. My husband asked me to marry him at Rollover Pass and when were a young married couple, we used to stay at one of the little houses called "The Four Pines". Bolivar is part of our heart and we will be praying for everyone out there and it's eventual restoration. God Be With You All!!! Amen!!!

By Massie Block @ Sunday, September 21, 2008 1:02 AM

I stayed in Barbery Coast over the summer! Does anyone know anything about this house? I love Boliver, my prayers go out to the people of Boliver

By CatNTodd Seaside Lumber @ Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:47 PM

www.guidrynews.com

If you want to verify information, you can go to this site. You will have to scroll through dates to find the information about the peninsula, but I can tell you that Mr. Guidry has been contacted by the county as the communication representative. If information isn't posted that you need, email Mr. Guidry. It may take him a few days, but he does tend to get back with you. If he doesn't answer your email, call him. But...it is our verfied source of information. In regards to the peninsula beoming a Natural Habitat or marsh...during the Yarbrough (Our County Judge-man in charge since we are not incorporated) interview...on the guidry website, he states it will not be and that the peninsula will be rebuilt. That interview is listed under 9/18/08.

By The Pippins @ Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:58 PM

My family stayed at Nicol #5 the weekend of Sept 5-7 2008, the weekend before Ike. We were saddened to see the after pictures and that the house was gone. We wanted to make going to Crystal Beach a yearly tradition. Hope it makes a comeback!

By The Spong- Caplen Shores @ Monday, September 22, 2008 3:02 PM

Does Anyone know if owners will be allowed access to Bolivar to assess damages? Who do we contact to get information?

By Gina @ Monday, September 22, 2008 3:52 PM

Can someone tell me if Flamingo Ranch is still there? It was our favorite!! God bless each of you!!

By karenh @ Monday, September 22, 2008 4:01 PM

Perhaps a list of homes could be listed as people start finding out if they are still there or not.

By Julie S @ Monday, September 22, 2008 5:20 PM

What about Mint Julep -- 3000 Copacabana?? We stayed there in May & loved it!

By Jack @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:52 PM

The 5 homes in on the Street Boliver Dunes are still standing I know 2 of them have lost part of their roofs. The middle one has almost no damage at all. If you would like pictures that were taken last Tuesday of the area I can emal them to you. turboj@turbo1.com

By colbi @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 6:43 PM

my name is colbi and i am 12. my family has been going down to crystal beach for the last 8 years. we would always rent 7th Heaven or Dolphin Lookout. i was very sad when i saw all the pictures from the amazing websites. i saw one picture of the fun spot. the waterpark is destroyed. i had so much fun in crystal beach and now it is all ruined. i really loved the go-carts and tubing in the water. and the golf carts were a blast. some of my relatives own a house down there and i am glad to say its okay. but i dont think anyone will be going to crystal beach for a while. god bless all the rescue workers and fierremen for being brave and helping many people. i pray for everyone who owns a house or for people who stayed and risked thier life. if you want some good pictures go to:

http://picasaweb.google.com/heatherrkilgore/MadNonnieComCrystalBeachTexas?authkey=d00oKKtL_lY#

its an amazing website and you should check it out.

By Angela Alberti @ Wednesday, September 24, 2008 4:02 PM

I am so very sorry for everyone's loss.
We love to rent the mango mansion.
We stayed just a few months back.
I would be honored to help where I can.

By karenh @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 8:36 AM

Oh me too!!! I would be glad to help anyone in any way I can. I will help clean, organize, anything. I really want to know about Rhea's Retreat! Will Swedes gather a list of homes that are still standing at some time?

By Nicki Reed @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 11:19 AM

We have rented from Swede's for about 10 years now. We met a lady on the beach that was named Glynnis. Does anyone know if she got out okay?

Please re-build. We will miss Bolivar!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

By Gary Kramer @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 6:14 PM

MISSING PERSON

Glynnis and her black dog Jacques spent most evenings sitting at the beach - she was a neighbor of ours in tidelands we just saw her name on a missing list -- does anyone have any word.

SOME ONE IN MY NETWORK IS LOOKING FOR HER.

PLEASE EMAIL ME AT <garyk409@sbcglobal.net>

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION

By Jim Hayes @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:05 AM

My Grampa, Uncle, and my Daddy built a cabin in Caplen back in the '50's. A large family (Grampa had 7 daughters) enjoyed that place for many years, it sat on a bluff behind a 10-foot dune. Over the years the dune and the beach gradually washed away and now the whole neighborhood is gone. So many memories..... We'll be back, beachfront now.

By Kevin @ Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:34 AM

Does anyone know anything about Duck Soup in the Holiday Beach subdivision. May God be with all of you as you rebuild.

Peace and Prayers

ByBrett @ Wednesday, October 01, 2008 9:27 AM

I have stayed @ Rogers Reef for the past 7 years,next to Taylors Treasure,I left the day before Ike's surge came up.I rode out Humberto in 07.I have become to know quiet a few locals and am very concerned about all of them,I am happy to hear and see that my friend Frank Sherman and his wife made it,with the help from the man above,God Bless everyone there,I will be back.Rogers Reef was beach front and I have not seen actual pics of that area ,but am assuming it is no longer there.

ByCourtney,Aaro, Ricky, Kathryn Long @ Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:23 PM

We visited today for the 1st time knowing all was lost, however still quite unprepared for what we saw. Met the flood adjuster at the property, 998 Hamilton Rd. Singing Sands.

Here is the link for pictures and video. KHOU channel 11 was doing aerial footage so I also attached their link. God Bless you all.

http://picasaweb.google.com/longstation/20081002CrystalBeachAfterIKE#

http://www.khou.com/video/

By Pam Butler-Ocean Spray (Once was),Gilchrist @ Friday, October 03, 2008 9:56 AM

To the Longs- Thank you for your photos. My husband heads to Gilchrist for the first time after Ike, to meet the insurance adjuster Sat. Thank you for getting a beautiful beach picture (I needed that). The devastation is unbelievable. From what pictures we've been able to view of Gilchrist, and our lot, we do not expect to find any remains- the house is just gone! But, I have to say, that it appears that in places where the geotube held, (on lots that had well vegetated dunes), the land faired much better. I had worked to build up our dune with as much vegetation (plus seweed, drift wood..) as possible over the last 5 years, and I am convinced that the only reason we have a beachfront lot left (albeit, no house remains of any kind) is due to the status of our dune prior to Ike. I've given this a lot of thought after pouring through thousands of photos (esp. the pre/post views of Gilchrist) and I am convinced that in places where the geotube was well vegetated, and it did not give way, LAND WAS SAVED. I believe this is a very important consideration as we face an uncertain situation regarding Gilchrist's future.

By Maureen @ Friday, October 03, 2008 6:05 PM

We were at Holiday Beach yesterday - it is just so sad. So nice that some folks who have been there are stacking items that ended up on their property on their slabs for their rightful owners to find. A little momento of your belongings perhaps. We are missing 2 red Ocean Kayak's. Would sure love to get them back if anyone finds them. Only thing that may have survived. I wish you all peace as we mourn our losses.

By Rita @ Sunday, October 05, 2008 10:27 PM

Just read a comment inquiring about Miss Glynnis and her black dog...We had also meet her this summer and she was the first one that I thought of.. Please let me know if anyone knows anything about her.

By Liane Neathery @ Tuesday, October 07, 2008 6:34 PM

We just stayed at Streets Retreat the weekend before Ike. We have stayed at many houses with you but It was the best house ever and we were so looking forward to going back. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

By Lou @ Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:50 PM

It has been our tradition for the past several years to spend Thanksgiving week at a beachfront cabin on Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, or Bolivar. I always felt so at peace there. My heart is broken to see what has happened to those wonderful communities and feel so much pain when I think of those who always welcomed us into their shops, restaurants, and homes. It will take a long time for Thanksgiving to be again a holiday for thanks-giving...but hope lives.

By Lou @ Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:51 PM

By Donna Dresch @ Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:30 PM

I'll always treasure my Crystal Beach memories spent with my granddaughters. Pictures are great but can never replace the real thing. I pray that it will prsper again and soon.

By Diane @ Friday, October 24, 2008 1:36 PM

Just this past August my sisters, mother and I spent a week at Pelican Landing. We had a wonderful time and the beauty was amazing. What a tragedy to realize it is all gone. God Bless you and keep all of you in your time of need. My prayers are with you.

By Brenda Casey @ Saturday, October 25, 2008 4:48 PM

My family loved spending the summers on crystal beach. We didn't own a home there, just rented from time to time. it feels like we to lost something that we treasured dearly. I look forward to returning to crystal beach again someday.

By Jenny @ Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:03 PM

Unfortunately, I had never been to the peninsula before last weekend. I was able to tour it with an electrical lineman because of the company truck. I have never seen such devastation. My heart really goes out to all of you and I hope you are able to rebuild. Amazing.

By melynda @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 5:40 AM

I THOUGHT I HAD FOUND EVERY SITE TO POST AND THE I FOUND THIS ONE, JUST WANT TO SAY AS BEFORE,WE ARE A GROUP OF NURSES THAT ADOPTED YOU GUYS AND WE ARE SO HEARTSICK FOR YOU ALL. PLEASE KNOW WE NEVER HAVE YOU ALL OUT OF OUR PRAYERS,BE STRONG,BELIEVE IN THE MASTER AND YOUR STRENGTH WILL BE RENEWED.MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS HERE ,WE WILL COME DO ANY THING TO HELP.JUST ASK AND GODSPEED

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