Daily Journal << previous day Day 17 next day >> May 17, 2004   Current Location: 42.1 miles south of Sabine Pass   Distance paddled: 22 miles   Surf conditions: 2' SE choppy   Wind: SE 15 mph   Weather: Partly cloudy   Water Temp: 76 °F Journal Entry Began our paddle at East Beach on Galveston Island, escorted by the Galveston Beach Patrol across the Galveston ship channel. Extremely dangerous paddle around the south jetty, which extends two miles out to sea and into the ship channel. Had to fight an extremely strong opposing current while avoiding tanker ships and other marine traffic. Gene nearly got run over by a tanker and then paddle through a small boat cut at the north jetty. It was a relief to have this part of the journey over since it was by far the most dangerous. Like clockwork the surf conditions became choppy in the afternoon. The erosion problems are severe in this area along the upper coast. Dunes are nearly non-existent and unsightly geo-tubes in the area only make matters worse. We saw an armadillo on the beach today. Overall we had a very successful day with only 42 miles left to go. Later that evening we enjoyed seafood gumbo at Walter and Debbie Hanagriff's house.