Two Many Adventures: Gallivanting around the Gulf

Bay St. Louis, MS
Sunny and 65 nice!

We left Florida and spent one night in Robertsdale, AL at a little fish camp. It was in the Passport America book for the bargain price of $20.80 for the night. We had full hookups and the most unlevel site we have every been in. Any port in the storm would had worked as we had traveled all day. Up early the next morning to avoid traffic in Mobile and next thing you know we are in Biloxi, MS.

We made this stop along the adventure so Eric could visit some friends he made almost 10 years ago. After watching all the destruction that Hurricane Katrina left, there was no way he could sit still in Las Vegas when other departments needed help. A bunch of LVMPD officers packed up trucks, squad cars, got all their shots and headed down to Louisiana and Mississippi. They were treated like royalty when they arrived in Pascagoula, MS. The officers there had been working nonstop and they were so happy for the help. Our guys were happy to help and they came home exhausted after 2-3 weeks.

We took several rides along the beach and all the beautiful old homes along the water are gone with just concrete pads on the ground. There are some fireplaces still standing with nothing else around. I can't imagine what it was like during the storm. The trees that were left standing that were stripped of their life have been carved into beautiful sculptures of sea birds, eagles, whales. I wish they had a walking path so you could take photos, but as the girl at the visitors center said, "you'd have to be good at playing frogger" as the road runs along them. All the casinos have been rebuilt and the barge casinos are all gone.

Cafe Beignet in Downtown Biloxi has the best breakfasts!

The pups had fun at Gulf Islands Park

Ashley's class was learning about Hurricanes so it was a perfect opportunity for a live podcast with one of the Pascagoula officers that worked during Katrina. Ron Castille did a great job of explaining everything that happened in a kid friendly way. It is a depressing topic, but he kept it serious but light. When the students wrote about it in their blogs it showed they paid attention and it seemed they were the quietest we have heard them. It was a worthwhile afternoon as Ron drove us around and showed us where all the old antebellum mansions were. Very few people have rebuilt, but there are some. What a loss for the area.

The stars of the show Ron and Eric

We took a day trip with Ron and Darlene to Gulf Shores, Alabama. What a beautiful coastline. The sand is just amazing. Surprising to see large condo buildings along the coastline. I'm not sure they would survive the likes of Katrina so lets hope it never happens again. We had lunch at Ribs N Reds. Ron ordered us the steamer for four. When it came out...OOOOWEEE! Crab claws, huge red shrimp, red potatoes, and ribs that overflowed the trays they came out on. I ate until I thought I would bust. We drove around looking at different RV spots and made it into Florida for a lottery ticket. No I didn't win the Powerball, but wish I did!

Now that is a feast!

On the way back we stopped by LuLu's for crab loaf and key lime pie. I love this area and their food! LuLu is Jimmy Buffet's sister and boy has she created a gold mine. Our wait was 45 minutes, but let me tell you it was worth it! I ordered Gouda Grits and fried green tomatoes. It was so good! I bought the cookbook and can't wait to try some of the recipes.

Where do you get pink appliances?

The guys relaxing enjoying the sunshine

Fried Green Tomatoes and Grits with hot sauce!

Key Lime Pie is best shared

The people we have met are so nice and genuine. It is not an effort at all for them to be kind. Everyone has been wonderful, I hate to move on. But move on we must as we head to New Orleans next for Mardi Gras.

Before we go though...We got an early taste of Mardi Gras when we moved from Biloxi to Bay St. Louis. We ended up at the end of the town's parade. It was noisy and everyone was just getting wound up. Fun for all! Three days later the road is littered with shiny beads everywhere.