Biloxi and Mississippi Gulf Coast

Thursday, June 7 – It’s really shocking to see the scars from Hurricane Katrina.  There are so many empty lots with only foundations left, and tress that still look mangled after all these years.  The lighthouse right at the start of the drive was one of the few landmarks still standing after Katrina.  One interesting thing is that there is an artist, Marlin Miller, who made carvings of some of the tree stumps along US-90/Beach Boulevard, turning them into public works of art.  They are now one of the top attractions along the Mississippi coast.

There is also some building still going on, along with a lot here and there that has what looks to be a relatively new house.  Most of them are on stilts.  It definitely feels "empty" overall.  While we've never been there before, let alone before Katrina, you get the sense that there is still a lot missing.  While the landscape may not be as beautiful as it was pre-Katrina, it still was a very interesting drive.  Thanks to both Sandy’s cousin Jane and my friend Carrie for suggesting this route!

Flora-Bama

Wednesday, June 6 - My colleague Michael told us that the Flora-Bama on the Florida-Alabama state line was a must-see.  It is proud to be a landmark on the Redneck Riviera (their words, not ours).  And, it definitely lives up to it's reputation.  Too bad we missed the Mullet Toss.

Random Wednesday photos

Wednesday, June 6 - Just a bunch of uncategorized observations as we drove along the Gulf Coast.

You may remember an earlier post from last week, Truck Stop Entertainment, featuring the weird scale/lottery/"personal message" machine in the rest rooms at the Love's truck stop.  It seems as though it's a regular feature.  This time we both paid 25 cents for our fortunes.  Sandy's was: "Honest is your best virtue."  Mine is below.

Strangest Chiropractor sign...  In Panama City.

Seaside, Florida.  Nothing strange or out of place here.  Everything is picture perfect.

Double red flags at the beach in Destin, Florida.  Don't go in the water!

Despite the double red flags, Sandy proceeds into the Gulf.  With purse, of course.  Just in case of emergency.

Looks like the Economy Hotel doesn't have enough cash to maintain their sign.  However, it looks like the HBO sales rep came by and ironed on fresh letters.

Cool moment:  We pulled up at the stop light in front of the Air Force Base right at 5pm as there was a bugle call and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

Driving through the streets of Pensacola, we randomly drive by a Crossfit class on the sidewalk.  Coincidence?  Perhaps not.  We honked and waved.

Strange trees along the coast.

Gulf Coast arrival

Wednesday, June 6 – After travelling almost 1900 miles, we made it to the Gulf Coast!  Ok, so Panama City, Florida may not be the most genteel of the places we’ve seen on this trip, but it definitely has a gorgeous beach.   Can’t believe we’re in the home stretch.


The surf was a little churned up do to weather, so the red flag was flying.  However, the white sand was cool and the 80+ degree water was so refreshing.

Morning on the Beach

Tuesday, June 5 – We were up and on the beach on Amelia Island by 9am.  It was already sunny and hot – 75 and very humid.  I went for a run on the beach (that speck in the distance in the first picture below is me running), and Sandy walked and enjoyed all of the shells on the beach.  It’s a really “shelly” beach.

Bike around Sea Pines

Monday, June 4 - While I was at Crossfit, Sandy went for a 7-mile bike ride around Sea Pines.  It turned out to be a very exciting bike ride...  in addition to visiting the beach, Sandy also had the first alligator sighting of the road trip.   

She came up on a father and son looking into the water, and she asked what was going on, and there was the alligator.  So, she snapped a couple of photos and quickly moved along to stay out of trouble.