April 29, 2014 (8th Day)

It is hard to believe that a week has gone by since the beginning of our journey.

Now on the 2nd week and we are looking forward to exploring more areas.

Spending the night at Walmart parking lot was not a problem. We slept through the whole night.
Arose to see the sky so cloudy and it was in high 70's.

After breakfast we got on Prospect Blvd (3087) from Grand Calliou. It started to drizzle when we were on way to Highway 24. The storm clouds were hovering above us. The drive on Highway 24 was very interesting, and Edith spotted a small shrimp trawler along the bayou.

Many nice/fancy homes on Route 659. Erwin stopped at Roland's Klondyke Mini Mart for coffee at the intersection of 659 and Hwy 24. While getting coffee he saw meat pies and decided to get one. He used to live in Lousiana for several years and has always talked about how good meat pies were.

Now on Gateway to the Gulf Parkway (Main St - LA 1). Stopped in Cutoff, LA to take pictures of shrimp trawlers and a houseboat being built.  We were surprised to see a lot of houseboats, some of them so beautiful and others in rundown conditions.

On the same route Erwin spotted several locquat trees that are loaded with Japanese plums, so we pulled aside, grabbed a plastic bag and picked some. Oh my, they were oh so so good.

This is what seeds looked like inside the tiny plum.

We made several stops along the canal to take pictures of the barges going through Galliano Bridge in Galliano, LA. We crossed this bridge to go to the cemetery that caught Edith's eyes.  Almost everything was so white and the burial very interesting and different.  Tombstones and plaques.

It started to rain, and Erwin hurriedly walked back to the van, but Edith was not done with taking pictures. Just one more picture, she said and when she turned around this plaque grabbed her attention. A 'ILY' hand sign engraved on the slab. Little did she know that she would later meet the guy whose parents are buried there.

We had to wait for about 15 minutes before we could cross back to LA-1 because there were two barges going through.  We continued traveling along the canal.  Hundreds and hundreds of shrimp trawlers, some so big and some so little. Some in excellent condition and some really in bad shape.

It was amazing to see that the canal we drove along is almost as high as the road we were on.

There was a road construction in Golden Meadows, LA, but it did not take long to get out of it.

Toll bridge to Grand Isle was $3.  Very interesting bridge. The old LA-1 was destroyed by hurricanes, so the new high bridge was built.  We arrived Grand Isle town limit at noontime.

Almost 95% of homes are built on stilts.  We checked into Grand Isle State Park at 12:30 pm.

Got site #2 next to the campground host site.  We decided to spend 2 nights here, so we can really relax and enjoy the scenery.. It is a short walk to the bathhouse and the beach.

After settling in we walked to the beach and strolled along the shoreline. There were lots of seagulls and plovers.

There were roped off areas for least tern nesting. We decided to go biking and went to the observation tower, went up and got a good view of Grand Isle. Check the video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-89cO1YGcso

For supper Edith fixed tacos, but she could not find salsa and she swore that she brought it from home, so we went without salsa. While eating there was a lady walking a big dog, and we introduced ourselves.  The breed is called Leonburger from Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland then St. Bernard and Mountain Dog.  Her fur was so soft and wavy.  A 2 year old named Samantha.

Settled in for the night around 9 pm. The evening was very windy, but cool. It was easy to bike east but tough to go west against the wind!

April 28, 2014 (7th Day)

It was overcast when we woke up at 7:15 am. The important thing was that it was not humid, at all. After breakfast we stopped by the campground office to pay for the site.

We chose to stay on Highway 90 (Chef Menteur Highway). Very nice view of houses on hight stilts. The sun was trying to peek out. We went to the mall in Metarie, so Edith can buy a bluetooth keyboard for her IPad mini at the Apple store. After the purchase we went to Cafe du Monde that was right across the street from the Apple store, and got 3 beignets, but they did not taste as good as we remembered.  

While munching on beignets Edith suddenly realized that she left her camera on the table at the Apple store, so Erwin hurriedly went back to look for it. Edith was very lucky because the camera was still on the same spot where she left it, so Erwin picked it up and went back to Cafe du Monde,  Edith cannot afford to lose the camera, or else her mood will be ruined for the rest of the trip!

Edith was having trouble finding a place to store her IPad mini, so she went inside one store to look for a suitable purse/pouch and found one that she liked. Erwin remarked that she now has umpteen purses!

We arrived New Orleans around 11 am, decided to park the camper van in the Garden District, so we can bike to the French Quarter.  We biked about 2.5 miles to get there and looked for a place to lock the bikes and when Erwin found a place, he waved Edith over. She stopped and tried to lift the bike around and her feet was too close to the bike so she lost her balance and the bike pulled her to the ground scratching her left leg and left elbow and royally bruised her ego! Before Erwin could come to rescue her, other people came around and a car narrowly missed her. She was sore for a couple days.

We walked around looking for something to eat for lunch, and decided on The Original Pierre Maspero's. We got southern fried fish with french fries and hush puppies (we split the order). After lunch we walked to Lafayette Square, watched the musicians play. There were several tarot card readers, few magicians and lots of street art displays.  We decided to walk up to Royal Street, walked up and down then next block to Bourbon Street (the most famous street in New Orleans).

When we had enough of sightseeing we walked back to where we parked our bikes.  We biked on Camp Street then Prytaria Street (2.5 miles back). Edith almost could not make it back to the van because she was so sore from the fall.

We were planning on camping overnight at Super Walmart in Boutte LA, but it does not allow overnight parking so we continued on going south on Hwy 90. Mozella RV Park on Hwy 90 does not allow camper vans to park overnight.  Checking out another RV park, but too expensive $75.  So, we continued to  Houma, LA. There is Super Walmart on Grand Calliou Road, so we swung by to check it out and there was no ' No Overnight Parking' signs, so we decided to park it here. Edith was going to fix supper, but because of her injuries we decided to eat supper at Raising Canes chicken fingers fast food joint. Got Cainiac 6 chicken fingers with french fries, cole slaw, Texas toast and 32 oz lemonade.  Chicken fingers were moist and the sauce was good.

Retired for the night at Super Walmart without problems.

April 27, 2014 (6th Day)

It was overcast and in mid 70's when we were up.  Edith took to biking around the campground twice while Erwin (EH) had his breakfast.  Then she started to work on next trip plan while EH went biking.
Left Davis Bayou campground at 8:50 am.  On way to visitor's center we stopped at Gator Pond, saw several water snakes, bullfrog, green backed heron and some cardinals.

 Went inside the visitor's center and they had some interesting exhibits.  There were several wonderful wood carvings on display of various wildlife by a local artist. There was a boardwalk that you could walk to the edge of the pond, and we did not see any songbirds at all.

We chose to continue driving on Highway 90 to Biloxi, MS.  After arriving at Biloxi we decided to check out Beau Rivage Casino that used to be our favorite gambling spot in old days. It is nice to know that the casino has a special parking lot for oversized vehicles for buses and RVs that you can park for free, so we pulled into it and parked our van. We were very curious to go inside the casino to see how much change has been made to it since Hurricane Katrina left lots off damages in 2005.   We recognize some furnishings, decors. The casino was not packed, and the minimum bet to play was $15 and up already early in the morning. We did not play at all, but watched.

Edith's brother suggested that we check out Boomtown Casino that is located way in the back and away from the main highway, so we decided to drop by and check it out.  We could not stay inside very long because it was very smoky.  Took a pic of the stuffed Longhorn Steer.

While on way to Gulfport there was a boat race going on and there were lots of spectators lined up on the beach and along the highway.

We used to spend time in Gulfport to gamble and to relax, so we were anxious to see what the town was like, but before we knew we were already past the town.  Cannot believe that Gulfport is desolate and sort of abandoned. The town is DEAD.  How sad and unfortunate

We stopped by to visit 600 year old Friendship Oak Tree in Long Beach, LA. It survived Katrina but there were many other large Live Oak trees whose bark was completely stripped off and still standing! Eerie looking and sad that those majestic trees are now dead! Check the video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkUjKhe1uzg

We crossed Louisiana State line at 3:48 pm, stopped at visitor's center at welcome station to get information on sightseeing and campgrounds.

We wanted to camp at KOA, so we followed the sign to the location, but found it was no longer KOA. The campground was full, so we went to Pine Crest RV Park few blocks down the street. The office was closed, but we went ahead and parked on an available spot. For supper we fixed vegetable stir-fry over couscous with pine nuts.

The sunset was not spectacular.  We walked around the campground, then went biking, but there was not much to do, so we hit the sack early at 9 p.m.

April 25, 2014 (5th Day)

Up at 7:15 Very sunny again! 73 degrees

After biking and breakfast we left Meaher State Park campground at 9:30 am. Drove on US 98W.  Saw this large rainbow trout sculpture along the way that was not too far from the state park. I do not think we could have landed this trout!

                                       

Approaching Mobile, AL we could see that the skyline was very hazy.  

We wanted to visit the Battleship Alabama and its museum, but it was very crowded. $2 to park plus $13 per person.  Plus they were having some kind of festival. We decided to hold it until another time. A good excuse to go on a trip again, right?

We had to detour to Bay Cutoff Bridge Road because of the restriction on propane going in the tunnel. Nice view of the bridge and the water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQxBGqxKR84

Once we got into Mobile, AL we explored few areas.  While on Beauregard Blvd we saw this beautiful building Gulf, Mobil and Ohio Railroad.

We went to the town, parked the van several blocks away and rode our bikes. There was a festival on the market square.  I talked to a photographer who had a booth and he suggested that we go to Dauphine Island that is excellent for photoshooting.

Went inside the Immaculate Conception Church

After touring the church we walked over to A Spot of Tea restaurant for lunch.  Then we biked around the town, special attractions, took pics.  

We left Mobile for Dauphine Island, AL. Explored the island, there was not much to see except for fancy oceanfront homes.  Excellent place for sunrise/sunset photography.  We thought about spending a night on the island, but the nightly rate was $41 at Dauphine Island Campground. We decided that we were not going to stay on the island, crossed the bridge back to the mainland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_z0jl2MXgk

Arrived MS state line at 4:45 pm.  Checked into Davis Bayou Campground in Gulf National seashore. When we checked in the ranger's office we were told to drive around the campground to see what sites are available and we get to pick which one we want. So, we did and decided on #28. One night' stay is $11. It was a very nice campground. As soon as we got settled, we biked around the campground then to the boat launch where we set up chairs and watched the sunset

April 25, 2014 (4th Day)

Again another sunny day - 73 degrees

We got up really early at 6:15 am. Wanted to bike around first then eat breakfast before checking out of the campground. While biking we ran across a deer that quickly left the scene before Edith could get a picture! Left Rocky Bayou Campground at 9 am.

We drove on Route 20 North (John Sims Parkway) to Route 85 South. Arrived Fort Walton Beach, FL. Then we drove to the heart of the town to see what else is happening. There is a festival going on - Native American Flute Festival where crafters show off and sell handmade flutes. Even though I cannot hear how they play, but it was very interesting to see how much work they put into making flutes.  

We crossed the bridge to Navarre Beach and looked for two unusual houses that are listed in Roadside America (RA). One is a domed house and the other is shaped like an UFO.  

Everywhere we go I try to take pictures of interesting or eye-catching water towers.  Here is one in Pensacola Beach. Nice colors.

We continued our drive along the beach to Pensacola, FL. We went looking for a graffiti bridge that is also listed in RA. 

 Also, we found few pelican sculptures in the heart of downtown.

While we were enroute to Mobile, AL EH wanted to get ahold of his woodworking buddy (lumberjacks.com) to see if an arrangement can be made for them to get together when we visit New Orleans, but the buddy had a booth at New Orleans Jazz Festival and was not able to meet us.  If we could meet him we would make a beeline to New Orleans, but it was not possible.

We chose to get on Highway 90 to Mobile, AL.  We crossed AL state line at 2:10 pm.  

                               

Decided to use Old Spanish Trail (90/16). Got a campsite #16 at Meaher State Park. You can see I-10 and Mobile skyline in the distance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_giaVbJqfw

As soon as we got settled we went biking around.  The campground is well maintained, has nice bathhouse and a fishing pier which is great spot for sunset pictures.

                                       

This black cat invited itself to EH's lap, but it did not stay very long

We brought chairs to the pier, set them up and waited for the right moment of the sunset.  Not very spectacular one, but it was lovely just the same.  Another pleasant and relaxing night.

                               

April 24, 2014 (3rd Day)

Beautiful morning.. Very sunny in 70's.

After cycling around the property we left St. Joe's Peninsula Campground at 10:45 am. While on way out from the campground EH spotted a juvenile bald eagle perching on a pine tree.

It looked like it was either a mockingbird or a blackbird taunting the eagle, but it did not faze the eagle.  We found a good spot for picture taking.  

It was about 15 mnutes before the eagle flew away.

Got on Cape San Blas Road to go to SR 30A. About 2.5 miles before we get to SR 30-A a bobcat quickly walked across the road and into the bushes.  I was a bit too slow to pull out the camera to snap pictures while it was still walking on the road. By the time I got the camera ready all I got was the rear end of it going into the bushes.. It was around 10:45 am. We were thrilled to see our first Bobcat in the wilds!

We stopped at Piggy Wiggly grocery store in Port St. Joe, FL to pick up some items.

We arrived Mexico Beach, FL at 12:15 pm, looked for the giant adriondack chair that is right across the street from the visitor center.

 While there I used free wifi to quickly check through emails.

We used Route 98/30 to go to Panama City Beach. On the way we pulled off to visit Under the Oaks Park in Panama City, FL.. A really nice park with lots of live oaks and a huge playground for kids. Nice view of the bay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBcb6wMeB64

Before we left we decided to call few state parks to find out about availabitiy for campsites.  Henderson State Park, Topsail State Park and Grayton State Park did not have any available sites.  Even though Rocky Bayou State Park is a little ways from our interinary we decided to give it a shot, and it had 2 sites left! So, we detoured to a dfferent route to Niceville, FL.  On way there, we detoured to Baytowne Marina/Wharf, an affluent gated community, to check out the world's largest fishing lure.

Finally got on Route 23/Mid Bay Bridge (toll) and arrived Rocky Baou State Park at 4:30 pnm.  Got site #32.  Erwin fixed goulash for supper.

We biked around looking for spots to get sunset pics.  There were not any good sites to shoot from but managed to find one that was acceptable.

 It was already dark when we hopped on our bikes to go back to the site..  

It was a pleasant/easygoing day for us except for being little worried about not finding a camp site, but it turned out alright.  We are looking forward to another productive day tomorrow...

Edith&Erwin (EH)