GULF COAST

Carved into a tree at our campground!

Hancock County Bank opened in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1899.  The city of Gulfport was severely damaged after Hurricanes Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005.  This is one of the few building renovations.  Scott and I visited this area in 2004, so we went back to take a look, all the huge beautiful homes on the gulf were destroyed.  Some had new homes in their place but most were empty lots.

Chalmette Monument honors the troops of the Battle of New Orleans.  Many people believe this last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain was unnecessary because a treaty ending the war had already been signed.  However, the resounding victory became a symbol of American democracy triumphing over old European ideas of aristocracy and entitlement. 

Beauregard House

I thought the lightning rod on this house was so artistic; built at time when beauty was important to the design.

Chalmette National Cemetery 

Lake Pontchartrain Sunset

Driving over the causeway at dusk.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi River!

Oil tanker and pleasure fishing boat.

Oil Docking Barge

Tugboat

Fishing Boat

Scott and I drove as far south as we could towards the mouth of the Mississippi River.  We arrived here at Delta National Wildlife Refuge near Venice, Louisiana.  During Hurricane Katrina the water came just above the garage doors on this building.