January 9th - Baton Rouge to Pensacola Beach

The weather today was better but still wet.  The signs of Katrina's damage are still evident in the less prosperous areas of the South, although rebuilding is still taking place.  Both of us were struck by the prevalence of roadside trash in Louisiana.  Foam drink cups and sometimes whole bags of trash were common sights along the road.  This part of the South might also be the last bastion of true poverty.  Some of the houses and/or trailers seemed to be barely holding together and as we drove through, many were going under water due to the torrential rains. The rain just had no where to go.

We were both amazed by the endless fields of sugar cane and rice paddies.  They went on for as far as the eye could see.  And then there was the industry along the water.  So many chemical plants.  This is where the fuel comes from and it sure isn't any cheaper here.  A strange mix of industry, agriculture, and then beach resorts and casino hotels. The coastal communities are really pretty cool.


This oak tree is from 1487 and withstood the wind and rains of Katrina.  Legend has it that those who stand under it together will be friends for life.  Thus the name!

We had a terrific lunch at Mary Mahoney's in Biloxi, Mississippi right across from the gulf.  The food was scrumptious and the setting took you back in time.  During Katrina, the water got above the fireplace mantle on the main floor.  So glad this place survived.

We photographed this place because it is called "The Redding House"  (my maiden name). You don't often find our last name spelled this way.  It is usually spelled Reading, so I wanted a picture of the house.










We also stopped at Kessler Air Force Base where Chuck's brother Jim was stationed for awhile when he was in the Air Force in the 70s. Here's to you, Jim!












Downtown Mobile was pretty slick.  Bridges and tunnels can transport you over Mobile Bay.  We arrived in the downtown area just in time to hear these beautiful bells pealing out Christmas Carols.  The sound was coming from a cathedral close by.  Beautiful!  For a small city, the skyline wasn't too bad either.







This photo is for Charlie Kegley.  This car reminded us of your adventures on the par three golf course at home.  Charlie's car would look like this if he lived in Louisiana.









We ended the day in Pensacola Beach, Florida.  A drink and yummy clams and grouper bites at Peg Leg Pete's and we were ready for bed.