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beluga

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

 This morning we woke up to beautiful blue skies and lush tropical foliage.    We arrived at the North Beach Camp RV Park on Vilano Beach (just north of St. Augustine, Florida) later than planned yesterday ( Friday).  


We were whipped.   The drive from Bay St. Louis, MS to Cottondale, Florida, went well.    Smooth driving except at the exit from Hitchin Post RV where we crossed some very lumpy railroad tracks.    We rocked so violently that the beautiful Magnolia blossom (the flower filcher had struck again....) ejected all it's stamen and promptly died.

before

after

 I-10 was beautifully manicured as we continued east and we enjoyed the patches of wildflowers thoughtfully scattered along the route.


It was a longer driving day than we usually try to do, through Biloxi, under Biloxi, and all was going fine until almost Jacksonville.



Signs on the highway warned of an accident ahead and that all lanes were blocked.     I consulted the map and we made a quick (well, quick is relative - it took us almost an hour to go 1 mile to an exit) change of plans and took surface roads east and around Jacksonville to Vilano Beach.....it was a long detour.



So, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.     We were only there for a few days but we enjoyed the beautiful water views directly in front of Beluga.     The Silver Slipper Casino RV Park wasn't very full so we had a nice, quiet time.   We watched a family of Kildeer bathe vigorously in a puddle beside us and terns wheeling over the water.    We stood awhile and watched a Great Blue Heron try to choke down a fish that his eyes evidently told him he could eat, but was finding it easier said than done....




 We walked the empty beach, the water was bathtub warm.    It was very very hot and humid.



 We drove along the water to the lovely little town of Bay St. Louis. 


  We'd been there before so we didn't do much exploring.    We marveled at how high some of the remaining houses had been lifted or rebuilt.


Lots of empty space between homes, vacant lots and left over pilings testimony to previous hurricane devastation.


As you probably already know, food was on our minds and we visited two great places.    200 North Beach Restaurant and The Sycamore House had what we were looking for.    We tried to have  Royal Reds at the waterfront Blind Tiger but they were hosting a huge, very loud party so we opted for the quieter 200 North Beach Restaurant's porch.    A good choice.    Dave still had the shrimp so all was well!


 

Another day we had dinner at Sycamore House.    Once again, we chose to sit outside on their screen porch and, once again, had a wonderful meal.



While we were eating, a lovely young man strolled back and forth outside our table, making eye contact each pass.   He was still lounging there when we left so we spent a few minutes getting to know him.    His name was "Handsome".    


 

    

15 comments:

  1. You guys always dine so well! I don't think I could live where hurricanes happen--for one thing (a small thing) I wouldn't want to pack groceries up those stairs!

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    1. Some of the houses had elevators, mine would have to for sure!

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  2. Did that heron seriously get that fish down? Incredible! The shrimp down there is to die for, so jealous!

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  3. Good morning Sue…the blue heron had quite the appetite! Probably didn’t eat for days after that huge fish. What a great catch (for him and you) and photo op. Shrimp sounds wonderful. I just knew you would be stopping in the Destin area and was going to suggest Boshamps for yummy seafood. I love St Augustine and know just where you will have at least one yummy meal…Caps. We always went several times when visiting there. Have fun…St Augustine is one of my favorite places!

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    1. We didn't stop in Destin this time across. We found it too busy for our tastes, years ago. You're absolutely right about Caps! Wouldn't miss it!

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  4. A pelican could swallow that fish, but if the heron doesn't choke, he is going to have heart burn for days! Beautiful quiet days at the beach and yummy meals. Looking forward to St Augustine, we've never been there.

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    1. I should have titled this trip "Food, Friends, Family and the Familiar"....we've been to St. Augustine many times before and have always enjoyed ourselves. It's nice being on this laid back barrier island and have the ability to go into St. Augustine whenever we want.

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  5. Sorry you had such a tough drive around the city. But glad you finally made it safely to your destination. I can't believe how high those houses are in Bay-st-Louis. I couldn't sleep at night. Might be time to move back...a long ways. Good to see your meals are making the journey well worth it. Love the ocean mist on Dave's glasses. Keep the humidity over there!!

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    1. I'd be a nervous wreck living in one of those stilt houses....beautiful views though...Dave's glasses would fog up instantly as he left Beluga or a restaurant. The air was so humid outside, it's a lot to get used to!

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  6. The joy of RV travel fortunately compensated by delicious food. And looking at all your food makes me drool and I think Im gaining weight by just looking. I don't think I can live on those tall houses, I'd rather move somewhere else.-ML

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    1. Lots of reasons not to live in one of those raised houses to be sure.....Some of them did not look very stable!

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  7. Jodee Gravel5/15/23, 5:30 PM

    Glad you landed safely after your lengthy detour. So sad your flower took the big hit. Your Florida site looks lovely. Thanks for the stroll through Bay St Louis memories. Good call on dodging the loud party - and Dave still got tasty looking shrimp! Love his foggy outlook on the humid day :-) Handsome certainly is!

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    1. Time seems to be flying by as the weather transitions from the dry to the wet. And from tacos and burritos to shrimp and fish!

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  8. We know all about that heat and humidity! It's a wicked combo. So glad you're finding so many delicious meals in your journey. You know we share your love of great food! :-) I did not know that magnolia blossoms recognize danger, LOL. And of course, I ❤️ the kitty.

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    1. Meals have been stellar so far! I understand that Magnolia blossoms are extremely sensitive and their feelings are easily hurt. It felt that we treated it roughly so it died.

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