Crayfish and MississippiGulf

May 2, 2015

Day 25

Although we had a great stay with our hosts, I think Jack and I can both say we were happy to leave Houston. Too many cars and too many people. We almost landed on the toll road around the city with no cash booth (that means a ticket and a fine) but got off just in time. We headed through Louisiana driving through some familiar territory from our last major road trip. We stopped for lunch and Jodi bought 2 # of boiled crayfish. Jack wanted some but was worried he may be allergic. They are messy little critters and not as easy as I thought to get out. I did ask the lady at the seafood department to give a demonstration,which she gladly did but still I made a big mess. They are tasty little critters.

We made it to the Mississippi visitor center about 3:45. They were so very helpful, calling the National Park to see if any campsites were available and helping us to snag a last minute reservation at Davis Bayou which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Davis Bayou is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We asked about Catholic churches. Our GPS led us astray but eventually found a church only to find out the mass was at 4 pm. Luckily a couple from New Orleans had made the same mistake and told us to follow them to the next town, Bay St. Louis. We made it there for a beautiful 5:30 Mass. These churches were both simply beautiful right on the Gulf. The lady who led us there told us both had been destroyed or severely damaged by Katrina and were brand new. The church we attended was Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church led by Father Michael O'Conner. We met him after mass and shared with him briefly about Unbound and our journey. We told him where we were from and Jack was wearing a Mariner's shirt. He said, “Did you hear, we drafted a linebacker from Washington today.” We are not sure who the Washington player is but we are assuming we is the New Orleans Saints. Football apparently rules in Mississippi too! 

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Bay St. Louis Mississippi

View of the Gulf from the church

 We took the slow highway 90 through Biloxi. This is a beautiful piece of Gulf Coast, especially on the Western section. Near Biloxi the casinos start appearing. We crossed over the bridge into Ocean Springs and arrived at our campground in the dark. It is lucky we remembered the code for the gate. Simple supper of salad and fruit and to bed we went.