On Our Way Home

Spent two rainy nights in Tunica, Mississippi - Monday and Tuesday. We had a terrible thunderstorm Sunday night in Biloxi.  We got wet hooking up the car and got wet again taking it off. However,  Tuesday during the day turned out quite nice.

We visited all seven casinos.  Only one casino we betted in because we had the card from the Biloxi casino.  It was the Gold Strike. We each put in one dollar which I soon lost. But, Carl won $20. That is all we gambled.

We wanted to check that area out since we heard so much about it. Not too impressed. Area looks like it is going down a bit. One big hotel, casino, and convention center is shut down - Harrah's. It is a good stop over place to camp though.

We are stopped for the night now in Champaign,  Illinois a nice family campground on a little lake just off I57. Heading towards home tomorrow.  Should make it and hoping the winds aren't as bad as they were late this afternoon.

All in all, this was a really nice couple of months way.  Had good weather, a good time, and met a lot of really nice people.

Day Trip back to Alabama

We took a ride back to Alabama.  We wanted to check out the campground on Dauphin Island.  We usually just see the Island when we take the ferry back or forth to Gulf Shores. We drove down the main road but after miles and miles of condos and a lot being built decided to turn around.

From there, we drove to Bellingrath Gardens.  Been there a few times but quite some time ago.  Had lunch at their cafe before we toured the grounds.  Can hardly believe how much of the gardens grew.  The trees and bushes closed it in more so that you really need to follow the pathway as they direct.

On Thursday, we had planned to take another road trip to New Orleans; but decided against because it was just too muggy and hot to walk around the town.  Instead, we drove down the coast to the Mississippi/Louisiana border. Was a nice ride. Enjoyed Bay St. Louis. It is a quaint little town with the nicest people. They all seem to spend time talking with you.

We will be leaving Biloxi in a couple of days and heading up Mississippi to Tunica. Staying there a couple of nights. Friends have told us the campgrounds there are nice.

Biloxi Beach and Beauvoir

The beaches are a little different in Biloxi.  Some areas are just plain sand beaches.  While others have umbrellas with chaise chairs, picnic tables, floats, standing boards, and big wheel bikes for water or sand use.  There are a few parking areas or just pull off the side of the road.  There is a seawall next to the road where you go around to get to the sand.

We visited Beauvoir, which was the home of Jefferson Davis.  He was the first and only President of the Confederate states.  Hurricane Katrina destroyed quite a bit of it. The tidal surge came up 26 feet and the house was at 24 feet. The house is just across the road from the beach; of course, back in his days there was no road.

This is the building of his Presidential Library.  Outside of the building were Peacocks walking around.

There were beautiful gardens around the property.  In the back, there were animals just walking around wherever.  We just walked around them.  They did not bother us, but we did not bother them.  There were horses, goats, sheep, burrows, a cow, and a camel.

This little goat was just born.

In Biloxi

A week ago today we took a long bike ride on the trails from the campground into Orange Beach. This time we were able to see the resident alligator named Lefty.  And, as we were watching, along came two little ones.

After we got back from the bike ride, Carl got sick with the same stomach bug I had the week before.  It takes a lot out of you and he still was weak the next day so did not go to church.

We went up to the Tanger Outlet Mall on Monday and did a little shopping. Did not buy much but enjoyed walking around.

Had a nice lunch on the back bay at the Oyster House.  Did not get to go to a few restaurants we wanted to while in Gulf Shores with each of us sick two different times.  Always another time!

Before we left last Wednesday, we had breakfast at the Waffle House.  Great pecan waffles and coffee!!  We got to Biloxi Wednesday afternoon staying at the Cajun RV Park.  It is right across the street from the Mississippi Sound.  Can walk to different restaurants, stores, and even a Casino if we want.

When we went to leave the campground, our automatic steps would not retract.  Carl got under the steps/motor home to check it out, but everything he tried would not make them work.  So we called Coach Net, which is our road service.  They told him how to disconnect it and then bungee them up.  Told them where we were headed and later got a call to stop at a rv collision service place that was right on our way in Mississippi.  It took the guy about 15 minutes and he had it fixed.  It was not getting a ground because of the undercoating.  Fleetwood took care of the expense.

We have not done much here yet.  Took a couple of rides in both directions checking things out.  Went to the beach yesterday.  Sand not quite as well kept up here and the water is not the beautiful blue like in Alabama.  It is because of the barrier islands. So, just enjoying the campground through the weekend and when the Easter tourist leave, will head out to check some of the area.  Will write about that next time.

Here is a couple of pics of the campsite: