To be honest, I wasn’t really sure how much I would like visiting Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but I came away a fan! Biloxi is known for it’s casinos and gambling, but we enjoyed so much more! The food, the history, the resilience of the people who have survived the devastation of Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, and of course the Gulf Islands and wildlife. You may not have seen my post about the Hurricane Katrina Sculptures, so please take a look if you have a moment.
Within minutes of landing at the airport, I asked my friend Tim to pull over so I could see and smell the Gulf of Mexico. I knew right away that a long weekend in this part of the country would allow me to just skim the surface of the richness of this place.
One of the best places that we visited was the Gulf Islands National Seashore where we learned so much about this National Park entity that runs 160 miles across two states and encompasses five barrier islands and one mainland. (I do hate that the website does not use the correct name of the Gulf, but in 979 days, it will get it’s name back).
We were all relieved that this turtle got away before the alligator ate him for lunch!
I wish I’d had a lens to capture the Osprey in flight, but I loved hearing them call. If I were a more tech savvy gal, I’d have figured out how to insert the audio here, but alas, no luck!
I got up early one morning and watched the pelicans diving for food behind this fishing boat (quite the name for that boat, eh?).
This Great Blue Heron was not at all bothered by me as he was much more interested in whatever was being pulled out of the water by the men, women, and children fishing.
The trees and flowers were vibrant with color.
We enjoyed the local flavors at many places including White Pillars,
were surprised by an Elvis sighting,
and enjoyed the Triple-A Baseball Team, the Biloxi Shuckers.
I already look forward to going back and plan to spend more time at the National Seashore, and hopefully get out on the Gulf of Mexico. What a delightful surprise the Gulf Coast was!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Great images Laurie and it looks like Elvis has just left the building 😊
Joe, I almost tagged you because of my “needing” (wanting) a longer lens AND about my lack of tech prowess in terms of uploading video …. 🙂
I don’t know if I could have helped you with uploading video but I do know the Fujifilm 70-300mm f/5-5.6 OIS lens is an excellent choice. They used to retail for $799 but now they are more like $849 before tax. I use the 70-300 and 90mm lenses for most of my shots of flowers or butterflies.
Wonderful pictures! I almost felt like I was there. I love that you were able to get a photo of Elvis! And I, too, am thrilled the turtle got away (this time).