greenroads: To the Ocean...Baton Rouge La, Mississippi, Gulf State Park Alabama

At least it is getting light now at 6:30 when we have been getting up to hit the road! This morning we were on the road from Baton Rouge by 7:30. It didn't take long to get to Mississippi and we crossed at the narrowest part...only 77 miles! We stopped at the Welcome Centre and it was beautiful. Azaleas in bloom (a month early) and the gorgeous southern architecture and hospitality were evident immediately. "Welcome to Mississippi and would you like a coffee?" were the first words we heard in that syrupy southern drawl. We collected some brochures thinking we should come back here to golf and enjoy more than the Welcome Centre.

Driving along the Gulf Coast through Alabama we enjoyed views of tidal marshes. I could smell them too. It made me think of Georgia and Jekyll Island especially...so looking forward to that in April.

Luckily we were able to get a camp site in this State Park in between Gulf Shores and Orange, towns on the gulf of Mexico here in Southern Alabama. You can get a site on a first come, first serve basis and it is very popular. Some people stay here for the entire winter using some kind of reservation system that also has a waiting list. It has full hook ups including wi-fi and a golf course that we are going to play tomorrow. We were surprised at the lack of trees but soon found out that this area is still recovering from severe hurricane damage (Ivan) and then a fire last year in June. Still, it is nice to be on a large sight with the ocean so close and a natural environment.

Three nights in one place are going to be much appreciated after 5 days on the road! Laundry is done and tomorrow we golf. We also booked a tee time for Tuesday but will make time to walk the beach. The sand is white and the water actually felt quite warm and is clear. But I won't be swimming. The flags are up for "dangerous marine life". It's not quite warm enough to swim anyway.