Friday, December 14, 2007

Next Stop Texas

"Jacob's Tails ... (Back-to-the-Land)"
www.firstepbooks.com

Call 1.866.479.3248 to order
from bookstream

Well, we're not sitting still! One day we went off to Mississippi (it's really not that far from here-Biloxi is only about an hour). The road is suspended over one swampy area after another. People are parked and fishing along both sides of the road and there is still evidence of damaged and destroyed buildings - restaurants, houses, businesses. Replacement buildings sit 15 feet above the ground presumably to protect them in the case of another hurricane and flood. Mind you, Katrina brought in a 35 foot wall of water, so one wonders.

Well, we're not sitting still! One day we went off to Mississippi (it's really not that far from here-Biloxi is only about an hour). The road is suspended over one swampy area after another. People are parked and fishing along both sides of the road and there is still evidence of damaged and destroyed buildings - restaurants, houses, businesses. Replacement buildings sit 15 feet above the ground presumably to protect them in the case of another hurricane and flood. Mind you, Katrina brought in a 35 foot wall of water, so one wonders.


As we headed west, the damage and destruction caused by Katrina is far more evident. We had a great opportunity to talk to the gal at the "
Biloxi Welcome Center" for over an hour telling us about the storm, the destruction, the evacuation and the on-going restorations.

They have just opened the new bridge leading to Biloxi. It replaces a draw bridge that replaced the previous bridge taken out by the previous big storm.

Prior to Katrina Casinos were only allowed off-shore - now they are prominent throughout the city, giving Biloxi a total different look.


We did the casino (Fred came out $80.00 ahead I lost $2.00); we ate (it was a 2 for one buffet)
AND we didn't once take a wrong turn all the way there and back!! Were we ever proud of ourselves.

We knew it was time to move on when we were no longer taking wrong roads and not getting lost trying to find places – so off towards Texas.

To get to Texas we had to go through Mobile, AL, through Mississippi and through Louisiana. Both Mississippi and Louisiana are very narrow so we made it almost to Texas the first night. But going through Mobile offered us the same challenges most cities do. Our stress levels increase at a rapid rate as we try to be on the right road, read signs and get into the right lane to take the exit we’re supposed to take (Actually, Mobile wasn’t nearly as bad as Houston). Our entire exposure to Mobile was from the highway so I really can’t comment on the attractiveness of the place. It has big buildings and a neat tunnel!

Unlike Mississippi and Louisiana no matter what part of Texas you are in (north, south, east or west) it is vast – something like Ontario. Livingston, TX was the place we decided to stop and figure out what we were going to do for the next four or so months. It is the headquarters of Escapees RV Club and I needed to pick up the payment they owed me for the article in their Magazine. We also wanted to tour the Care Center.

Now that's an interesting place. They've set up a whole RV park area devoted to RV'ers who for reasons of health or infirmity cannot travel. They live in their own rigs, get three meals a day; someone comes in and cleans their place and there are volunteers that drive them to appointments and stuff. Mostly volunteers run the place. It costs them $800.00 a month ($1200 for a couple) I think it is a great concept!

Rio Grand Valley or being near the water (the Gulf) – that was the question. We have opted for the Gulf.

So we arrived here at Rockport, TX a few days ago and are still trying to get our bearings. Supposedly, Rockport is a great place for birding and it is where the Whooping Cranes winter. We have visited the beach and the wild-life refuge and still have so much more to do.

How long are we here for?? Haven’t got a clue – maybe until we don’t take wrong roads anymore?