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Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

A little switch in plans

When I went to bed last night, I thought I might do a road trip into Alabama to visit a Corps of Engineers park that I plan to stay at when I leave the refuge.  I even packed up a lunch to take along.  When I got up this morning, I put the address into my GPS and found out it was 174 miles one way.  That kind of took care of that idea.  I guess I’ll just have to pick out a favorite campsite when I get there in May.

A little later in the morning Diana knocked on my door.  After chit chatting for a while, we decided to check out a restaurant in Ocean Springs that is only open for lunch.  I had two reasons for going there.  First, I wanted to continue my study of shrimp po-boys, and secondly my son, Andy, and his family will be arriving for a visit next month and he has requested that they be able to sample some regional food.  Diana and John were more than ready to assist in my quest for the best shrimp po-boy. Winking smile  I have to report that D D’s in Ocean Springs served the best shrimp po-boy that I’ve had so far in Mississippi.  It was not as good as a couple I’ve had in Louisiana, but it came close.  I hope you understand what a burden it is to me to complete this quest.

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Afterwards, we stopped along the bay to find a good spot to take Andy’s family to the beach.  This place had a pier, beach, and a park with a playground.  I’m thinking this might be the perfect place to take three little grandkids for an introduction to the gulf coast, and it’s only about 20 minutes away from the refuge.

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The winds were blowing pretty strong as we walked out on the pier to view the bridge to Biloxi.  Those same winds were really blowing the sand around on the beach so most sunbathers sought out more protected areas today.

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Lots of old live oaks historically lined the gulf coast in this area.  Many of them were killed by Katrina, but this huge one along the park paths lived through the storm.  My guess is it’s almost 20’ in circumference. 

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There are benches along the paths of this park, and this butterfly one was super comfortable.  The plaque underneath leads one to know it is dedicated to the memory of a child that died in 2010.  The quote is:  “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”  A poignant resting place to contemplate the fragility of life.  I think I would have liked to meet that little girl…

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

21 comments:

  1. I love that saying, and I believe it's true. It's a wonderful way to think about losing someone you love.

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  2. You are so good to take on the job of finding good places to eat! It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

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  3. Official Shrip Po' boy taster. A tough job, but somebody has to do it. (Wish I could do it for you).

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  4. McGyver went to Air Force boot camp at Biloxi..We haven't been back, but would like to..I am very sure the coast has totally changed since 1960...Casinos abound! We really need to revisit that part of the South..I do love Mississippi and Louisiana..and all that history has to offer..and...oyster Po boys.

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  5. I have to admit that I do not like Po' Boys. I think it is because there is too much bread for my liking. OR maybe I just haven't had a good one yet! I will keep trying though. ~wheresweaver

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  6. Ha ha, Judy, some burden! You might want to try R & R Seafood on the Causeway, just a bit east of the USS Alabama (if you get back over this way). Really yummy shrimp po'boy. REALLY YUMMY.

    Also, beautiful sentiment on the plaque....

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  7. such a tough job you had today testing out the shrimp po'boys!..great sentiment on the bench and so very true...what a shame to think a young girl's life is taken so soon!

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  8. I looked up some recipes for Shrimp Po' boys on Google and I think I could work them into my diet if I put them on a whole wheat roll!

    They sound yummy. The remoulade sauce is similar to a sauce I make to serve with fish.

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  9. It's always nice to see someone who has been able to enjoy the beauty that life has to offer. It is also sad to know of those that did not have that opportunity.

    It's about time.

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  10. Roughing it easy by testing those Po' Boys, but somebody has to do it.
    Like the quote of the caterpillar and butterfly!

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  11. What a sweet tribute. Hope you find all the best spots for your family to visit.

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  12. What a nice way to remember a child. The beach looks good but that water sure was brown. Get ready over there--I think our storm was headed your way.

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/

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  13. Tough job ... searching for good po boys and places to sightsee ... but somebody's gotta do it :-))) Love the butterfly quote ... and so perfect for the little girl that passed away before she could really try out her wings.

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  14. I always come to your blog to read about someone who is enjoying retirement and traveling...today was no exception!

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  15. Beautiful venerable tree. Love it and the picture of you looking very relaxed on that lovely bench. Glad you had fun scouting out the necessaries for a great family visit.

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  16. Love them there Shrimp Po Boys.... YUM!!!!
    Have fun & Travel safe
    Donna

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  17. Hi Judy, which COE park in AL are you planning to stop at? We may have stayed there.

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  18. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly is a quote from Richard Bach’s wonderful book called Illusions There are many great quote's in this book, one of mine all time favorite read,s

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  19. Yes food tasting can be a querulous job, but the things we do for our families...sigh...
    Why is the water so brown? Wind kicking up the sand and/or silt ?

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  20. Wondering if The Shed has opened back up yet.

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