I sleep in a little and take my time getting on the road. Just 800 miles from home and three days to get there. An easy run and plenty to see between here and home. Never having been to this part of the country I need to find something to see.
I break camp and head out of Baton Rouge. As soon as I cross into Mississippi, I head east on US-98 to take the scenic route. This highway is adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico for several miles with a wide open view of the beach and water. This continues nearly the entire length of the shoreline for the state with the exception of a couple of ports and a short portion near Mobile and the Alabama state line. This is my first time viewing the Gulf of Mexico from someplace other than Florida.
One thing to note, this area was obviously hit hard by a hurricane (Katrina I suspect). While the homes and businesses that exist are in great condition and obviously well kept, there is a very high percentage of open property. I also noticed that the Waffle House has taken advantage of this and opened a store every few miles. I never have seen so many Waffle House restaurants with such a great view of the water. Walmart was not shy about building in this area either. Talk about getting your foot in the door.
Lunch today is at Slap Your Mama’s in Biloxi, MS. Not nearly as good as yesterday.
I continue east and swing back onto the interstate in order to cut through Mobile, AL. I find US-98 again and get of the freeway and then . . . PHANTOM ON A STICK!
There is that profile that for me is instant recognition. An F-4 Phantom on display adjacent to the highway. This is my favorite plane by far. I still have fond memories of seeing the Thunderbirds perform in Phantoms for the first time at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, MI when I was maybe 10. I hit the turn signal and the brakes simultaneously and pull into the drive.
As I turn the corner and prepare to snap a couple of quick photographs I see another unmistakable profile. It’s a B-52 Stratofortress filling up my wind screen. Now I have to go investigate.
I have accidentally found, Battleship Memorial Park featuring the Battleship USS Alabama and numerous other military themed displays as well as a Vietnam War Memorial and a number of other monuments. I spend about 90 minutes walking about and taking photographs. I never do go inside or tour the ship and submarine on display. I probably needed to spend an entire afternoon there.
My animal lover friends should not just dismiss my photo page for the day. There is something in there for you as well.
I camp for the night in Lillian, AL literally right across the water from Pensacola, FL. If I squint really hard I might even be able to see the house from here.