Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Small trip in a small RV



We have returned from our 8 day trip to a Winnebago Rally in Rayne, LA with a stopover in Gulfport area of Mississippi much of which was without internet access.  We wanted to stop in Gulfport to check out the relatively new campground on the Navy's  Seabee's construction facility.  We found it to be a very  well thought out facility with all the amenities.  From this base, we explored the local area  and were surprised by two diverse facts.  First was the amazing amount of shopping opportunities of all kinds for those who care about such things and second, how much evident of damage was left from hurricane Katrina.

In Bay St Louis, rebuilding is still ongoing.  They found a special way to salvage some of the trees that were killed by the hurricane as art.  While in Biloxi the casinos are booming, there are still many buildings damaged and an incredible amount of the waterfront lots still vacant.  We saw some very sad sights as we drove around the bay side of Biloxi.  Most memorable was an elderly gentlemen resting on a plastic chair on what was obviously his former home site talking a break from cutting the grass  in a way that marked the boundaries of his property, as much as to say-this is still mine.  I did not have the heart to try and get his picture.












We heard about the Palace Casino that claimed to be the only non-smoking casino in the area.  So we decided we would stop by if we could find some parking for the RV.  We found an empty parking lot just across the street from the main entrance , and managed to spend about an hour to lose three dollars on video poker.  Now we are good for a few years on our casino fix.



We continue to be happy with our decision to trade out 39 foot diesel for the Winnebago View.  We have been able to do all the things on our wish list without towing a toad and so far have not been forced to give up a planned event because of only having the motorhome as transportation. 

Next stop-Rayne, LA.

9 comments:

Gail Houle said...

I would think it would be rather liberating to travel without needing a toad. Glad you're enjoying it.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

A three dollar loss at the casino? How are you going to afford fuel for you little motorhome if you throw away money so recklessly?

Nice to hear the View is working out well for you. Seems like we're on the same sheet of music as you are, you're just a few measures ahead of us in downgrading to a smaller RV as we plan to do in 4 or 5 years when we choose to settle down.

Must be the Coast Guard DNA. ;c)

Joe and Nancy Conrad said...

We stayed at the Sea Bee FamCamp last winter for a few days. We were amazed at the Katrina devastation still there.

Bob said...

A three dollar loss at the casino would be about my speed. AND I'd be lamenting said loss for several days.
Nice pics. Just as well you didn't take a pic of the old guy too.

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

We really enjoy the Bay St Louis area. We stay at the Silver Slipper Casino campground. Only $20/night FHUs. We visit the casino once while we are there. There is a private beach only a few steps from the campground. Lovely area.

Glad you are still happy with your choice of transportation. Keep on keeping on!

Travels with Emma said...

I enjoyed spending a portion of the last two winters in that area of Mississippi. I even managed to not spend one dime in all of the casinos. :)

Gypsy said...

I wish I had considered the View more seriously before I bought my 5th wheel. I might still be full timing today.

Rick said...

Great to hear you're happy with your new View MH. It sure seems like a good choice for you.

Kevin Read said...

I remember when Kevin and I drove through that area back in the spring of 2008 and how devasted the area looked, it was very surreal.

We did quite well in the cansinos in Gulfport area, playing with their money, not ours.

Glad you are loving your new little second home!

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com