An extended visit in Ocean Springs in nice. It is a small quaint artist haven type town. It is also near all the Casinos, and other spots of interest. When I lived on the coast from the 60s to the 80s we seldom visited Ocean Spring. We missed a lot by not doing so. There is much that is gone from the Coast that will not be seen again. But there is a lot to draw people here. Being back brings back a lot of memories. It also has caused a lot of comparision between Hurricanes Camille and Katrina.
Light House on Beach in Ocean Springs
Piers in Ocean Springs
Hurricane Katrina destroyed many of the oaks along the beach with salt water. The city of Biloxi chose to make lasting monuments out of the trunks and limbs of the trees. They hired a Florida artist to carve beautiful creations. The City of Gulfport cut their trees down. Gulfport is lagging behind in the comeback after Katrina. I think this due to the leadership of the City. Their mayor was recently indicted for defrauding the government by making false hurricane damage claims of nearly half a million dollars. This was a private claim not a city claim, but I wonder how much other money he has diverted from Gulfport. I miss a lot of old landmarks that were a part of childhood trips to the coast. One is Marine Life. It won't be rebuilt. Also the Marina is gone. And Funtime, Goofy Golf, Sharkheads and the Whitecap Cafe. I really miss them. Tree Sculptures on beach in Biloxi
I moved the Mississippi Gulf Coast in September 1969, a month after Hurricane Camille came ashore. My roommate and I moved into Brittany Apartments on Debuys Road. Debuys was the street the divided Gulfport and Biloxi. The apartments were about half a block from the beach, were singles only and were a fun place to live.They survived both Camille and Katrina, but not a fire that swept through them last year. I made a lot of friends there. Now 40 years later, I am still close friends with four of them, Clemois, Terrion, Eric, and Blythe. Recently we were talking, sharing memories and pictures. When we moved into Brittany there were Hurricane Balls all over the ground. These were tightly woven balls of grass, twigs and sand that the winds rolled up. They ranged from golf ball to large beachballs in size. They were nearly impossible to pull apart. I kept one in my closet for years and regret that I threw it away. Recently I saw a couple that are at Gulf Coast Research Labs in Ocean Springs. They are still fascinating to me.
Hurricane Ball From Camille (GCRL)
