Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina kicked the everloving shit out of the Gulf Coast, Holly and I took off for Biloxi. One, to hit the casinos since they were reopened (somewhat) and two, to get a look at what was said to be some still substantial damage from said hurricane.
Suffice it to say that we were blown away (Hahahahaha, get it? Ugh.) by what was a sad look at what was left of the towns coast. What was before a pretty happening little hotspot was now reduced to half a dozen casinos in various states of disrepair and not a single freaking gas station or convenience store for some 15 miles or so. Seriously, NOTHING is there…no restaurants, 7/11s or anything. Except for, if I recall correctly, 2 open Waffle Houses.
We saw another 3 I think that were nearly ready to open, which led to the astounding realization that the Waffle House corporation is more organized than city, state or federal governments, as well as the multi-billion dollar companies that run the condos and casinos that litter the beach front.
As you can see by clicking the picture below, the devastation of the storm is clearly evident even now. Beautiful homes are trash. Curtains and sheets are hanging from trees. Planks and glass and debris dot the beach (enough so that Hollys hopes for a swim were quickly dashed).
We talked, briefly, about heading over to NOLA, but decided it wasn’t prudent considering the fact that our route into Biloxi (Hwy 90 bridge) was still closed and that none of the online map services felt it important enough to mention. Come to think of it, i think I forgot to take pictures of that, damnit. It was truly a bizarre site to see, with row after row of crushed bridge lying in the water. Creepy.
Anyway, aside from the fact that we won enough to pay for the trip (and a little extra for crack and bubble gum), it was an eye opening trip. Hope you enjoy (is that the right word? Hmmm…) the pictures.
So today, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to save $30 and WALK from my hotel to the GGB/Presidio. Google says it’s 5.6 miles. Hell, I’m old, but not THAT old. 5 hours later, I made it back to my hotel, calves screaming and mind reeling.
This town has a hell of a lot of the following:
Dogs - Holy God. I’ve never seen so many dogs in one place. I stopped for a beer earlier tonight, and there was a damned dog sitting on a barstool! I had to stand up to drink my beer.
Gay people - Shocking, I know. Also, I must exude the gay. I’m not exactly the best looking guy in the world, but the fellers sure do like me. Maybe it has something to do with my fine butt and love of pastel Polo clothing?
Hot women - Wowsa. Is it because they feel safe and independent because they know they aren’t going to be constantly exposed to guys hitting on them here? Because, damn, walking back from the GGB, it was like a parade of Victorias Secret models jogging by. Of course, since I exude the gay, they simply ran by me and nodded knowingly. Or it was my wedding ring…either way, it doesn’t matter. I’m dead to them.
:)
On the way back, I was nearly killed by a police cruiser. A few blocks later, I found out why: one of those cool ‘Full House’ townhouses was on fire. See the videos below for a one minute clip of dark smoke and then me bitching about climbing a hill in said smoke.
PS: I walked almost 20 miles today, according to the Google. Go me! I celebrated with a beer, some red wine and linguini. So much for that…
It’s all so very exciting, isn’t it?
Anyway, have some stupid videos from my stupid camera with my stupid commentary. (Youtube is being weird…might not work perfect yet.)
Oh, and if you’re REALLY feeling brave, here are about 150 pictures I took. Some turned out really well, while others are simply craptastic. You be the judge.
;)
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