Destin, FL to Natchez, MS

We left Destin at 8 AM, driving west on the coastal barrier islands to Gulf Stream.  Amazing high rise towers are scattered throughout the area, awaiting hurricanes, I suppose.  By accident we discovered a National Park, the Gulf Islands National Sea Shore, and used our lifetime pass (for seniors) to visit.  For free.

At the visitor centr we learned about the live oak tree, with its natural habitat along the gulf coast with its salt, warmth, and water.  The live oak is exceptionally dense so it was perfect for use in warships since cannonballs would bounce right off it.  It should also make beautiful furniture.

On to Pensacola and Gulf Shores. Another vacation area, especially for retired military.  We went west to Mississippi - Biloxi, et al - and stopped at the John Stenis Visitor Center where a lunar module used for training was on display.  The module was procured through the efforts of John Haise, a native of Biloxi and the Lunar Module Commander for the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission.

We didn't go into the Stenis Center but instead visited the ante-bellum style museum that was more the travel center.  But we knew we were in Mississippi.

We were 30 miles from New Orleans when we headed west across Louisiana to Natchez Mississippi, our destination so we could follow the Natchez Trace.

Today meant two unplanned but VERY interesting stops.