Where the Road Leads: Biloxi Beach

When it's raining and nothing to do...

drive until you find sunshine.

That's exactly what we did on a dreary Sunday after church, cousins in tow.

Fleeing the stormy weather led us to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and another first for my adventuresome toddler. 

Expecting to find desolate beaches and oil bubbles from the recent oil spill we were surprised to see the sand speckled with people and the water filled with swimmers. We were overflowing with joy to soon be one of them.

Watching my son as he took it all in was truly amazing.

Giddy from the view and being the water baby that he is, he couldn't wait to jump in. 

The feel of the waves, the tingle of the salt, and an endless view of water had him completely overwhelmed and totally happy!

  

Three hours of sand play, shell hunting, and swimming readied us for a little sight seeing.

A walk on the pier provided an optimal view of the ocean and the water birds that inhabited it. 

 

This is what happens when your on the beach packing Cheetos!

After a walk we took a look at the Biloxi Light House and the Hurricane Katrina Trees located on Highway 90.

Erected in 1847 the Biloxi Lighthouse became the first cast-iron tower in the South. Withstanding many devastating storms including Hurricane Katrina it has shown it's stability and resilience against the elements.

The wrath of Katrina left many oak trees on highway 90 dead and mangled. To rekindle the life of the trees and Biloxi, wood sculptors transformed the lifeless wood into breathtaking works of art.

A coast trip is not complete without pillaging through a souvenir shop and Sharkheads is one of the best. 

After a photo in the mouth of a shark and purchasing a little Biloxi gear for the baby we were ready for some serious nourishment.

With a music loving toddler the food decision was easy, Hard Rock Cafe!

He sung along with the music,

read a little history,

and totally demolished his meal (without eating a crumb) but fun was plentiful.

Behind Hard Rock was a giant anchor and a marina full of boats that we had to stop and admire.

A full belly, sunburn, and a butt full of sand was a definite sign that our day at the beach was over and that it was time to head home.

Driving away from this...

and into this...

was a great ending to yet another wonderful journey.

Once home we colored sand and sealed it into a bottle to preserve our memories of my little guy's first trip to the beach.

How to color sand:

Fill disposable cups with sand.

Add enough water to completely cover sand.

Add food coloring to get the desired color.

Stir with a plastic spoon.

Let set for 20 minutes.

Pour off water.

Spoon sand onto paper towels.

Spread out and allow to dry.

Drying times vary.