For two miles on the way out of town, we were looking directly into the sun and not seeing much around us.  Then we came to the best bridge our entire trip, gradual grade over St. Louis Bay, a dedicated and separated bike and walking path with lots of opportunity for photos of the area.

As we crossed the second bridge, a quick look back impressed us with just how big our first bridge was.  One turn from the bridge and we were on the Gulf Coast, seabirds singing, beautiful water, white sand beach……just gorgeous.

Huge old homes sat on a ridge separated from the gulf by a large greenway populated by huge old growth trees.  With the sun reflecting hot off the water, we rode a couple miles along the shady ridge, enjoying the homes’ spectacular views.  It was ten miles before we saw our first commercial business and that was set far from our beach road.

New homes were obviously built with new codes to minimize hurricane damage.

Several miles later, we entered Gulfport and evidence of the huge shipping port appeared, along with a very colorful lighthouse.  The promenade of the Port of Gulfport was quite impressive, views of the ships and another lighthouse could be seen through the boats.  More gorgeous homes, beautiful beaches, extravagant restrooms,  only a couple souvenir shops, city hall and a coliseum, all with views of the water; but no tourists to enjoy the amenities.  We pedaled past Jefferson Davis’ home, Beauvoir, the Biloxi Lighthouse,an entrance/exit to the interstate over the water and an interesting art museum, plus several huge casinos.  A bridge over the Biloxi Bay dropped us into Ocean Springs.  It had been recommended we go into town and it was a great call.  A charming downtown greeted us and invited us to stop; an early lunch at a small shop that bragged about their “sassy salads”; not sure about sassy, but delicious, indeed.  We were also instructed to stop at Tato Nuts, “The only real donut” and after you’ve had one, you would agree.  We followed the donuts with a beautiful ride through Gulf Island National Seashore then back out on the highway for the last hour.  Thankfully, the clouds that had been building, shielded the sun’s intense heat for most of the remaining miles.  Two more bridges over Singing River and the very industrious Pascalouga River led us into Pascagoula, the birthplace of Jimmy Buffet.

It was a beautiful ride (hence all the photos) and finally (after 59 miles) a dinner and dessert (Bananas Foster) to write home about.