We've only been here one day, but I had to write this update. We drove a few exits east on I-10 to Hwy 609 south into Ocean Springs. There was some damage still visible from Hurricane Katrina. Passing through town, we made our way to the Gulf of Mexico. There was a lot of damaged homes and downed trees along the way. It was low tide and you could also see all kinds of trash on the beach. Oh, and when I say trash I'm also referring to appliances, cars, and overturned semi trailers.
Then we came to something unbelievable. The US90 bridge crossing Biloxi Bay had been blown apart. Sections of highway were missing, probably under water. Others were blown off their supports. And some sections just pushed over about 8-10 feet off center. I just stood there looking and pondering at how much force it would have to take to accomplish that. It was hard to imagine what those who stayed behind to ride out the storm were going through.
After taking a bunch of photos, we left there and headed back into Ocean Springs. With the bridge being out, we had to go back to I-10 west and take I-110 down to US90 and coastal Biloxi. But before we did that, I have to mention that we stopped for lunch in Ocean Springs at La Casita Mexican Restaurant. I wouldn't have mentioned it, except for the fact that the food was really good. The big burrito was the best I've ever eaten. Anyhow...
When we arrived in Biloxi, I saw something even more unbelievable than the I-90 bridge. I was taking photos of the different buildings that were destroyed by Katrina. One of the buildings was the Grand Casino Biloxi. There was a crew working on one side tearing down what remained of the building. Then I realized something wasn't quite right with the structure. The lower floor looked more like the bottom of a barge than a building. I even had Cricket look at it. That's when we figured out that the tidal surge from Katrina had actually lifted the Grand Casino up and over US90 setting it down about a block south of where it started. I just couldn't believe it.
We continued down US90 south and was just amazed at the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. We drove along the shore all the way to Gulfport. It was hard to comprehend. For miles we saw very few buildings remaining. Just debris scattered everywhere even though it looked as though most of it had already been taken away. It was truly unbelievable.
Anyway, here's some more of the photos.
Mark