10 May 2023 - Arrived at Biloxi Bay RV Resort, Biloxi MS

 

We broke camp in the rain this morning at 0835 hrs at Frog City RV Park Duson LA. "It's all part of the experience", as Clark W. Griswold would say.  We've really been lucky so far on this trip as this is the first time we've torn down or set up in the rain, I believe.  I'm glad I flushed/drained the tanks and stowed the hoses the night before when the weather was good.  

We headed eastbound on I-10 and just made one pottie stop in Hammond LA about half way to Biloxi.  A little further down the road we crossed the Pearl River and the Louisiana/Mississippi state line.  

As we passed Gulfport we were not far from my old stomping grounds, Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi MS.  From 24 July to 21 December 1973 I was stationed here for my technical training school following Air Force Basic Training.  I was not even 18 years old when I started the first portion of my training here, basic electronics,  followed by advanced ground radio communications repair.  So I got to know the Gulf Coast and the Biloxi area quite well, but much has changed.  So today it was nice to be greeted by a couple Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, probably "Hurricane Hunters" , and a couple Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey's!

C-130

V-22

At 12:34 hrs we rolled into the Biloxi Bay RV Resort after driving a reasonable 215 miles today.  Previously in 2018/2019 when we made our way west through here we stayed at the Keesler Air Force Base FamCamp, but we were not too impressed with it.  It was OK, but nothing to write home about.  This time I selected this resort which is relatively new, just in the past few years, and it is really nice.  

 

The office on the right, and the park straight ahead

A nice Veteran's tribute as we entered

We checked in quickly and made our way to our site.  It looks like the snowbirds have departed and the summer crowds are not here yet, so there are many empty sites.  All the sites are paved as are the main roads, and they are full hookup.  There is plenty of room to park your tow vehicle.  

I set up everything outside and then deploy the slides.  Then as I finish up outside Doreen finished the setup inside. 

I gave the black tank a quick flush.

Nicely spaced sites

Our Nation's colors and the Air Force flag go up as soon as we are done leveling the coach!

Doreen giving us a wave!

When that was all done, we had a quick lunch and then headed out to explore.  They have a lazy river near the entrance, and on the opposite end by the bay they have a swimming pool, a hot tub and a sand beach.  There is a bar and a food truck adjacent to the pool which is really nice. Kayaks and paddle board are provided free.  There is a huge dock to accommodate fishing charters that will come here and pick you up. There are also many outside amenities for kids. 

We spent some time in the lazy river, which was so relaxing, and then we headed down to the pool area.

They have a large building that includes the bar and eating areas, located right on Biloxi Bay.  They use a food truck as many places do now.  

The entrance to the building.  The food truck is off-camera to the right

The bar area

The pool side, outside the bar

Doreen enjoying the pool

Biloxi Bay and the sand beach area

The hot tub with Biloxi Bay in the background

When we left the pool area and headed back to the RV, I had to admire this beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hard top in Larkspur Blue, that was sitting outside!  

That's it for today.  Tomorrow we will drive about 40 minutes northeast to Vancleave MS and visit my very first military supervisor when we were stationed in Maine, Charlie Philbrook and his wife Elaine.  If you attended my military retirement at Camp Dodge in July 2015 you likely met them.  They are very dear to us.