Pascagoula, Mississippi to Dauphin Island, Alabama (67 miles) April 17, 2010

This morning we started out with breakfast and singing "Happy Birthday" to one of our ride leaders, Carol Wilder.  I think she was surprised, but something like a birthday is never lost on this group!

Not far out of Pascagoula was the Mississippi/Alabama state line.  Another state line crossed on our journey!

We started seeing more and more houses up on stilts, another reminder of flooding from hurricanes. 

The ride was flat except for the end when we went over a high bridge to Dauphin Island.  It used to take four hours to get there by going around until they put up this bridge.  Going down was like a roller coaster!

Just on the other side we stopped at "Barnacle Bill's" for lunch.  We left our bikes in the back where we could see them, and saw a large hangar-like building used to dry-dock boats.

We were on Dauphin Island, and as we rode closer it was fun to see the water tower, welcoming us to the island and our day off!  We had heard this was a special place, and it did not disappoint!

Our condo was only a mile or so further.  I have to give a big THANKS! to WomanTours organizers for this one!  There are six of us sharing a four-bedroom condo, and it has been wonderful!

The first thing I did was get my swimming suit on and go to the beach!  Sue and I walked over the little bridge and were surprised to see so many people!  It was Sunday, and the last day of spring break for many.  The temp of the Gulf of Mexico is nice so I had to go in!

That night we had fun celebrating Carol Wilder's birthday.  She is one of our two leaders.  Her brother sent an amazing cake from the local bakery, and after having a lasagna dinner (Carol's favorite) we all had cake and ice cream dessert.

Over the past week, we have all been collecting items from the road to give to Carol as birthday presents.  She was a good sport about going through each one of them.  Happy Birthday Carol!