Taking the John James Audubon Bridge, rather than follow LA-1 from New Roads, LA-61 took me into Baton Rouge past the Exxon-Mobile plant. The flame burning off the excess gas made me think of the Olympic Flame, and I wondered if this was where Jack worked back in the 50s.
A quick stop for gas at the beginning of I-12, I figured Rosie would make the Mississippi Welcome Center with no problem. She did, and flipped to reserve as we were pulling out of the parking lot! Having been assured there was "lots of gas" on the US 90 scenic route and I kept a close watch for filling stations. Bay St. Louis was within eyesight when she sputtered ... coasting ... a gas station came into view ... and somehow we made it to the pumps! Regular only, so be it!
There were gorgeous homes along the road to Long Beach, with evidence of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina becoming more apparent the closer we got to Biloxi. So many times I've passed the sign for BeauVoir on I-10 telling myself "someday ...". This was the day! Too late for the last tour, I wandered the grounds taking pictures. Back in the gift shop, I overheard a woman speaking of the harp. She had been told it was washed out to sea with Katrina, but she had photos of it being removed from the home during the first days of salvage! Those photos allowed for its recovery, and I had seen it through the windows as I explored. So much was lost with the storm that I wonder how much of the home needed restoration.