Westward Bound: Westward Bound - Days 8-9, Shepard St. Park, Gautier MS, May 13-14, 2013

Most of Monday (Day 8) was spent traveling in beautiful weather, from Panama City to Shepard St. Park, in Gautier, MS, near the home of Richard's older brother Geoffrey, who lives in Ocean Springs.

Arriving in late afternoon, we were pleased to find a nicely wooded and very private site, complete with resident bunny rabbits! They were everywhere, even along the highway into town.

Before dusk, we rode into town to pick up a few things and captured a little of the seaport flavor the city.

The next morning we headed out to explore the park, dousing with plenty of bug spray first!

There was so much beauty all around us throughout our morning walk.

I love this shot of Richard enjoying the nature all around him!

I was so surprised when we encountered these two motorized park explorers.

At least they can still enjoy the outdoors!

The state park is on part of the property originally owned by Fernando Upton Gautier

(pronounced Go-shay). The city was named after him.

After our walk, we loaded up in the truck and headed over to explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It's great to be able to get into the national parks for free with the lifetime Senior Pass that we purchased. Bettylou will be proud that Richard got our National Park Passbook stamped!

Located across the bay from the Biloxi peninsula, this park is filled with marshes and canals.

Richard walking out on the pier that overlooks the bay.

A beautiful magnolia that I was able to capture just outside the Visitor's Center.
I'm liking the contrast in lighting...possibly a future painting or colored pencil project.

We headed back about 1:00 in eager anticipation of a visit from Richard's older brother,

Geoffrey, from Ocean City and his friend Kay, who drove over from Mobile.