Day 42: Friday 04/15/16, Ocean Springs, MS to Dauphin Island, FL

 

The scene from Dauphin Island Parkway leading to the Dauphin Island Bridge. Note the long causeway prior to the Dauphin Island Bridge in the background. The flying birds are pelicans.

Day 42 distance: 82 miles

Total miles:  2302 miles

Elevation gain: 1419 feet

Map of today's ride:

Today we rode the 82 miles from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Dauphin Island, Alabama. Last night everyone was concerned as the winds were predicted to be out of the east at 25 mph, the general direction we were headed. The wind prediction appeared correct, but fortunately there were enough trees along the route to minimize the impact of the wind. The ride itself was nice. About 20 miles out of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, we crossed the state line into Alabama. The next highlight of today's ride was riding across the causeway and bridge over the Gulf of Mexico to Dauphin Island. That several mile stretch was the windiest of the day! We are staying at the Dauphin Island Campground tonight and tomorrow night, which is right across the street from the ferry which will transport us on early Sunday morning to Florida. Tomorrow is another rest day.

With all the rain in the area the ditches along many of the roads in Mississippi we rode on today were filled with water.

This area appeared to be a stand of fire damaged trees. It apparently either gets dry enough around here at some point in the year for forest fires, or, looking at the low burn, it was probably a silvicultural prescribed burn of some sort.

At 10:00 am today I crossed the Mississippi border into Alabama. Note all the damage to the sign. It was not only full of bullet holes but also dented from bricks being thrown at it, apparently all due to the cross state football rivalry between Alabama and Mississippi.

When I saw this apparent salt water inlet, I knew I was getting close to the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, I believe that is part of the gulf in the background of the picture.

Leaving land and going over the causeway to the Dauphin Island Bridge.

 

If you look closely, you can see two coasters ahead of me climbing up to the bridge's highest point.

This picture was taken from the top of the bridge looking toward Dauphin Island. One coaster had a flat tire he changed at this exact spot.

These buildings were located right as the bridge ended on Dauphin Island. The sign said these buildings were Yacht Club Condos.

I had no idea that Dauphin Island was known for its bird watching. A few blocks later in a wooded area, I saw dozens of people looking up in the trees with binoculars.

This is the campground we are staying in for the next two nights. Bubba said that the weather forecast is predicting no rain tomorrow nor did it rain today. If that happens, he said it would be the first time in the history of his C2C rides that it did not rain here at least one of the two days the coasters stayed here.

Some of the tents set up in the campground.

Tonight's dinner menu.