A GULF COAST EXCURSION

Hello!
We are near Gulf Shores, Alabama, after traversing a coastal route from New Orleans. Although we expected to see damage from hurricane Katrina, it was a shock to observe the effects. We drove through New Orleans from west to east, including some upscale areas as well as middle and lower income "wards." The mostly African-American residential areas that we saw were largely unrepaired. White "FEMA" trailers were everywhere in both lower and middle income areas. A great many homes had obviously been abandoned. The streets were absolutely god-awful, shaking our motorhome to the point that the coffee pot fell out of it's holder!

It surprised and dismayed us that little apparent progress has been made in restoring residential parts of the city, the exception being the upscale Garden District--that seems in relatively good shape. Even here, however, some FEMA trailers were still in use by residents who apparently had not yet been able to repair their homes. The downtown area (including the French Quarter) did not suffer as much damage because it was on somewhat higher ground, and has been restored to near normal. The streets seemed strangely quiet for a Monday afternoon, however, because much less business is being done than before the storm.

As we left the city driving east for miles through middle-class residential areas, it was obvious that hundreds of homes had not been repaired, with residents continuing to live in FEMA trailers. Many businesses were clearly not restored. "For Sale" signs were everywhere, presumably because so many people left the area with no intent to return.

The coastal area of Mississippi was completely devastated, and remains so, although much of the trash from destroyed buildings has been cleared and the beach has been largely restored. We had always enjoyed this drive on many previous trips, but now we could only feel somewhat depressed to note that nearly all of the beautiful and historic homes that lined the shore are gone, as are nearly all of the businesses. The only buildings that looked "normal" were the huge casinos in Gulfport and Biloxi! Even here, however, much of the area around the casinos remains a wasteland. "For Sale" signs were everywhere. Many previous full- or part-time residents (and businesses) have chosen not to rebuild--probably in substantial part because they would not be able to buy the insurance required to secure a mortgage. A motel where Marie stayed on her high school class trip many years ago was entirely gone!

New Orleans and the Gulf Coast have always been among our favorite parts of the country. It is truly disheartening to see so much destruction, and to realize that it will never be the same. It was sufficiently disturbing that we had trouble sleeping last night!

Our trip through New Mexico and Texas from Tucson was interesting here and there. We particularly enjoyed a walking tour around town, and lunch at the historic La Posta restaurant, in Mesilla, New Mexico. We are now looking forward to some time along the beautiful coast of Alabama and Florida!

Cheers,


Bill and Marie