Biloxi and Gautier, MS 2/5/2015

On the road again Thursday Feb. 5

 Friendship Oak on the campus of University of Southern Mississippi - Gulf Coast campus.

The tree was remeasured by the Mississippi Forestry Commission on Aug. 22, 2011.  "The trunk is 19 feet 9 1/2 inches; spread of foliage is 155 feet. The average length of the main lateral limbs is 60-66 feet from the trunk; average circumference of the limbs at the trunk is 7 1/2 feet; the tree forms almost 16,000 feet of shelter; and laterial roots go out 150 feet."

Friendship Oak keeps her majestic vigil on the Gulf of Mexico, a vigil that dates back to 1487. 

So we took our photo under the shadow of this 527 year old tree.  

The live oak trees are just awesome.

 The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi tells the story of the fishing industry.

 Photo of steamers used to partially cook the oysters so the shells would open easier.

Shrimp steamers.  The historic videos of women and children cleaning shrimp and oysters were very interesting.

In 1943 James Martial Lapeyre was told if you want to get rich invent an easy way to peel shrimp.  He experimented with his mother's wringer washer.

He invented the Lapeyre Automatic Shrimp Peeling Machine.  It peels 1,000 pounds of shrimp an hour.  It did the work of 30 to 150 people peeling by hand.

 The story of this majestic Nydia was in video and stories posted.
 
The partying has begun.  18 Roadtrekers out for Mexican food.  We have gathered from around the U. S. and Canada to join in the festivities of Shrimpin' on the Bayou hosted by Gautier residents, Paul (Pogo) and Vickie.  It's time to party with friends from last year's SOTB and meet new friends.

We are staying at Shepherd's State Park, Gautier, MS.