Pensacola to New Orleans -- Apr. 24th

I've noticed many Southern cities and towns smell like burning wood, or what I like to call fish breeze, in my head, to myself. I could probably get used to it, but it's little weird right now. Highway 10 is bumpy also.
I woke up and got out and checked out downtown historic Pensacola and went to Pensacola beach as well. I went to a free co-op gallery and it was loaded with art that gave me some great ideas if I ever get around to painting again. Pensacola beach was maybe the most gorgeous beach area I've seen yet. No, it was. White fine sand, blue-green Gulf water gently rolling in...wow!! And the houses on the beach there were amazing!! I like the vibe of the city too. Last night, when I got into town and went to Target, I got hit on by two ladies. The one, in particular was hot, and probably drunk, and her friend talked her out of staying and talking to me more, even though she wanted my number. I told her it wouldn't do much good unless they wanted to hang out tonight, but her friend wanted to leave. Darn mother hens. Anyway, I had a lot of driving again today and I was spending too much time in Pensacola so I headed off to Mobile.
All of these Southern Gulf cities have beautiful scenery. Mobile seemed a bit neglected besides the historic district, so I just kinda drove through downtown and headed toward a place called Bellingrath Gardens, which was supposed to be a must see. It was. I probably took over 100 photos there. It is one of the world's largest and most beautiful gardens and home, with a lake, an asian themed area and much more. I kinda snuck past where I was supposed to pay for a ticket, because no one was there, but after I enjoyed the place so much, I went back and paid the admission post-visit. They were thankful. Almost got in a shouting match on the road because a couple of trashy girls were going way too fast and I had to kinda cut them off getting over for a turn. I was running a little behind where I wanted to be so I quickly got on the road again , this time eyeing up Biloxi.On the way, there was a bad wreck I heard about on the radio, but I had gone about 40 miles and thought maybe I was past it. I wasn't. It came up, everyone waited patiently for 30 minutes, then we got past the wreck, got back up to speed, and almost instantly, had to stop again. We waited about 15 more minutes there, and for no apparent reason, unless they just cleaned it up as we got to it.
I had had a couple small snacks during the day, but was saving my big meal for Biloxi. I had researched the night before and found this little local favorite that used to be a gas station, now a restaurant and bar called The Fillin' Station. I also wanted to see Beauvoir, the house and property that Jefferson Davis spent the last 12 years of his life at. I was absolutely starving, but I knew if I ate first, I wouldn't get to the house before sunset, so I went there first. It closed at 5, and the lawn was so large that I couldn't get any decent pictures, but it was on a road that was beach on one side for miles and miles, so I pulled over and snapped a few shots at some random beach. Then I eagerly headed to The Fillin' Station. On the way, I noticed a park about 6 blocks from the bar that was full of people with a little stage set up. Anyway, I got to the bar and it was packed, just a little two room bar and a small patio, but it was jumpin'. The waitress seemed flustered and it took her awhile to get my drink and order. I found out later she had just applied that day at 2, they told her to come in and work at 6, and then the other waitress didn't show up, so she was all alone on her first night. There was a 40ish year old woman plaing guitar and piano and singing and she was really good. She did covers of Sublime and Blind Melon and couple of other cool ass hits. The owner at one point randomly slapped me on the back and gave me a smile. Just a cool little local place. I love these type of places. My food came, I had a crawfish and sweet pepper po' boy with fried potatoes and potato salad. They were all great. They used ranch or something in the potato salad, which gave it a unique flavor. I asked what was going on in the park down the street, and they didn't know for sure, but thought a battle of the bands was going on, so I walked down, but alas, it was a bunch of families watching Kung Fu Panda on a screen. I almost decided to stay in Biloxi, and go to New Orleans on Saturday, but I didn't want to stretch it out. It seems like a cool little place, though. Beautiful sand again, not as well kept, seemed kinda blue-collary, but everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. There are a bunch of casino resorts there. There was also a sign for a National Cemetery and a couple of other things I would have liked to have done. Oh well, if only.
I got on the road to New Orleans, it's only about an hour and a half from Biloxi. The road was bumpy, but I got into town and started finding a motel. This is more expensive than any place I've been to yet. The best price I found for a decent place was 55.99 for a place that was like 13 miles from downtown. I ended up getting a room at EconoLodge for 66 and its very nice, plenty of space, but kinda a ghetto type area. Seems ok, though. I sure wasn't paying 239 for a downtown place.