This is our 4th year in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We know the area very well and due to the proximity of the coastline, it is very easy to find your way around here. The Mississippi Gulf area is not as well known, as for example, Florida - but it is so lovely here! The small southern towns that dot the coast are small, quaint, artsy. And because tourism isn't as big, there's less traffic, crowds, noise. This year I thought we would only be staying a short time and returning to Cypress - but that turned out not to be the case.
The weather in BSL has been perfect! 50’s-60 at night, high 70’s- 80 during the day and no humidity! Our a/c has been off for a couple of weeks now and we are enjoying the fresh air, sounds of birds through opened windows. We also have tons of butterflies! It has been very dry here; hasn’t rained in several weeks; not even during the “hurricane” event - we only got a little wind.
Ever since I started on my daily high dosage Vitamin D3/K2 - I have been feeling so much better! I’m less tired, more positive, and inflammation in my body has decreased - so I’m walking more. Charlie and I have been diligent about attending our exercise classes and it’s really been good for us. We even made ourselves weights out of used soda bottles- filled with beach sand to use for strength training. They probably weigh a couple of lbs each.
We have a regular schedule now that keeps us moving and engaged. Twice a week (Mon, Thurs) we have exercise class, twice a week (Tues, Fri) casino perks days, Wednesdays Mexican Train game. This is something to build our week around. In between, we have painting, visiting museums, going to informational classes and flea markets - me working on crafts and cleaning the camper - Charlie, his HAM radio and keyboard. It’s been a perfect pace so our downtime at the park is welcomed and relaxing. I have a dentist appointment in another week (I have a great dentist down here). We try to limit eating out to 2-3 times a week, mostly going back to places we really enjoy. There are soooo many!
This weekend is Halloween and there were to be activities at our park, as per advertised flyer. A chili cook-off was on the agenda so I was inspired to make a crockpot of chili and cornbread. I would have been surprised if this event actually happened but I had planned to share the chili with friends if it didn’t. Turns out, I was correct (it did not occur) but my chili was really good!
We were invited to dinner by full-time camper friends; Candace and Brian. Candace is an outstanding cook and hostess. She and Brian made fresh large, local shrimp, catfish, hush puppies, fries, and all the sides to go with this! It was delicious! Ann and Shane, our campground hosts also stopped by. We feel awful they are leaving but that's another story.
We visited our friend Steve at Bay Hide Away, our previous campground; we’ve known Steve for a few years. He lives with his cute little dog Buster. Steve told us he was finally moving after 5 years at BHA. He told us the new owners, besides continuing to do things with the park he wasn’t happy about, were sneaking in arbitrary fees where they could; he felt it was time to go. To me the park looked a bit shabby and was pretty empty too. Steve told us the owners are still cutting in new campsites and have started buying trailers to park at sites and rent out. This pair just keeps making one questionable decision after another. There is nothing more problematic than inexperienced people who think they are smarter than everyone else simply because they have advanced degrees and make decisions that will only cause more work, money and issues. We have great memories of the campground when it was owned and managed by Lea and Randy.
And speaking of parks, problems, and drama - that doesn’t leave out where we are now. Lake La Croix owner is another one who doesn't live in reality. This beautiful park, only a year and half old, has no one running the show. The owner does not live on site, pops in for short times a few times a week - to do what, I'm not sure of anymore. We've been waiting over a year for a second set of washer/dryers to be installed in our rear bathhouse; we realize now this will not happen; their word is no good. They advertise events that never happen. Our current host couple have quit due to unreasonable work expectations for no pay! The campground advertises the host position as "volunteer" which is absolutely ridiculous! As Charlie and I have discussed - this is not a non-profit organization. Granted, a free campsite is given - but that value is only about $850/month which is nothing for a 24/7 "job" of cleaning 12 bathroom/bathhouses daily, mowing, cleaning sites and glamping tent, maintenance and repair of property, manning the office, greeting new guests, picking up trash, overseeing campground events, enforcing park rules, etc.... There has also been a lot of drama between the former and current hosts - both still onsite - things we have been told.by both sides; we believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It’s a bit disconcerting.
So, Charlie and I decided to look at other options for campgrounds in the area. We did visit one park the other day that is definitely a possibility for the future. I spent a sleepless night, wondering what we should do. The thought of packing up again and having to move was not appealing. So, ultimately, we have decided to take the "wait and see" stance and stay away from the negativity and drama. We really enjoy this campground but realize there can be no expectations of improvements or services in its current state of limbo. And,,, worst case scenario - we will put our trailer in storage and go home.
Meanwhile, it’s back to our business of fun, relaxation, exploration and living!
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