Day 7: Bullfrogs, Beaches, and HBGers

Today has been quite a relaxed and tourist-y day. As there wasn't any flying planned for today, the wake-up time was officially stated as "whenever you want" and many of us slept passed 10:00. However, the complimentary breakfast in the hotel closed at 10:00! Those who were lucky enough to wake-up the few minutes early feasted on scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, muffins, waffles, biscuits, and gravy. The guys that slept later went to McDonalds, Wendy's, or Krispy Kreme for breakfast! Hopefully the weight-and-balance won't be out for the next flight!

The next thing on the schedule was laundry. Due to the restrictions on weight in the airplanes each of us were only allowed to bring a certain amount of clothing. Add to that the fact that we worked construction yesterday, almost all of our clothes were dirty.

The laundry machines couldn't quite handle all of our dirt and grime, and caused us some troubles which held us back from the beach for two and a half hours.

The laundry room was only large enough for two of us at a time, so the rest of us went to explore in the neighbourhood. Meandering through WalMart and a few car-dealerships, we walked away with some breakfast for tomorrow, a few free t-shirts and some photos with a sweet car or two (specifically the 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo Edition).

Some of the guys also came across a humungous bullfrog in a culvert near the WalMart. Ask Adam to hear what kind of sound it made; he imitates it perfectly.

After all the laundry finally got dry, we headed of for the beaches of Gulfport. It seemed that all the beaches in Gulfport were closed and we nearly ended up in Pass Christian again before we found one available to walk on. As we started to walk from our vehicles to the water, we all realized it wasn't anything close to good swimming temperatures.

It was cold and the wind was strong, making the water extra cold. I know what you're thinking - all this way and no one even went swimming in the ocean. If it's any consolation, many of us rolled up our pant-legs and waded in to our knees. That was cold enough!

We also found some very interesting objects on the beach. We found a lot of sand. It was white or a very pale yellow and felt good between the toes. The beach stretched on for what seemed forever. We found seashells, but the tide was coming in, so they were few and far between. We did manage to find enough to bring some home for our loved ones as a souvenir though. We found a few dead jellyfish, but no one was willing to touch them-probably a good idea. It looked like it had been laying there for a while. A few other dead things we found was an otter and numerous fish. We also found some Horseshoe Crabs! Two were alive and one was dead. They were the size of footballs with a plate of armour covering their bodies. They are spry little creatures. Running around and catching them was quite a workout for us. Apparently they can use their tails for protection and fighting too. We couldn't quite figure out if it was poisonous, but it is definitely spikey! It's okay mom, your sons are all in one piece still!

The beach stretched on forever, and when we decided it was time to turn back it took us so long to get to our cars that we arrived a few minutes late at the next place.

This next place we're talking about here is Southeast Aviation. If you are a pilot planning to fly towards southern Mississippi anytime be sure to stop by at Southeast Aviation at KHBG, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The staff and management - Ronnie, Chip, and Chris - are the nicest and most helpful gentlemen around. Hangars, fuel, and tiedowns all at a great price and a warm southern welcome! Hey, even if your driving, stop by and say hi to them! You'll be glad you did!

The evening was just relaxing. Some of us played a card game, some watched TV and some were on the internet. Tomorrow is going to be a big day of flying as we're waking at 6:00 and are planning to get as far as Waxhaw, North Carolina. We're also losing an hour as we cross a timezone tomorrow.

And so now it's time for bed. Yes, that is Hulk Hogan on the right below.
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?

Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it." Deuteronomy 10:12-14.