Shrimp boats is-a commin...Their sails are in sight. Shrimp boats is-a commin there's dancing tonight...

Whenever we cross into a different state, we always stop at the "Welcome Center" for information, hotel coupons, (and any other discounts we can find). Most of them are very clean but kind of run of the mill. We crossed into Mississippi and were flabbergasted when we walked into the center. They had all these different rooms furnished with antiques and looking like living rooms in Southern mansions.....Beautiful and the employees just bursting with southern hospitality!!
Ruthie and I finally found Elvis......He "thanked us very much" for stopping!!!

Getting ready to board the Shrimp boat......

Our captain (Mike)......

Leaving the harbor......

Pulling the net with the catch.....

The catch....This was such an interesting and informative trip. We learned SO much about the sea creatures (all kinds).....like, I never knew the fisherman irritated squid until they turned blue, then squeezed the fluid out and used for ink!!!

Or....that s sting rays bite was not poison, but in fact a flesh eating bacteria......

Dinner guests...looking for anything that was not a shrimp that would get thrown overboard.....

A baby blow fish...showing us how big he could get....when he was thrown back in the aquarium he looked like a minnow......

You could buy fresh shrimp on the docks. These are considered "medium" and go for between $3.00 - $4.00 a pound. Shrimp fisherman have not had a raise in 30 years!!!

We ended up staying at the Isle casino, right on the beach. We got great off-season rates on rooms with an ocean view. Did a little gambling (I actually walked out with over $100). They had a special on the seafood buffet....buy one get one free. HUGE dinner for $11.50 for both of us.

Ruth in front of one of the MANY trees in the casino. I have a feeling we are going to see some pretty fabulous Christmas decorations over the next month.