I awoke on Monday morning, April 16, 2012, expecting to walk 19 miles through headwinds and seashore sidewalk sand mounds to reach Ocean Springs. Any day with strong, consistent headwinds has me feeling like I’m walking many more miles. Pushing my cart through countless large, disabling mounds of beach sand on the sidewalk has me feeling like I’m walking more miles. To add to this all, Ocean Springs host Jennifer was set to be busy throughout the business week, and I’d wasn’t sure I’d even get the chance to meet her. So, when Julie Kuklinski suddenly phoned me out of nowhere and invited me to be hosted on her Benachi Avenue block full of bubbly souls, it didn’t take me long to accept her offer.
Julie’s house was no more than 13 miles from Bernie & Barbara’s, in Gulfport, a reduced total which released the burden of stress from my shoulders. Daryl, her roommate, came to meet and walk with me on the Biloxi beach sidewalk. Before he arrived, nearly a half dozen other fun local youths approached and walked with me for about half a mile– curious & cute local high school students and a nice man in his early 20’s.
Daryl & I arrived to Julie’s a few minutes before her, and it didn’t take long to feel the presence of a great community all around this sweet little home. The roommates get along really well; the neighbors are not only familiar with each other, they’re more than welcome to just let themselves in the front door; they all have friendly dogs; and, each in their own unique way works to contribute to making the world a better place. Julie, for her part, helps homeless women gain skills to find decent-paying jobs.
My invitation was quickly extended from one night to two, and the next day, from two to four. Each time, it just felt so right to be sticking around and accepting the invitation. I feel so fortunate to have spent a full four nights with them. They remind me a lot of Josh & Laura and all their sweet neighbors in Lake Charles. Not only did I gain a special familiarity with them all, as it turns out, they’re remotely familiar with Ocean Springs host Jennifer as well.
As Friday was only a 7-mile day from Julie’s home to Jennifer’s, I left after Julie was finished with work, so she could join me on the road for a while on my way out of Biloxi.
The short-sleeve spring weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Perfect conclusion to the 4-day detour. I’m confident we’ll all stay in touch, as I especially hope they’ll come camp with me somewhere in the miles ahead. Such sweet people– and now that Jennifer & her roommates have the weekend off, Ocean Springs awaits!!

Mississippi Gulf Coast Miles

Seaside Sweethearts Marisa, Parish and Zandra welcome me to Biloxi!

Biloxi host Julie and her neighbors truly brighten the world!!!

Hurricane Katrina's aftermath endures. All along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ground zero for Hurricane Katrina, I simply lost count of the endless number of empty lots, foundations and driveways typically still intact, marking residences which once were-- many of which may never again be occupied ~

~ Sweet Biloxi Sunsets ~