This has been one of the best areas to explore around. We have had a few days of great warm "beach" weather and actually spent some time on the beach. I guess the best part of this area is the lack of commercial properties! Very charming with new houses along the waterfront opposite the beach. Most built in the "Birdhouse" style with long pillars and the house structure perched on top...some of them have to be 20-30 feet above ground! Don't know if that will work if another hurricane comes along, but as one local stated, "The elevator companies are making a killing!"
Another great thing we have learned while in the area.....the "Live Oak" trees in the area are specially adapted to the climate and have their own salt water filter system built in so are not affected by the storm surges! The other characteristic is the interwoven grain of the wood. It gives incredible strength and in all areas, the houses are all gone but the groves of Oaks still stand! Simply amazing!
That being said, some of the trees closer to the waters edge were broken apart, but much of the tree trunks remained. An artist from up state came shortly after the storm and "transformed" most of these trees into carved sculptures. The details are amazing as you can see from the photos! He did this as a gift to the locals and many stories are told about how locals fed and housed him during his trips to the area in spite of their own hardships!
Not actual birds perched!!!!!Carvings!!!
A very beautiful area that has taken a huge hit, but people are coming back. The town of Pass Christian is one mile wide and seven miles long along the beach. Of the 8,000 homes in the area, only 500 were NOT touched or damaged by Katrina!
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