oil and water

Our rescue efforts, it seemed were all awash. No one wanted us. Several organizations called (10 or so) some with connections to friends in the area, all with similar sentiments. "How nice of you to want to help, but with kids, there's really no way for you to help." Here we were a trio of misfits in the misfit town of Gulf towns. It was time to move on to other places, maybe other ideas.

After speaking with a kindly Mississippi tourism person (also recently HAZMAT and OSHA trained,) who ever so politely suggested we walk on beaches wearing only shoes and socks and avoid the surf, I decided to head toward the National Gulf Seashore in search of more information. Surely, the National Park Service would know what was going on and they wouldn't turn away some free help, right? Wrong. There, they only encouraged us to enjoy our time at the Gulf and put worries of the spill out of our heads. The water was fine, the sand was safe and there was nothing to worry about until it all washed ashore. Hmm??? Oddly enough, on the way back across the bridge, a Sierra Club representative called warning me of the dangers of the area, particularly the water, (and once again refusing my help) suggesting I not enter the coastal region south of New Orleans for fear of dangers associated with fumes from the oil mixed with the dispersants being added to the spill. Who am I to believe?

Driving along this beautiful stretch of white sand beaches on Hwy 90, watching families happily splashing in the water and building sandcastles was just too much for the boys. It was too much for me too. It was an eerie and icky feeling knowing this entire area is about to be obliterated thanks to this spill...and that's just the human aspect. Lest not even imagine the communities underwater. Signs for local seafood, oysterbars and charter fishing trips were just too much.

It was time to invest in the local economy...a hotel with a pool was our next priority. A few hours of swimming brought the smiles back to my little scouts, now to find some grub. Uh...finding local food or any food but chain food was difficult, but we did it. With some thai food in our bellies, the boys set their sights on snocones. On the way to the "snowball" stand, a carnival was spotted at the Our Lady of Fatima parking lot. This was it! Live zydeco music, a carnival ride, cotton candy and a prize winning game of balloon darts hit the spot. With blue, sugar coated boys, it was back to the hotel and planning for the days to come. Where to go? What to do? "What the ...?" as my kids say.

So, we decided to stay. We're still here in Biloxi, holing up for the next few days. Word is, there are some effects of the spill nearby. It was time for some mama-style investigation. A boat trip to Ship Island for a picnic and maybe some shore exploring. A sunny morning, lots of encouragements to enjoy the clean, uncontaminated beaches. We're sold.

As we board the boat, clouds roll in, thunder booms, lightning strikes. Second thoughts seep in. Henry turns to me as we leave the dock,"Mom, I don't think this is a good idea." Insightful little fellow. To boost spirits, I turn to food. How 'bout a little snack bar treat? As the little guys enjoy their food, I ponder what to do when we arrive, seeing as this is a nature preserve and there really isn't much to do but, well...be outside...in nature. Did I bring an umbrella, raincoats and dry clothes? Of course not. Band-aids and beach towels, oh, and shovels - that, I have. This will build character, right? Just then, the entire trip takes an interesting turn. Tune into www.gulfgoocleanup.blogspot.com for the rest of the story folks.