Pensacola Beach is on a long and very narrow barrier island. This means you can see a great sunrise over the water one evening and see a great sunrise the next morning. That is how today began.

Back on the road, we quickly crossed the state line into Alabama. We then faced the difficult decision of how much time to spend at the massive casinos in Mobile, AL and Biloxi, MS. After less than two seconds of consideration, we decided on none. Instead we opted for Bellingrath Gardens, overlooking a tidal river just outside of Mobile. This is the estate of a former Coca Cola mogul, which has one of the finest gardens in the United States. We were too late to see the 250,000 azalea blossoms, so we had to settle for roses, Easter lilies and hydrangeas of all colors ... and another perfect weather day.

In the late afternoon, we completed the drive to New Orleans. This was exciting since this is the turnaround point of the trip and the halfway point in the miles we need to drive. We stayed out late walking around the French Quarter and listened to a great impromptu group playing New Orleans jazz favorites in a courtyard concluding, of course, with The Saints Go Marching In.