Cruise 2013 - Days 3&4 - Gulf Coast and Florida

We fled New Orleans in the early morning quiet, and began the trek around the Gulf Coast. Much of the day was spent enduring heavy rains, as we traversed Interstate 10 east through Louisiana, small pieces of Mississippi and Alabama, and then the long panhandle of northern Florida.

As we passed through Mobile, Alabama, two large ships dominated the skyline - the battleship U.S.S. Alabama, and the ill-fated Carnival Triumph. The latter had recently been the subject of widescale media coverage when it lost power after an engine fire and floated adrift for days in the Gulf of Mexico. Her nearly 3,200 passengers were stranded at sea for days and required food to be airlifted in as they awaited rescue. Without power, there was no active sewage system on board, resulting in some reportedly, um, crappy living conditions. She was eventually towed to Mobile, not her usual port, for extensive repairs.

Interesting omen on the way to our own Caribbean cruise....

Late that same night, we arrived Chez Cox in their Florida retirement villa. The following day was spent relaxing, exploring local area flea markets and fresh strawberries, and preparing for the cruise.

Causeway on Interstate 10 East along the Gulf

Carnival Triumph in drydock for repairs to the Poop Deck

U.S.S. Alabama

Sweet Home Florida