Grand Isle

[Hey Contevita]

I was thinking about battling this heat and riding to Grand Isle this Saturday to see what's there. I've never been there and I looks like the end of the road. It's a bit of a jaunt even from Gulfport but if anyone wants to sweat it out, let me know.

[Reserector]

There's no way I'll have time this weekend.

[Hey Contevita]

Let me know if you have any rides up near your or further up, day rides. I can head that way too. Next weekend I'll be in Atlanta but taking the truck for the weekend.

Man, it's hot out.

[Reserector]

Heading to the dragon next weekend. It should be a little cooler up there. That in itself will be a vacation.

[Hey Contevita]

Yesterday I rode from Gulfport to Grand Isle. It was hot, sure the temp was about 92f but with the humidity, it felt like 110f. A few stops but not for refueling but rather for water and to sit inside with air conditioning. Riding through New Orleans wasn't so bad in the morning, light traffic and rode the slap for at a decent rate of speed. Crossed the Mississippi river and at the top of the bridge I did the football touch town salute at the apex as it's been about 8 years since I've crossed over the big river.

A couple of more stops to cool off and asked a local how much the toll bridge would cost, $3. Got my cash ready and rode on into the heat. Finally made it to Grand Isle and hit traffic in town, I'm starting to warm up going the speed limit of 25mph.

I made it to my final destination, the Grand Isle State Park, entry fee $2. I find the pier I noted, parked the bike and walk to the end:


The long walk back to the parking lot:


As I leave the park, I take a right to see what is at the end of the road and I find:


These guys have been here since 1919: http://www.uscg.mil/d8/staGrandIsle/default.asp

On the way out I spot a veteran's memorial of wars past. All the names listed are of the locals that have died:


As I exited town it started raining, it was nice to get wet and the temperature dropped down significantly for a while. Relief from the heat! Rode the same route home but had to stop on the other side of the I-10 bridge entering Slidell due to a massive lightening storm. I don't mind riding in the rain but I draw the line at lightening due to the obvious fear of being struck.

[Reserector]

I'm with you on the rain. It can feel really going on a hot day.
Looks like a good destination. What is there to do at the park?

[Hey Contevita]

Nothing to do at the park, just a pier, the beach and some RV/camping spots. From what I read, the area does huge business during the fishing tournaments and the population increases from 1,300 to about 12,000 people.