Twiltley Branch COE at Okatibbee Lake (mostly Pictures)

 Location: Twiltley Branch COE Campground; about 10 miles north of Meridian, Mississippi right on the banks of Okatibbee Lake. 

I've tried to stay at this campground over the years, but something has always come up that made me change my plans. I finally made it here, and I got really lucky with the campsite I chose. It is right on the banks of the lake. The end of Liberty is about 10 feet from the water. As I'm making this post, I can hear the waves lapping against the stone revetment. The good news is I haven't seen a single mosquito since I've been here. Also, Liberty is in the shade which is helping the refrigerator stay in the 50-degree range and best of all, no ants or other bugs like at the last campground. 

Nice shady spot without any near neighbors

This gives an idea how close we are to the water. After this picture I set up my starlink right behind Liberty and it worked at about 70% of optimum

This is looking out my back window in the evening. The party barges are going back to the boat ramp and the geese are getting some exercise.

This is also out the back window but in the morning as the fishermen are heading away from the boat ramp.

This lake seems very popular for family outings with the kids swimming in the lake directly from their campsite. I have a view of the boat ramp from my back window and there must have been a hundred boat launching since I've been here. The campsite is also within easy driving time of Meridian, which is a good vibe, decent sized city.

If I'm at a COE campground, I have to go take a look at the dam. This is gravity dam and since it not on a navigable waterway, there isn't a lock or powerhouse. There are lots of picnic areas and playgrounds,,,more than usual.

 

This is a picnic spot on a peninsula. It was a nice spot.

I explored one museum which was the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience. It is like the Mississippi Hall of Fame for entertainment people. I was surprised how many top entertainers, writers, TV personalities, etc came from Mississippi. As it happens a lot for me, I was the only visitor in the place and could take my time looking around at all of the exhibits and stuff. When I checked in at the front desk, she asked me if I qualified for any discount from the $15.00 entrance fee. I said, I'm a senior veteran. She said the senior part saves you some money, but the veteran part gets you in free. I liked that, especially the way the young girl phrased it. I think my age showed a little though. She asked how I found out about the place, and I answered, "google maps". Which is how I learned about the place as well as directions. The girl I was talking with didn't bat an eye, but the girl behind her couldn't contain her laugh as she repeated, Google Maps. Oh well, it's a nice museum, (7 out of 10) and worth a couple hours to walk through it. 

This stop is my next to last one before getting back to my homebase and it has provided me two nice sunrises. I can see them out my back window. I haven't seen a sunrise or sunset in a long time and it was a good feeling to see one. I have a feeling it will be my last for a while, but you never know. 

First sunrise. This is looking out my back window.

Second sunrise.

This red-headed woodpecker came to this same spot each morning. I like to think he came by to tell me "good morning". 

Tomorrow is moving day and I'll be sleeping in Louisiana tomorrow. I'll be staying two nights at Poverty Point State Park just north of Delhi, Louisiana in the middle of nowhere. I've stayed there before and don't plan to explore the Indiana Mounds again. I think I'll just rest up those two days and maybe do a recap of the trip.

Ya'll take care of each other. Maybe I'll Cya down the road.