SS Hurricane Camille

I’ve written about the SS Hurricane Camille before, but this time I decided to take a deeper look at the tug over the years. Washed ashore during Hurricane Camille in 1969, the vessel became a well-known Gulfport, Mississippi landmark, a rusting reminder of what was once thought to be a once-in-a-lifetime storm. For decades, it stood as a silent witness to the power of nature. But in 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and in the wake of that destruction, the storied tug was finally scrapped — closing the chapter on a symbol of survival and storm-battered resilience.

My grandmother, mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins stand in front of the SS Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Here is one from the Early 90's of me, my sister and parents in nearly the same location.  

Another one from the late 90s with me, my sister, mom, and a family friend.  

This one I took in the early 2000's prior to Katrina.  

One taken about 6 months after Katrina.  

Please excuse the flash — this photo of the plaque was taken before Hurricane Katrina.

This was an experimental photo series I shot in the early 2000s, with the idea of developing the film and assembling the images like a puzzle — this was the final result. 

Just Floating

The ocean has always held a certain fascination for me; there’s something about its vastness, its power, and its mystery that draws me in. But even more captivating are the people who live and work on the water—their connection to the sea runs deep, and their lives are shaped by its rhythms.

These boats in Galveston, TX, are poised and waiting for their next adventure. They are more than just vessels; they are the lifelines of hardworking crews who venture out into the Gulf, fishing the waters to bring fresh, local seafood to the tables of hungry people. Each journey is an act of both skill and courage, a testament to the timeless relationship between humans and the ocean. It's a world that remains as wild and vital as the waters they navigate.

Saba

 

The volcanic cone of Saba rises in the distance, viewed from the shores of Saint Martin. Its cloud-capped silhouette looked almost primeval, evoking the mental image I had of Isla Nublar while reading Jurassic Park. Unfortunately, I only experienced Saba from afar, but I hope to one day see its steep, dramatic hills up close and explore its rugged beauty for myself.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Sail Away

While sailing in the Inner Harbor on the Patapsco River, I spotted a boat adorned with several flags—one in particular caught my eye: the rainbow flag. The passengers looked like they were having an absolute blast, soaking in the sunshine and the joy of the day.
 

Catalina Sky

Two years ago, I finally visited a place I had promised myself I would—Catalina Island, one of California's Channel Islands. Technically part of Los Angeles, it feels like a world away from the city. In many ways, it feels removed from the mainland altogether, almost like stepping into another country.

I hope to visit again—next time for longer than the few fleeting hours a cruise excursion allows.

Lagoon of Seven Colors

Nestled about an hour from Costa Maya is the town of Bacalar.   Bacalar is the namesake of Lake Bacalar known ass the Lagoon of Seven Colors.   It is a freshwater lake fed by underground springs.   It is relatively shallow in most areas giving way to cenotes that are hundreds of feet deep.    The reputation for having seven colors comes from the fact that the water being so clear shows as many shades of blue depending on how deep the water is.  It goes from a greenish blue, to a light blue, all the way to a deep dark blue.  Lake  Bacalar is also known as one of the homes of Stromatolites; one of the oldest extant lifeforms on Earth.   

Of all the places I have had a chance to visit, this one is by far one of the most beautiful. 

 

Wordless Watery

Scenery

Scenery changes from one season to the next and even depending on where you stand.  If you ever feel like you’re surrounded by the same scenery and you need a change, maybe you should just walk ten feet to the left. 

The Venezellos

Sitting in the small seaside town of Apalachicola lays a boat, I am unsure of the history of this boat except its name, the Venezellos.  It reminded me of the SS Hurricane Camille, a shrimp boat that washed up in Gulfport, Mississippi during the infamous 1969 storm and lasted until after Katrina when it was removed.   Considering the amount of disrepair, I doubt that this boat will remain in the city for much longer, unless someone steps up to save it.

Lady Louise

Ships and boats fascinate me perhaps only second to airplanes.  This particular beauty was docked in Apalachicola, FL.   I loved her name, the “Lady Louise,”   while I am sure she was named for a famous “Louise”   such as Lady Louise Windsor; however, Louise is a name often repeated among women in my family…  so I immediately associated it with them.

Reaching Out

It is amazing how time flows… it seems like just yesterday we were at the dawn of a new decade, and now the year is nearly half finished. So many things change, and so fast… it never ceases to amaze me. Time to me is like a river, you can’t stop it and occasionally you hit rapids or pick up people on the banks! The Mississippi River is the most important River in the United States, and here it is flowing under the I20 and Old Hwy 80 Bridges in Vicksburg, MS.

Many of you have heard about the Tornado’s that devastated my home state last week. I would like to report that I am well, my city was not affected, however Yazoo City and surrounding areas about 30 miles north were devastated, if you would like to help please visit Here and Here.

We also have another series of storms moving in this week, hopefully nothing as severe as those last week.

Rivers

Rivers are a mysterious part of the landscape; they provide a mode of transportation for man and water to the sea. The Mississippi river is the largest river and North America that provides just this purpose; it connects the American heartland to the sea, and effectively divides the continental United States into Eastern States and Western States.

On some nights, I have found that if you travel to a river… you can sense spirits travelling down with the water. Where they go I am not sure, but I can definitely see why so many ancient cultures revered rivers as paths to the other world.

Perseverance

Humanity has many flaws, but we also have a great strong point… through the greatest disaster’s we will persevere. This is the Gulfport Yacht club, destroyed in 1969 by Hurricane Camille, and once again in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina… No longer does it lie in ruins, it is a symbol of the Coastal communities ability to rise up from the ashes, stronger and better than before!!!

800 East Pier

Gulfport, MS 39501

Get Directions

(228) 867-6796

The Ruby Gensolen

Oceans, Rivers, Lakes all attract me, I love the water… and I love being on the water. Ships and boats all hold a special place in my heart, there is something calming about being on the open water… granted I would want to do it in the lap of luxury and not Titanic style. Needless to say when I went to Ship Island, I was in heaven… I loved the boat ride, and I thought it was awesome when we stopped and passed the Ruby Gensolen (Read the name from a distance, not sure of the spelling.) on its way to ports unknown. One thing about Gulfport it is home to one of the most important Ports in the United States, and brings in ships from throughout the world.

Washed Up Boat...

The famous SS Hurricane Camille that washed up during the infamous 1969 Hurricane that killed 269 people left this tugboat sitting 200 feet from its present location off Highway 90 in Gulfport, MS. The Boat survived many storms, and Katrina left it battered, and destroyed the gift shop that once sat at its rear. Now there is nothing saving it from possible demolition, the former owners have no intention of rebuilding, and the tug is in danger of disappearing... something needs to be done to save this piece of Mississippi History! For More Information Visit www.anniemayhem.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/?p=993