I shot this beautiful and serene coastal scene in Pass Christian from a moving car going downhill on Scenic Drive in the summer of 2000. In his comments about my photo, I found it interesting when my late photographer friend, Robert Ewing, III, mentioned he knew I was going downhill at the time because "water gives you the true level of the land, too." I was totally captivated by the entire view --- the charming, little white, picked fence gate that opened to descend the slope of the hill between Scenic Drive and Hwy 90 leading to the weathered, private pier in the distance; and the snow white sand backed by the smooth, glass-like appearance of the Gulf waters extending out to meet the blue skies on the horizon. It was the epitome of the peaceful and genteel character of Pass Christian that has existed for over 100 years.

Pass Christian, donned the "Queen City of the Mississippi Gulf Coast" in the mid-1800's, and much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast were wiped-out in 1969 by Hurricane Camille. Then again in 2005, the entire area was swept away by Hurricane Katrina. I pray this photo serves as a reminder of the beauty that will continue to survive as long as those who know and love Pass Christian, and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast, always cherish their rich history.

-Ashleigh Austin
June 12, 2007

~ Click Here for the Dan Ellis Pass Christian Recovery Site ~