Lining the entire Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida are barrier islands. Caused by currents and shaped by storms, these islands have evolved their own ecological system, adapting to their existence between the Gulf and the mainland. The crown jewel of these Gulf Coast barrier islands is Horn Island. Located off shore of Oceans Spring, MS, it is the least impacted, most isolated and the most varied in terrain and wildlife inhabitants of the islands in this barrier chain. Horn Island has quartz sand beaches that reach forever, sand dunes as high as houses, extensive stands of slash pines and oaks and inland tidal lagoons. The island is 14 miles long and half a mile wide.

We will camp this year near the midpoint of the island allowing for travel in either direction. The days will be spent exploring the island or just relaxing — whatever the individual preference may be. Birdlife can be considerable - pelicans and an assortment of shore birds. Most campers spend the days strolling along the beach beachcombing and watching the wildlife.

In the evenings there are hearty meals around driftwood campfires followed by walks along the beach. Without the glare of city lights, the stars and planets will be on display for our campers.

Caution: Stories told at the campfire may or may not be true.

The outing will begin in Biloxi at 9 am at dockside on Thursday, January 1st, 2009. The return to the mainland will be at about mid afternoon on Sunday January 4, 2009.

Transportation to and from the island will be on Biloxi's Seafood Museum's two masted Biloxi Oyster Schooner. Travel time on the schooner between Biloxi and Horn Islnad will be about two hours each way.

The leader will be: Byron Almquist who has led over a twenty-five group campouts on Horn Island.

The leader provides: His services as trip leader and wilderness skills instructor,  transportation to and from the island on an old fashion two masted Biloxi oyster schooner, all group camping equipment, outdoor kitchen and all breakfasts and dinners (6) while on the island. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and dry bags will be furnished to campers if needed.

Individual campers provide: A nylon rainsuit, clothing appropriate for the forecasted weather,  four trail lunches, personal drinking water and transportation to and from the Gulf coast.

The trip fees: are $250 for the first adult or $475 for two related adults and $75 for every child (l2 and younger). After December 15th, the fees are $275 for one adult and $525 for two campers.

Pretrip meeting on: No meeting scheduled at this time.

Other Handouts Concerning the Horn Island Trip
* Details
* Directions
* Odds and Ends