Sitting at the southernmost tip of Louisiana bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is a two hour drive from New Orleans. It is the home of working fishermen and oilfield workers and the vacation home of thousands. It is only 20 miles from one of the largest ports in the world, Port Fourchon. Though battered and beaten by hurricanes in the past five decades, the small island has always managed to rebound prettier than ever. OCTOBER 1, 2008 - I am so glad I went to Grand Isle when I did. In September 2008 Hurricanes Gustav and Ike battered the island with its wind and waves. Power lines were down and the levee with all the pretty flowers had been washed into the houses. The entire beach is gone. SUMMER, 2012 The resilience of the people of southeast Louisiana shows in the beautiful beaches and residences and fishing camps that have been restored on Grand Isle. The island is prettier than it has ever been with manicured beaches raked every morning and flowers blooming on the levee. Lots of fish in the Gulf and a great place for families.