<p>Writer Aimee Brown and photographer Justin Bailie traveled to the Gulf Coast during the height of the <i>Deepwater Horizon</i> oil spill to see how the story was playing out beyond the headlines. Visiting the homes and towns throughout the region, they sought to tell the story of the people of the Gulf—the people who love, live, work, and play in an area that has experienced continual hardship at the hands of both humanity and nature.</p> <p>"We sat with them and learned about their connection to the place," says Brown. "And were witness to their inspiration, kindness, humor, and beauty."</p> <p>This slide show captures ten lessons learned in southern Louisiana's bayou country.</p>

Traveling the Gulf Coast

Writer Aimee Brown and photographer Justin Bailie traveled to the Gulf Coast during the height of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to see how the story was playing out beyond the headlines. Visiting the homes and towns throughout the region, they sought to tell the story of the people of the Gulf—the people who love, live, work, and play in an area that has experienced continual hardship at the hands of both humanity and nature.

"We sat with them and learned about their connection to the place," says Brown. "And were witness to their inspiration, kindness, humor, and beauty."

This slide show captures ten lessons learned in southern Louisiana's bayou country.

Photograph by Justin Bailie

10 Lessons From the Gulf Coast

10 Lessons from the Gulf Coast from National Geographic.

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