Last Days in Gulf Shores

On this past Wednesday, we all went to the Naval Air Museum to see the Blue Angels practice.  They practice on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer. This week was their first week.  We waited on the highway for quite awhile even before we got unto the base. We ended up parking in a parking lot that was quite a ways away. We were in the first row and when we came back, it was full and so was any place on grass, etc. that people could find a space. We brought in our own chairs but you could rent some for $3. The bleachers were filled quickly. We left at 9 a.m. and the show started at 11:30.  We were able to put our chairs in a pretty good spot. The show was really good and loud. We got scared when coming from out of nowhere was a very loud roar and one plane coming low at 700 miles an hour right in front of us! Very hard to get pictures. Linda D.J. got some good ones because she just kept clicking away.  I got a few good videos (couldn't get them to download to the computer.)

 

Today, Thursday, we are having a heavy rain storm this afternoon. Again, missing the really bad stuff. We met each other at the laundromat this morning.  It was busy because of the snowbirds heading home. A lot of rv's left today, some tomorrow (like both of us), and loads on Saturday. However, more are coming in because spring breaks aren't over yet.

Out our window

Watching the rain come down

Carl and Travie taking easy during the rain

 

Ron and Linda are leaving tomorrow to head home.  They should be home about Tuesday--going to stop off a couple of nights at a new casino campground about 11/2 hours north of here.  We are going to go to Pensacola Beach to Fort Pickens National Park for about another week. Will add another post some time later after we are there for awhile.

 

 

 

Dolphin Cruise

Tuesday we made good on our gift certificate that we gave Ron and Linda at their 35th wedding anniversary party last July.







Riding side by side to make waves for the dolphins to jump in

 



Our boat




The other boat



It was very hard to get a picture of the dolphins because they are so much quicker than our phones can capture them. 

Here are some pics of us on board.

 

 

 

Pier Walk

On Monday, Carl and I took a walk on the pier.  There were  many people fishing and pelicans galore.

View toward Orange Beach
Construction of the new Gulf Shores Convention Center

View toward Gulf Shores and more new condos

End of pier
No tackle past red line





From the end going back
Can only see part way

 





Yesterday and Today

Yesterday we took a ride to Foley and had lunch at Lambert's restaurant known for throwing rolls. It was very busy, but we didn't have to wait in line.

Today, Carl and I went to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores. It is  titled "The little zoo that could." Surprisingly, it was quite busy. We had a really nice time. At each exhibit, they tell you all about the animal, such as, name, size, where they are from and all pertinent facts about them. By some area, they have raised platforms up steps to get better views. The following are a view of the pics we took.

 

 

 

 

Last Sunday at Church

We went to church last Sunday at the later service, because it had been raining. The tent where we sit had the clear plastic sides down and the heaters on, so it was quite comfortable. The place was packed. After the service, we stayed to watch a baptism in the gulf. The people involved in it changed their clothes. The following are photos taken.

The Pastor

Here are a few pics in and around the Florabama Church.

Banners hanging from the ceiling.

Some Worshipers

Another view inside

Inside one area of the bar where there are bras hanging

 
Outside view of the tent when we were coming back from the beach

 

 

This Week

Today, Saturday, is quite windy.  Clouds are starting to come in for tonight we are suppose to have rain. It is also a little cooler.  Next week will also be cooler in the 60's but sunny. I guess we shouldn't complain since we have been having such above normal temps lately.

Last night we all went to a Lenten fish try at a local Catholic church. It really was a delicious meal of fish, hush puppies, cold slaw, baked beans, cake and a drink all for $10.

Carl and I have been riding our bikes on the trails around the campground and on the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trails. Been putting in the miles on our little fold-up bikes.  Next year we will bring our regular bikes. Ron and Linda have been riding their bikes back and forth up to the entrance to bring their garbage.  Linda's knee is bothering her, so that is a length she feels comfortable riding.  Riding the bike is better for her than walking. She got a new brace the other day, so maybe that will help for walking.

This pic is from the trail behind our site to Middle Lake. They are building more and more condos.

This is another view looking to the west.

This is a view off a boardwalk trail looking a Middle Lake.

Example of a trail.

The trails go from tar to boards depending if they are going over water. The system here is unbelievable in what they have accomplished and what they are working on.  By next year, there will be many more miles to ride. 



Carl and I walked down the beach one day when the surf was really rolling in.

 

Arrived in Gulf Shores

Check in was really busy.  A lot of rigs coming in for March. We ran into traffic first in Perdido Key and then in Orange Beach.  They are widening the roads and blacktopping.  Probably at least one hour sitting between the two road constructions.

It has been sunny, but windy since we have been here. Tomorrow night we are suppose to get a storm. All new trails in the park and still building more.  Been riding our bikes.  Will get some pictures for the next post.

Following are pics of our sites.  DeJong's site is right across the street from ours.  It is like at our old houses on Brooklyn when we just walked across to visit.

We are located now at the far end the of the park.  We have decided to come back next year.  We made reservations for next March yesterday.  Now we will be at the beginning in an area off of the main road.  We will be on the same side with one rig between us.  There were only a few spots we could choose from to be near each other.  Tried for February, but we are both on a waiting list.

On the main road as we drove in, Carl spotted an alligator in the grass.  So, the next day we went walking and he was in the stream off the side of the road. So, we really need to look out for alligators when we are walking on the trails.

I was sorting out some puzzle pieces and Travie decided to get some sun and watch me.

 

We went into Al's 5 and 10 today. Carl wanted to get some bird seed.  He put a feeder outside of our site.  And, of course, he was fooling around again with some crazy hats in the store too.