March 10, 2014 We have reservations at Gulf Shores State Park campground. It is more like a resort than a campground. It’s big, clean and has every amenity that you can imagine. Three lakes for kayaking, a pool, marina, golf course, miles of hiking trails, paved biking and rollerblading paths, even an Alligator Marsh Trail. I biked jungle trails in the Everglades, but the Alligator Marsh Trail creeped me out. I think they filmed Jewel of the Nile there.
The area is quite a bit more touristy than St George Island. David and I both agree we could spend two weeks here and never put a dent in all the things to do.
Today we went to the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. The pier is open 24/7 and has ambient lighting at night. The beach is miles of pure white sand, a beachcombers dream.
We toured Fort Morgan, where during the Civil War Admiral D.G. Farragut gave his famous order “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” We had brought our bikes so we were able to tour the grounds without it taking all day.
On the way to Fort Morgan I had spotted a sign for the Pine Forest Trail. David thinks I’m trying to kill him, but I “encourage” him … it’ll be fun. A mile and a half ends up to be more like five. It went from dense forest to the beach, simply beautiful. David survived and was treated to the best shrimp and oyster dinner he ever had at Bubbas Fish House.
Today we’re up at the crack of dawn to hike the Middle Lake Overlook . I’m on a mission to spot an Armadillo. Then we’re on the road to New Orleans and then we’re headed home.
We have to go home and rest. We are both laughing, because we are calling it a day earlier and earlier. We should have bought stock in ibuprofen and muscle ain cream before we left. I don’t know anymore what the date is, what state we’re in or what time it is. David says I have a case of C R S. … Can’t Remember Shit!
Travel Tale … This is a funny story. In Alabama people are very friendly. They also speak very funny and fast. We go to the campground front desk to get some directions. Bubbling Billy Bob pulls out a map and starts rambling and pointing all over. I take a look at David’s face and almost burst out laughing. I’m understanding maybe every 3rd word Bubbling Billy Bob is saying. I know David might be getting every 4th or 5th word. I think BBB realizes it and slows down a bit. Now I understand what he’s saying. This is where the fishing pier is … This is where I live … This is where my baby brother lives … This is the road to Fort Morgan … You have to eat at my favorite restaurant it was built in 1818 …he goes on like this for what seems like forever. We walk out the door and we’re both laughing. I ask David “do you have any clue where we’re going?” He says “No, but I know where his second son was born?” Thank goodness we have a map.
What a good time we’re having! Next Stop New Orleans.