A Day At The Beach

We dilly-dallied around after breakfast this morning waiting for the temperature to rise a bit before heading the 20 miles or so down to the Gulf.  Our first stop was at the Gulf State Park Nature Center, which was closed for repairs.  Also at that location, was a very nice picnic and swimming area on Shelby Lake.  We could see the RVs in the campground, but it was a little farther than most folks would want to walk.  On the other side of the lake from the picnic area was perhaps 12 or 15 cabins.  All of this, as well as the campground, is just across the highway from the beach.

Cabins across the lake

Gulf State Park picnic area

The state park also owns a section of the beach, perhaps a mile in length.  We were among perhaps 20 other souls walking at surf’s edge enjoying the sunshine and roar of the waves.  The few fishermen we saw were packing it up complaining that it was too bright and too windy.  We had a picnic lunch with us, of course, and found a table at the park picnic pavilion in the sun which was somewhat sheltered from the wind.

After our lunch we drove down the shore road to the west of “downtown” Gulf Shores.  For a couple miles it was nothing but beach homes and high-rise condos.  On the north side of the road was a lagoon. We saw a few birders here, but no fishermen.

We stayed out until the wind and bright sun finally got the best of me.  I’m not one to take much pain medication for any reason, but this sinus headache not only brought out the Advil bottle, but also put me to bed.

We signed up for the dinner at the clubhouse tonight.  Baked spaghetti, salad, drink, and dessert all for a mere $5.00 each.  We’re all about it and we hope to meet a few more Escapees.  With all the good food, fellowship, and activities at this park, I could be tempted to stay here for a while.  However, the local weatherman has burst my balloon with predictions of low temperatures in the 20s for the rest of the week.  South Texas is on my mind.