To Ferry or Not to Ferry - that is the question

We travelled to Mobile and Belingraph Gardens yesterday - and along the way, stopped at Felix's restaurant which happens to be Terry's favorite. And they made sure that we were not disappointed. The foods we had were fantastic as was the presentation - you know, all the plates get delivered and set down on the table at the same time? That sort of stuff.

Felix's Oyster covered white fish with succotash and sweet tea

The on to the gardens - beautiful grounds originated by the Coke Cola distributors' wife - or as he put it "what a waste of a perfectly good fish camp" - fantastic layout.

Then the treat of the day, take the ferry back to Fort Morgan across  Mobile Bay - a great ride and about 45 minutes long - so we drove 20 miles to the ferry (after checking their voice mail to assure we'd be there on time. Things looked strange as we arrived because even though we were 30 minutes early, there wasn't anyone else there. Not surprising - the doggone thing had crapped out on the last run and was out of order for the next 2 days. With no choice, we turned around and headed back along the land route - so instead of a 19 mile drive to the condo from the end of the ferry trip, we had to backtrack for about 70 miles instead - made for a very long day.

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Today though, we made up for it with another ride on the dolphin cruises. 

My ladies ready for the Dolphins

On the mend

Naturally, with all the cool (albeit cold) weather we've been having, we both came down with terrible colds. Stuck with the 'it's going to go away in a week', we ended up at the local Quick Care. They couldn't have been nicer and the stuff they prescribed is definitely working. Another couple days and we'll be back to normal - whatever that is.
Well the Mardi Gras parades are now over - I attended 5 but missed a couple dozen more. I had no idea that the celebration lasted that long nor there were that many parades. Unlike the New Orleans celebration, all the ladies stayed fully clothed but the beads were everywhere.
The last parade in this area was a combination Orange Beach and Gulf Shores groups. It was great - in the daytime so it made it possible to see the beads coming when they tossed them off the floats. And because it was the last parade, they were anxious to get rid of all the toys beads and trinkets. It was tough trying to avoid getting some as we already had a couple plastic grocery bags full of them. Now to sort through the pictures and post a bunch - and also get to do some fishing next week. Things are warming up a bit and the flocks of pelicans are showing everywhere. and they aren't stupid - will only show up when there is something to eat. WHooppee.

Fairhope Mardi Gras pictures

Well the cold weather made it down to the Gulf Coast last night - the night we had decided to go to Fairhope for their Mardi Gras parade - outside of Mobile, it's considered one of the best and it did not disappoint.
HOWEVER, the weather sure did.
At parade time, the temperature was 38 and a wind chill of 27. It continued to drop as we were making our way back to the condo and finally settled in at 31 and a wind chill of 22.
But that didn't even come close to upsetting the revelers nor the excitement of the parade. We tried to give away most of the things that we grabbed but it was almost impossible. There had to be 50,000 people there 4-5 deep along the entire route and because it is a small town, the parade route weaves back and forth through the streets so we barely moved and saw the parade 3 times. With appropriate catches each time.
Here are some of the many pictures that I took of this absolutely best parade of all we've seen.
PS - only more parade today at 2PM here in Orange Beach and then no more parades until 2015.

Coming up the elevator with the haul

Had to stop here - my favorite

And of course flowers everywhere

And all the trees are lighted

And decorated with Beads that went too high

What would a parade be without the Shiners go-carts

What a delightful day!!

Yesterday, we went to Magnolia Springs to a lovely little church we had found the week before - it was a wonderful service with lots of singing and everyone being so welcoming. They were having a church breakfast after the service but we had already made reservations to go to our now favorite place - SHIPPS HARBOR PLACE in Orange Beach - hidden away behind a marina, the menu is extensive, and so far we've tried 9 different items and each has been a taste delight. For instance, we couldn't understand the very subtle flavor in cole slaw (that's right - bragging about cole slaw) and asked the waiter. He told us the 'secret' to the recipe was - are you ready? Blue Cheese. The difference was astounding. Normally that's one dish where you leave most of it but not so here. Scrapped the bottom of the dish.
A little shopping then got us back to the condo where the sun was bright and temps were a very mild 75 with a slight breeze.
Unfortunately, we're both stuck with spring colds so the best we could do was a dip in the pool and some time in the jacuzzi to try to break it up. It will go away this week but it certainly can put a damper on doing lots of stuff.
Another Mardi Gras parade tonight - then the biggy tomorrow will wrap up the festivities and move us into Lent season for a long time.  With all the parades here, seems that folks need a break after all the parades and partying.
More parade photos tomorrow

Mobile Alabama - Mardi Gras? What connection?

I have always associated Mardi Gras beginnings with New Orleans but in reality, the celebration was started here in Mobile Alabama. French settlers brought it and it has been kept alive ever since. In this area, parades begin in early February and culminates on Fat Tuesday coming up next week. Here in Orange Beach, we've gone to 2 parades so far and there are more planned for tonight, Monday and Tuesday - in fact one of the TV stations is advertising that their coverage of Fat Tuesday begins at 9AM and runs till 5PM - cut away for national news and then begins again. (we're on central time so evening news is an hour earlier)  I found out that they change the theme every year so all of these floats will be torn apart and plans will begin for 2015 after Easter.

Some of the photos I took are below and Terry's 'haul' of beads should be noted.

The dolphin was 'bouncing' up and down

Saturday nights catch

Friday nights grab

O Gauge Model Rail Road

Travelled to Foley Alabama yesterday and visited a couple of great tourist places - the first was a Hospital museum vintage 1880 and all the instruments that were used back then. Much was a little creepy for me but fascinating for T. But what they had saved all these years was remarkable. There were 10 rooms and each had a purpose - operating room, XRay, quackery (their word not mine) items that were said to not only hurt the patient but kill them in some cases. Old manuscripts and journals lent a good deal to the authenticity.
From there we walked to the end of the block to an original Rexall Drug Store - complete with soda fountain, 10 cent coffee and myriad other things that were older than me!! Goodness gracious.
We finished our tour with a visit to the most extraordinary train layout I've ever seen. Valued at nearly a half million dollars it was huge and beyond description. In addition to the obvious trains, there was a car wash with a car that went through, a fire downtown with an extra fire engine leaving the station and driving to the fire, bells, sirens and whistles going all the way. There was also a drive in movie (Casablanca was playing) and a circus with a couple tents and a working ferris wheel.   The highlight of the layout was a 1/4 scale replica of a local oil refinery that was completed 30 years ago to the tune of $30,000.  No estimate of what it might cost today. Below are a few of the pictures that give you a slight idea of what it was like.

Missed a section to the left

The Circus with a huge wooden bridge in the background

Panorama of the entire layout - oil refinery far right 

And we even spotted a couple cars from the State of Maine Whoopee

Long weekend

Went over to watch the young ladies who played wallyball with the guys on Friday - didn't realize they were the best in the 6 states that were competing. There were teams from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas (where 'our' gals came from). Not only did they win, but did it decisively.  They just never seemed to make unforced errors. And they never slowed down. Coach Patience (real name) kept them moving all the time including breaks and between games. Fun time for everyone.
I went over to see some of their championship games and as I left, each of the young ladies gave me a hug - and the travelling moms made Terry feel like it was old home week. Nicest folks.

The Grandpa's with their new found 'kids'

Got up this morning to find a crescent moon and star shinning down on a returning tug. Looks like it's going to be another perfect day here in Alabama

Spaghetti dinner last night - must have been 500 people show up and was it good! Initially didn't plan to go but one of the wallyball players had an extra ticket so felt obligated - man am I glad we didn't miss that one. They had a 'senior's band' playing during dinner with the wildest collection of instruments - guitar, harp, dulcimer, lap guitars, Appalachia harpsichord, harmonicas, penny whistle, fiddle, banjo and a couple others I just didn't know what they were. But they were really good and played all through dinner. We stuck around to listen for an hour after dinner.

Biking has improved considerably - lots of perfect weather for nice long rides. Plan to get out a few times this week.

Haven't been fishing yet - water is still too cold - it's killing spiral starfish, big jellyfish and the guys that have been fishing have only caught drum (toss back) and sheepshead (them too). So maybe next week?

Finally caught up with our friends from Maine who we met last year - went to a brunch on Sunday that was to die for - huge and T's bloody mary was 'strong' - actually just right. There was a lady making omelets and what a hoot!! She had to chat with everyone in line as she made 3 at a time and had a zinger for everyone - I made the mistake of asking for basil which was actually spinach and got a few jabs for that one for sure. Delightful morning