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

Been a while

Although it's been 4 days since my last post, things have been going here in Alabama. First, Claire has gone back to Maine after her wonderful visit. She was a delight to have visit during her spring break. Only problem was UNITED AIRLINES here in Mobile. I have never been so disappointed in the quality nor the competence of any group in all the years I've been flying. They just couldn't do anything that vaguely resembled customer service. Mentally composing my letter to UNITED as I type this.
In the meantime, here's a picture of Claire leaving Orange Beach for the last time.

That's Claire at the end of the boardwalk 'dragging' herself off the beach

The other day we went over to Bon Secour to get some shrimp. Plan is to make some coconut shrimp (baked of course) tonight using a southern recipe I've found. While we were there, we found a number of oyster shell middens and here is a picture of Terry near one to give you an idea of the size of these things.

We are very close to Pensacola Naval base and often have planes flying by - I got this cool picture of a couple of helicopters going past the other day

Finally, the sun rise here has been excellent - this morning the BIG GUY brought me this one and I wanted to share with you.

RISE AND SHINE !!!

Dolphin Getaway

Yesterday we did the dolphin 'thing' -

Here is one of the two boats that we went on - initially, the boats split up and look for a pod of dolphin then come together and go about 30' apart so there is a 6' standing wave at the back of the boats, The dolphin love that and will play in the wave - 

Bunch of the dolphin surfing

It was a hoot and they stayed there for about 10 minutes - finally got sick of the ride and deserted us. Shortly later, the boats found another pod and this time there were only a couple of dolphin but lots of fun watching them - a mother and calf came up along side the boat we were on and rolled on their sides watching us.

Terry's grand daughter was here to enjoy the sun and the dolphin

Nighty night!

That's our condo in the center - 3 over and 3 down from the top

Dead starfish because of the cold water

Morning treat - beignets with confectioners sugar

Yesterday was a perfect day for being away from the snow - sunny but cool and a slight breeze so we had to hide behind a dune for the best seats on the beach. Talked to a couple fishermen and after all day, they had caught one drum (not so hot eating) and something else that broke off. Everyone is waiting for the water to warm up and the pompano to show up.
Still a nice day for a walk to the jetty and talk to a couple of Coast Guard guys who were doing some snorkeling - said that even with a 3 mil suit under a 5 mil suit, it was pretty cold in the water. So I guess I'll hold off swimming for another couple days.
Later today, it's going to go for a dolphin cruise - have seen a few so it will be a treat to get out on the water and see if there isn't some fun things to see.
So far we've been able to stay ahead of visiting Claire - but barely - had forgotten how much energy a teenagers can have. Great fun to have her here and see things through her eyes.

Interesting day

Yesterday started out pretty normal - that is, if you consider wondering if Terry's grand daughter was going to be able to fly out of Boston given the Nor'Easter that had blown into town. She was to arrive Mobile in the early afternoon after a stop in Houston TX. We thought we'd make a day of it so headed out to Mobile and took the scenic route which got us to Mobile with ample time and considering Claire had been fed on the plane, we stopped about a mile or 2 away from the airport. Bob has a 'thing' about using FLIGHT AWARE to see how the particular flight is going. Not only was the flight to Houston on time, it was ahead of schedule.
Foolishly, he checked the flight from Houston to Mobile and OOPS!! IT WAS CANCELLED!! After a lot of scrambling from Maine, they got her on a flight that arrived in Mobile at 10:30PM and it was now about noon.
WHAT TO DO? Hang around Mobile for 10 hours or make the 2 hour trip back to Orange Beach, catch some pool time. Considering there was another flight that would arrive about 4:30 we opted to drive back part way to our favorite town - Fair Hope. Which we did. But then when we hadn't heard about the possibility of the early flight - headed back to Orange Beach but fortunately, only got a few miles before we heard she would get a seat on the early flight and be in Mobile about 5:30 - headed back only to run into the worst traffic jam ever - but made it back with time to spare. Then waited until the personnel could figure out who could walk her from the gate to the security area. That took another hour -
Long saga but Claire is now safe and sound at the condo, bringing with her the best weather of our stay yet. Temps are forecast to be in the mid to upper 70's all week with cool night breezes for good sleeping conditions.

Let the BIKING BEGIN

Bikes are ready and so am I - here's to good weather from now on

Wet Weather and an Angry Gulf

We are at the southern side of a huge storm heading across the US and ready to dump on Georgia AGAIN!! Even a few miles north of us there is snow and black ice while we have only some light rain and some waves on the Gulf - enough so that there are a couple of surfers out there this morning.

I know that it doesn't seem like much to folks who are used to a lot bigger surf but for us southerners - it's huge. Consider I'm on the 11th floor and the waves are about 200 yards away - well figure.

The bike ride the other day didn't go as planned - ended up getting a couple flats and walking over a mile to get picked up - never did find what caused the problem but replaced the tire (it was on the last leg) as I have no intention of making that walk dragging the bike along again. And if I believe that, I'm really getting senile. It's a factor of Murphy's law that if you are going to get a flat it will be the absolute furtherest distance from the parking lot that's possible.

Here is a map of the biking trail we get to use - I was about half way across that green trail when things broke

  

Finally today, here is a picture of our condo building I took last night - there are 220 units and this is the street side view

Here is the condo building and we are up 11 floors about in the middle

Let the BIKING BEGIN

Well the weather finally cooperated and the bikes got out of the van and shined up - and off we were for some riding. Wasn't sure that it was going to happen this early given the weather here but today was a beauty - mid 60's and no wind so everyone was out - we had to sneak into a secret parking spot to get on the Back Country Trail - 20 miles of paved paths the wander through the woods and swamps. Although we didn't do all the trails today, our break in run was pretty nice and were pleased how the bikes felt after too many months sitting there.
The beach was getting it's share of strollers although like the bike ride, a fleece or windbreaker were the order of the day, Even at 65, it does get a little chilly around the edges which of course macho man me had to leave in the van - had to cut short the ride, Live and learn but it will be the first time I do - I seem prone to be stupid on stuff like that.

Great Day for a PICNIC

The weather has finally turned for the better and today was no exception - about 60 and cloudless skies meant it was time to picnic - went to Mobile Bay where the ferry docks to take you to Dauphin Island. The pictures below show how nice it was - the ferry coming in with a load about to leave with a line of cars waiting. There was a Mardi Gras parade on Dauphin so lots of people were heading across. The alternative was to drive all the way around Mobile Bay for a good 60 miles.
Watching the Olympics last night was something else - talk about a technical presentation of epic proportions! I think I spent the evening with a stupid grin being awed by the whole presentation. Russia should be really proud with what has been accomplished in only 7 years. Every venue I've seen so far has been excellent. GO USA!!!
Here are some pictures you might like.

One of the 12 oil rigs we could see in Mobile Bay

These Terns were waiting for the Ferry as they 'ride' over

Saturday night 2/8sunset on our beach

The Dauphin Island Ferry heads for the dock

One week gone already

Doesn't seem possible that a whole week has passed since we moved into the condo but sure enough, today is most certainly Saturday and that is our milestone.
So far we haven't been able to bike or fish or sit on the beach due to pretty cool (read COLD) weather. And the winds haven't helped either - 20 and 25 MPH winds that make sure we wear our fleece jackets. In the meantime, we've been able to make new friends here at Phoenix VII as well  as renew old  haunts. Been fun. Plus an introduction to Wally Ball (an extremely popular mid west work out) which I'm now hooked on MWF, Tai Chi on Tuesday/Thursday, Bingo on Tuesday evening - plus a whole lot other activities but suffice to say, there is never a dull minute if you wish to stay active.
Speaking of 'dull minutes', yesterday I was playing Wally Ball when T came down to watch. At the end of that set, she asked if I had a key to the condo - nope, how come? says I. Seems there is a setting on the front door that will lock it but when you turn the inside knob it unlocks. HOWEVER, if you turn the do-dad to lock it, you can open the door from the inside but IT STAYS LOCKED. Usually that isn't a problem but in our case, we didn't rent from the Condo Association but rather through our own rental agency, the Condo Association is not allowed to open the door (even though they have a grand master key). So we had to call our real estate office and they had to bring another key over (about 8 miles) and they were not pleased at all. Valuable lesson learned. Will have to learn to secure the door another way I guess.
Will see if I can't get some photos of the condo today so everyone can see our digs.
I do know, there is something special about Alabama this year - not exactly sure what, but it feels different. Have to watch for that to see if I know what it might be.

Dolphin's in the surf!!

Thinking that the water might be too cool (59) I haven't been paying much attention to the possibility of any fish around - how wrong I was when I spotted 4 dolphin hunting in the surf just outside the breaking waves. Looked like a daddy, momma and a couple of little guys (they especially hung close together - in fact almost touching each other every time they came up to blow).
So that means there are fish to be caught out there. Not tonight however, as the temperature has dropped like a rock and now (7PM) stands about 38 degrees. Again, it would seem that I should have brought my ice fishing gear. Difference is that tomorrow will be back in the mid 60's with a mild breeze. I plan to break out the big camera tomorrow and see if I can't get a picture of one of them surfacing - you never can tell, I may just get lucky.
Tomorrow is wally ball in the morning, then off to see what things are like in nearby Foley Alabama - it's a town that we've only scratched the surface and there seems to be a ton of things to do in that area. We'll see if our prediction is right on.
Been saving out first trip to Fair Hope (our absolute favorite 'little - big' town in Alabama) for a bit more warmth - as the town is a walk around place and will spend the entire day exploring and meeting some of the nicest folks (based on last years visits)

FINALLY - SUN!!!!!

It was a long time coming but we finally had sun today - warmed the Gulf a full degree and a half. Will not be long before we will be watching the dolphin looking for fish and our fishing can begin - in the meantime, the pelicans are cruising about but not much diving - not sure I blame them considering the water temp these days.
The activity level here is amazing - gym early this morning while T was at water aerobics then a fierce 2 hour game of WALLY BALL - played in a racket ball court with  a net and anything goes - well - almost anything. Elder rules of every serve SOMEONE gets a point so we get to 21 pretty quickly. Time to head back to the jacuzzi and a hot soak before social hour where the ladies outdo each other with goodies - no need for dinner tonight.
There is WIZARD in the main lobby tonight but I'm going to pass - T will partake.
Tomorrow is another busy day as well and will fill everyone in on the activities as they happen.

Here Comes the SUN!! WHOOPEE  The sunrise this morning 2/5/14

Blue skies and 80 degrees not far away

Unfortunately, it's 50 miles out in the Gulf and not moving this way. So instead we're blessed with fog and lots of it and an occasional peek through of sun. Temps are in the 60's so it's at least moderate but more like living back in Seattle where it was overcast every day all winter long. This weather pattern is supposed to continue until next week - here's hoping it will gradually get better. Hate to think we have to go visit Florida to break the pattern.
In the meantime, this is a very active community with all kinds of things to do. No chance to get bored with some card games every evening, a gym, heated pool, hot and bubbling jacuzzi's and lots of friendly mid-westerners

Beautiful view from the deck at 4AM  Note the Green lite near the top - channel marker to Perdito Pass 

Win Some - lose some

Don't like the weather? Hang in there, it could get worse!! Not sure that's real but today in Alabama,, the temp never made it over 60 and the wind decided to blow like the devil. So if the wind chill was taken into account, the temp would be in the mid 40's - many of the snowbirds are wearing gloves and winter jackets.
A little further south, like Venice, the temps are in the upper 70's and low 80's. Fish are biting everywhere while here, I should have brought my ice fishing gear. 
If it sounds like I'm complaining, sorry but looking back towards Maine, there's a snow storm brewing and that isn't going to happen here.
Still, the gym at the condo is excellent as is the indoor pool set at 82 degrees. Then there are the 3 jacuzzi's that are piping hot as is the sauna that is in each of the guys/gals locker rooms.
Men's coffee, ferocious wally ball and game night tonight makes for a very short day regardless of the weather. Hanging in there - but need some sun pretty soon.
Later
BTW - the fog rolled in last night and we couldn't even see the Gulf - very pretty though with the lights from the beach walks reflecting down the beach.

River fog

Gulf is out there somewhere

When served Lemons - make lemonade

After a wonderful weather start, we went to sleep in super heavy fog that has now gone away -  mostly. So will use the day for the gym, and some more settling in. There is a men's coffee at 9 and a ladies coffee at 9:30. Still haven't found my pillow that we think got left behind at the Microtel here in Gulf Shores - will be checking on that for sure.
The Senior Center in Gulf Shores has a number of 'tours' that we'll sign up for today - last year  included a tour of the Bmer factory where they turn out 1300 SUV's a day - we've driven  near a half dozen other major car factories that are absolutely huge - word has it that  on an overcast day you cannot see to the opposite ends of the assembly lines. We went on a mystery tour last year - no idea where we were heading till we were half way there.
Dropped into a pre-super bowl party here last night - had to be 200 people - learned that if something starts at 4 you need to get there an hour earlier if you want a seat.
This place is huge and have no idea how many condos there are - will find out and add that to the blog.
Good day to relax though - the driving and a summer cold has set in so need a little rest - and peraps the sauna?

First views from the condo

Here are a couple of pictures from the deck(s). The top is the land side looking back towards Orange Beach and the second is from the balcony of our condo. To the left is the breakwater for Perdito pass and you can see that the water isn't right next to the condo but rather a good hike away. Plenty of room for sun bathers.  Only surprise so far can be seen in the lower left of the bottom photo. Because of the cold weather this winter, the guys haven't been able to finish replacing the tiles on the edge of the outdoor pools. Not to worry though as there is another heated pool inside plus 3 jacuzzi's and a man's and women's sauna (separate in each of the work out locker rooms)  Work out room is well equipped and will try to get a picture posted later.

Arrived = finally

We have finally arrived in Orange Beach - I say finally but actually one day later than we expected. Seems that the south got snow, and ice and all the roads were a mess. So instead of trying to break through, we holed up for a very pleasant extra day with Tom and Gwen.  Other than slow traffic going through Atlanta, we breezed along nicely, often having the road virtually to ourselves. We spent a night in Lavonia Georgia at a spectacular Super 8 - this place may have been a couple weeks old and the staff was happy and friendly. Can't ask for much more than that I guess.
Last night was spent in Gulf Shores - about 5 miles from the condo which we moved to this morning
Things are mostly unpacked (fishing and biking stuff is still in the van  - will save that for tomorrow  or the next day.,  Considering the water temp dropped precipitously with all the cold weather, the fish are probably hunkered down and sutured mouths.  Besides, I forgot to bring my ice fishing clothes and anything less near the water might be a disaster
Pictures will follow soon - we're on the 11th floor overlooking the Gulf and it is just beautiful, Will look forward to sharing it with all.