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.