Scenic tour

October 12th/09 - Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf State Park
Mileage: 92.7 km
Total mileage: 5,298

We left Tillmans Corner this morning travelling due south on Hwy 193. We wanted to see Dauphin Island and then take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan. The road was lightly travelled and very picturesque through treed communities. Big, long causeway and bridge to Dauphin Island.

Dauphin Island itself is very impressive. Quaint, well treed and big unique homes. Large marina with expensive boats. Lots of money here.

The ferry to Fort Morgan took approximately 45 minutes. Didn't see any dolphins this trip but got a close look at lots of offshore oil rig platforms. Very interesting. I had no idea that there was so much drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

At times today, it almost looked like we were riding through a rain forest. Thick pines with Live Oak trees and tropical underbrush. Very park like.

From Fort Morgan we travelled to Gulf Shores and the State Park campground. The sign upon entering the camping area of the park reads, "Do not feed or aggravate the alligators." I couldn't help but wonder what kind of half wits they had to put a sign like this up for. Probably the half wits that end up leaving the park with only one arm.

After setting up the tent we headed to the local store for groceries. Walking out with our bags the rains began. We attempted to wait out the rain under some shelter because the rain showers typically don't last long. This however, was not a typical shower and it only came down heavier as we waited. We peddled the three miles back and were more soaked than soaked when we arrived back at the campground.

Not to be defeated, we moved the tent from the hole we had set it up in, to higher ground. Then, looking forward to a hot supper we found a small sheltered area under the overhanging roof of one of the campground buildings. The kitchen was set out and 'click, click, click' with the lighter - my trusty little Coleman stove decided its life was over. Cold slab of ham, cold creamed corn and off to bed. Oh well, things always get better.