A Wander-ful Story

Hermithood

Moonmooring — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:15:07 +0000

I haven’t been more than an hour away from home lately and I’m getting itchy feet. I’m happy to say the holidays really kept me home this year with family and friends. New work prospects look like I will be staying closer to home also. But there will be vacation time coming and I’m already torn between somewhere familiar and great or someplace new and exciting!

Tried and true places;

Dauphin Island

Memphis

Fayetteville

New possibilities;

I’m just not sure yet!

Sarah

Free Flight, airborne in Florida

Moonmooring — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:59:57 +0000

Christmas morning in Florida 2009.

Another Dauphin Sunset

Moonmooring — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:20 +0000

On the dock at Dauphin House.

Shell Mounds

Moonmooring — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:21:46 +0000

Labor Day on the Beach, Dauphin Island

Moonmooring — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:01:01 +0000

Birdlife was plentiful. I saw pipers, heron, seagulls, and many varieties I don't know how to identify.

The Gulf beaches beach on the east end of Dauphin were packed all weekend after rumors that the island was closed and covered with debris from the oil spill. The truth is, there were some oil / tar balls found on the far west end and the cleanup crew was quick on them. I was told there was no wildlife loss on Dauphin Island. The island was spared due to currents carrying the spill to the east and the west instead.

The beaches were beautiful and clean as always. And packed with people enjoying the cool water and the sunshine. I got more than my share of sun and have a pretty pink nose and cheeks to prove it.

A Lost Fishing Pier

Moonmooring — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:44:54 +0000

Once a fishing pier, charging one dollar to walk out on, is now just a walkway to the beach. Sand Island joined the main island and now it’s one heck of a walk to the beach! Taking the pier with it’s new stairs down to the sand makes it a little easier, and closer to the water’s edge.

Dauphin island, Estuarium & misc; 9-4-2010

Moonmooring — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:33:35 +0000

Green Moray at the Dauphin Island Estuarium.

Near the sand dunes at the east end.

This used to be a fishing pier. It went far out over the ocean for deep fishing. sand island joined the main island in the last couple years and the pier found itself on dry land and out of business.

At the Estuarium.

A live conch in the "hands on" part of the Estuarium exhibit.

Tide Pool 9-4-2010

Moonmooring — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:20:49 +0000

Dauphin Sunset 9-4-2010

Moonmooring — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:09:37 +0000

Dauphin Island, Today’s Events

Moonmooring — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:55:13 +0000

It’s 4 pm and I’m pooped! It’s been a very busy day. I did sleep in contrary to what I thought I would do… which would have been to get up early and take pics of the sunrise. But it was a bit overcast and I was TIRED! Fixed me a big mug of coffee with my own water by the way (island water is seldom tasty), showered and had breakfast at that formal dining table that is so dominating in the Dauphin House dining room.

Then we were off and running to the west end for viewing. There are crews on the far west end, doing something, mostly cleaning up debris from the initial cleanup… lots of disposable fence looking material, I think was used in “rounding up” stray oil and cleaning agents from the sea. We spot checked miles of beaches and they were that beautiful sparkling white Dauphin is known for. I didn’t pick up anything on my shoes as I walked in the sand.

We then made a leisurely drive back to the east end and visited the Estuarium. It was lovely as always. The estuarium had a docent, something I han’t seen there before, answering questions about the sealife in the area and showing some specific “hands on” exhibits.

We had a late lunch at Barnacle Bills. Be warned. It is a local favorite with varying reports about service and food quality. You won’t find but a couple positive reviews at best, online. And it’s all true. It wasn’t my first time at BB’s. The service is always awful. The food varies but I have never had “bad” food. The place is tacky, as is often the case along the coast. I think the prices are way too high. My suggestion; pack a picnic especially if your time is limited on the island and don’t waste the often 2 hours or longer to eat at BB’s. Unless you enjoy bad service. TODAY the service was mediocre and our food was very good.

Made a stop by the grocery store to see if there was anything fresh. Never count on that either. There wasn’t. On the other hand they do have virtually anything else you might need!

I’m hoping to get to the mounds before it gets late and back to the beach before sunset for some photos. More of the same tomorrow. Oh! The bakery for sure! We arrived way too late today to get any goodies and it is always a highlight of visiting dauphin!

Took over 100 pictures today. Look for a few of them later…. .. .