Moose on vacation- Squirrel home for the holidays

Moose is taking a well deserved rest in the sun while squirrel flits cross country to see some snow and Xmas trees. On the way he stops by Cumberland Falls near Corbin, Kentucky. Meanwhile the Blizzard of 2009 chases him northward into Ohio.

Rain Rain Rain

The rain filled fronts keep crossing the Gulf.  Rain finally stopped after day break today but several more wet days expected.  Last night was the local Nutcracker performance by the ballet school. About 80 performers and an acceptable amateur production.

Today the rain stopped long enough for a 3 mile walk at the lagoon. The plants like the rain and the 70F temperatures it brings.

Gulf Shores Orange Beach Xmas Boat Parade

No tripod, moving boats, and wrong lens so pictures are poor but here is the Wharf after dark.

The parade consisted of about ten boats all decked out in lights and floating down the Intercoastal. 44F didn't help things either.

Finally a warm night and day

While the midwest had a major cold storm, we had a 75F night and day. The Baldwin Pops Community Orchestra and Faulkner State College Singers provided a first class evening Christmas on the Coast Concert at the Foley Performing Arts Center.

That was preceded by a great, all you can eat, Tilapia dinner at a local eatry called the Galley. It is a small place out in the country situated on the Bon Secor River. The local shrimp boats dock right next to the building.

Wednesday started as a relaxed morning and a walk around our compound, but by afternoon we needed to find tickets for the local Nutcracker Ballet concert coming up Saturday. Hence we traveled along the Intercoastal Waterway and ended up with a little beach time and some pelican watching (sixteen to be exact).

Cold in Alabama

The cold weather up north pushed the temperature to 31.9F last night (for at least an hour) but things bounced back to the high 50s once the sun came out.  Today was a trip to Blakely State Park, the last major battle of the civil war east of the Mississippi. It occurred the same day as the surrender in Virginia.  The 83rd Ohio fighting for a swamp defeated the Confederates.  What a waste and boondoggle. The town was already deserted from a yellow fever epidemic in the 1820s. The Spanish fought the British here also in 1790.  Governments just love to waste lives killing soldiers in swamps and deserts so the rich can make more and more. Things have not changed much in that regard, in the last two centuries. The park is now bordered by fancy subdivisions as Spanish Fort is just off the I-10 bridge and Mobile is across the bay.

XMAS lights at Gulf Breeze

While we are traveling light, some Snowbirds bring along decorations.  The resort also does their share.

We have about 45F here this evening, but an hour north of here is calling for 1" of snow.

Winter arrives in Gulf Shores

The frigid midwest finally dropped our temperature to the high 50s during the day and the 30s and 40s at night.  Beachcombing after the storm yesterday was brisk but rewarding (if you like shells).

Company was limited to a few shore birds, a few people, a few dead crabs and jellyfish, and lots of 3' waves.

By 2PM we were tired and hungry and splurged at DeSoto Seafood (excellent shrimp and founder with fried green tomatoes, lima beans, corn fritters, and sweet potato casserole).

Rainy nights in Alabama

The storms rolled through last night with several inches of rain and 25 mph winds. This morning it was partially sunny and 65F but the beach had double red flags and 8-13' waves.  The road had been flooded overnight but now just had small sand drifts.