Annual Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade

View from Wharf Marina of a boat passing under Foley Beach Express.

The best spot to view the boat parade is at The Wharf  in Orange Beach.  We usually find a place close to the marina to check out the decorated boats as they travel along the Intracoastal Waterway from Lulu's to Zeke's Marina. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to duck into when the weather gets cold or wet.

3rd Annual Oyster Cook-off at The Hangout

One of my new favorite local events is the Annual Oyster Cook-off at the Hangout in Gulf Shores.  It's held in early November and it's a great way to taste the local flavor only steps away from the beach.

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is on of the most exciting, patriotic, and family friendly events held annually on the Gulf Coast.  The acts include everything from skydiving to pyrotechnics, and of course the highlight of the show, the Blue Angels.  They return to their home base, the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fl each November and put on a spectacular show full of unbelievable maneuvers for the home crowd and their dedicated fans who travel from all over specifically to see them perform their magic in the sky.  So, whether you choose to watch from the front row bleachers, a tailgate party outside the airfield, a boat in the Pensacola Bay, or while simply sunbathing on one of the nearby beaches, this event is on not to miss.

Tips:  If you can't make it for the entire day, the Blue Angels usually fly around 2pm, but get there early because parking can be a mess, and it's a bit of a walk to the gate.  Bring earplugs for the kids and a light jacket if you stay for the night show.  Admission is free but seating can be purchased if you don't want to bring your own chairs.  

Note:  Coolers, outside food, tents, umbrellas or are not pets allowed.  Strollers, blankets, portable chairs are allowed.

My Favorite Place to "walk the dog"

Pirate's Cove is one of my favorite places to hangout on a nice weekend.  Besides the tasty bushwackers and juicy burgers, the people, the water, and the dogs make this place truly magical.

I recorded this audio of Reddog & Friends with an iPhone, and used a few pictures I snapped at the 2010 Cove Dog Olympics.  Maybe my next trip I can actually video the hula hoop action and the dogs laid out listening to the Reddog blues.  If you haven't been here, it's worth the trip.  It's even better by boat.

FloraBama Annual Mullet Toss

 I have been to the Flora-Bama many times over the last 25 years, but this was my first Mullet Toss to attend since moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast.  It was a blast, especially with all the butts, boobs, and bushwhackers.

Outdoor bar

The famous bushwhacker

 Main Stage

 If I only had one of those Mediterranean Condos next door, I would be at Flora-Bama every night.

 I wish I had a tan like this guy, but I would probably look like hell in 30 years.

 The view of the mullet toss activities from the upper deck bar

 Nice chairs.  Perdido Beach Services rents these for the best VIP viewing.

 View of the Flora-Bama from the beach

Measuring a toss

Boobs and a bushwhacker

Jack doing the bushwhacker dance waiting on Luther our taxi driver.  It looks like he had a great time.

A great day to fly a kite...

It has been a year since I lost my Father to lung cancer. It seems like only yesterday we were flying a kite on the beach at the Alabama Gulf State Park. It was actually Spring Break 25 years ago, and my family's first visit to Gulf Shores. I can remember it so vividly, because it was one of the happiest times of my life.
                                                        
My parents, my sister, my cousin, and I camped in a tent, cooked out at the campsite (feeding the raccoons the crock pot macaroni we did not want to eat), took the wooded nature paths to the beach, and played in the ocean. It was a marvelous experience, and one that I will never forget.

My Dad loved the beach, and so do I. That love of the beach is one reason why I moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast. It is also a beautiful place to experience some of the things I think are really special in life. People and nature.

Today is the perfect day to fly a kite. I think that is how I would like to honor my Father today. He would like that.

My first watercolor painting class

I cannot believe it took me this long to take my first watercolor painting class. For some reason, I thought I could never make the time. I have a long way to go, but I was thrilled to take home a painting where I could actually recognize the subject. It was the same success I felt when learning to ride a bicycle. True achievement. I really must thank Dody. She was my instructor today at Phoenix East Condominiums in Orange Beach. I think she changed my life. Dody helped me realize, I am not too old to learn something new.