March 2013
It has been over a week since we left for Foley, AL. It was snowing when we left Rib Mt and drove in it until south of Portage. Two overnight stops, one in Marion, IL and one in Canton, MS. We missed all the bad weather on the trip south. However, we ran out of room on a merge ramp in Mobile, AL when a semi screamed by the side of our bus almost causing us to hit the curb. I could see the wall of the tunnel coming my way as we were wedged between the passing semi and the wall. Other than that we only missed one ramp and ended up on a service road that took us back to the highway.
We arrived at Bella Terra Monday and laid low for a few days. Part of the RV Park is under construction as the owners received over $1M from the BP oil spill that happened 2 years ago. Roads are being put in, sod has been placed and palm trees are being erected. That reminds me, I need to pick a palm tree out for Jade.
The soil here is bright orange clay. The water in the small lake in the complex has turned brown as no soil erosion screening was put up. With the fountain blowing and the red clay seeping into the water, I doubt it will be clear before we head for home.
Le Roy was hungry for BBQ ribs so we found a little rib shack not far from the RV resort. The ribs were tender and not overcooked. Stopped at a local fish shop and bought some royal reds (deep water shrimp that are huge) and red snapper. The local Piggly Wiggly claims to charge only 10% over cost.
Several members of our Wisconsin Allegro group are staying at Bella Terra so we all went out for Mexican Food at El Paso on Tuesday evening. Made a note that Margaritas are half price on Thursday nights.
Wednesday -- our Minocqua friends arrived around 6 pm so we went out for dessert with them. Afterwards we watched the movie Zero Dark Thirty.
Thursday --We took a drive to the west side of this peninsula to Point Clear and Fairhope then headed south to find the shrimp boats. We located Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour and were amazed at the xx large shrimp.
The old weathered guy behind the fish display suggested stuffing the shrimp with jalapenos and cream cheese, wrapping them in bacon and grilling them until the bacon was crisp. I bought some Cobia fish to try. We cooked fresh shrimp and steaks on the grill with Trapps and later went to a concert in the Clubhouse where a crooner named Matt sang tunes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Saturday -- It is cold in the south, but at least it is dry. The gulf stream is making it cold all the way down to Miami, FL. We went to a Seafood Festival in Orange Beach, just a few miles toward Gulf Shores. It was cancelled last weekend due to 8" of rain. I think they could have cancelled today due to cold temps and a blustery wind. What do you think of the "rat rod"?
Sunday -- Krispy Kreme is alive and well in Foley, AL. We took a drive along the beach road and saw white sand dunes and beach houses built on stilts. It was cold and there were few people on the beach. There was a 2:00 call at the Clubhouse for Bloody Marys. The WAW couples got together for a bratwurst cookout at the Clubhouse about 5:30.
Monday -- There was a gathering of all the folks from the Badger State. Introductions with pastries in the Clubhouse for about an hour. We left to take a ferry ride from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island where there is a sea lab where biologists are dispatched for dolphin, pygmy whale and manatee rescue. I talked to two employees who were returning from a beach where a dead dolphin was located. Just off shore from Fort Morgan were natural gas rigs that look like oil rigs. We counted at least 35 rigs that could be seen in the not too far distance. A large fruit and vegetable stand drew us in for some fresh strawberries and peaches. Shrimp and clams for a late lunch or an early dinner at 4pm -- oh my gosh, we're turning into real SENIORS! 
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