The beach on the bay side was rich with beach grasses and pine trees unlike any I had seen before. There were also many unusual flowers growing in the sand. One was a white flower, much like a morning glory, which covered large areas of the beach.
|
On the only cloudy morning of our week's stay, I took a ride to the nearby Audubon Bird Sanctuary, where a lovely thousand-foot-long boardwalk meandered through 164 acres of lush seashore foliage and sand dunes to the bay. I did not see many birds, but enjoyed the quiet solitude and the leisurely stroll. I was told that an occasional alligator is sighted, sunning himself on the bank, but not while I was there. |
|
|
|
Parts of the sanctuary were thick with trees and shrubs; a pristine maritime forest among the dunes. Sand dunes are one of Mother Nature's wonders. They protect this and other barrier islands from heavy wave action and strong winds. From the shore, you could see the salt marshes and tidal flats, and watch the various sea birds. |
|
The sunsets on the island were very beautiful, with subtle differences each night that we were there. This shot was taken from the east point of the island on one of our first nights. Also on this end of the island is historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War site. Although we did not go inside the fort and take the tour, it was interesting to see the buildings and realize how the entrance to Mobile Bay was guarded from here. Construction took place from 1821 until 1848, and the fort was eventually captured by Union forces. |
|
|
|
On the final morning of our vacation, I took a walk along the edge of the surf and felt the sand between my toes and smelled the salt air. Having grown up near the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey, the beach always feels like "going home". All in all, it was a pleasant, restful week. We had our fill of delicious seafood and I had one more subject with which to make a webpage................. |
|
|
|
Song: "Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun"
