When I stepped out of my room at 5:45 a.m. to go to the beach, I encountered really thick fog and decided that I'd skip trying to get there in time to greet the sun at 6:08. Visibility at 6:30 was not a great deal better, but I was eager to get on over to Gulf State Park. For park info see http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park.
(larger views may be available for some photos by clicking on them)
(larger views may be available for some photos by clicking on them)
Pretty clear by 7:00, but the condos and hotels down the beach were still wearing a blanket of fog.
Obviously, the fishing pier is a great place to fish, but it is also a great spot for making photos. It is 1540 feet long, extending out into the Gulf for more than a quarter of a mile, and according to the website, is the second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. More info here: http://www.gulfshores.com/details/gulf-state-park-pier/17165/
And looking toward shore.
My gear is ready to be hauled down to the beach. I'm traveling as light as possible and don't want to make multiple trips back and forth, so I only take the bare necessities. I do not tan well, so the ever-present sunscreen and a source of shade, my celestial print umbrella, are a must.
