More Gulf Shores, 11/6/2015

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)

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/ 

A shot from the pier looking out to sea.

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.  

My nest for the day will require reconfiguring as the sun moves across the sky.

Sun. Warm weather. No crowds. Very nice. Good for several hours.

 

At the Beach

Wasn't planning to go. Ended up doing MomTaxi duty when the guys' planned transportation failed. I have to admit it was nice to get away for a little while. Although it was the last week of the official spring break period, it was not crowded. The weather was really nice with temperatures in the 70's and low 80's during the day, 60's at night.  It was breezy and sunny every day. Clear night skies allowed plenty of star gazing. I watched a beautiful moonrise between two tall condos the first night and the ISS (International Space Station) do a flyover the next night. There was a lovely view of Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn every night.

 (click to enlarge photos)
 

View from our balcony

A nice little spot to relax day or night

A night shot from the stairwell of the waterfall at one of the pools

The water was clear and lovely the entire time. Most days there was a bit of surf, but the last day it was like glass.

It was very relaxing beside the calm water.

Made a couple of new friends who visited with me almost daily

I missed all my furbabies, so late in the afternoon on the last day, I was inspired to do a little sand sculpture.

I had to leave to head back to Huntsville before seeing the incoming tide wash it away that evening.

Last evening; only sunset photo I made