Integrity Cruise

Day 221: - In Fairhope, AL and Environs

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Day 221: Saturday, December 3rd: This morning, our friend Gloria joined us for a homemade pancake breakfast aboard Integrity. The tides weren't friendly, so we couldn't take a boat ride. Instead we decided to tour the area between Fairhope, AL and the western edge of Florida, the "Flora-Bama," known far and wide to be a party spot.

We headed south and east past the closed Marriott Grand Hotel (under repair after hurricanes), and took a short detour through the charming old town of Magnolia Springs. This sleepy little village is beautiful. This street lined with live oaks is a good example:

Then we headed for Gulf Shores and Bill's old stomping grounds on Alabama Point. Bill remembered that in 1949 he stood alongside his brother, his dad and his uncle on a high sand dune on a deserted spit of land at the eastern edge of Alabama's Gulf coast. There was no development and they were at the end of the only road. His dad and uncle decided to buy the spit of land and build a beach house on it. It was completed in 1950. Today, the sand dune looks like this:

The development that has transpired is unbelievable. High-rise condos are all over the place. The development is shocking!

However, in spite of hurricanes, the recently famed Flora-Bama is bouncing back. The funky beach bar and popular nightspot is now open after the hurricanes:

Bill remembered this place as the only building on Alabama point. It was a combination liquor store and bar, one story - small - with a view of the beach. Today, it's overshadowed by high-rise condos:

We left the area and drove back to Gulf Shores. We stopped for a late lunch at "The Original Oyster Bar" before heading to the boat. The food was delicious!

We arrived back at the boat after dark and Ruth managed to get a picture of Gloria in mid-laugh. She was standing in the dark outside her Blazer. We had a delightful day touring with her as hostess.

Position tonight: N30 32.564 W087 54.160

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