February 14-20, 2019
An uneventful 110 mile ride and we arrived at Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort AL, just across the bay from Mobile. While a very nice park, since water is great for carrying sound, you do get some background noise from I10. We had site 11 which backed up to the bay, FHU’s and the ants they are known for never bothered us, we did take precautions though. Nice asphalt pads but no fire pits L. We’ve never spent time in the area so we did a few of the touristy things on the few nice weekdays we had. We opted not to go into Mobile for any of the Mardi Gras parades, didn’t feel like dealing with the crowds and traffic. 
We spent a day visiting Dauphin Island. Our first stop was the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, while we found no birds or gators it was a great place to get a nice walk in.
Our next stop was Fort Gaines which was built to protect Mobile Bay and the surrounding area, while it was started in 1819 it wasn’t completed till 1862 by the Confederate States of America. It played a pivotal role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. The expression “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” came from this battle. For more information click here.
We scored some great metal pieces from Ralph, the blacksmith at Fort Gaines
On a day that was supposed to be nice but turned rainy, we visited the USS Alabama complex. Not only do they have the battleship but also an air museum and a submarine to tour.
USS Alabama
USS Drum
Dad, I hope you enjoyed the pictures.
Another crawfish stop.
The rest of the time here we’ve done various chores and enjoyed some downtime. We’re about to head into Florida and we know it’s going to get crazy soon so this was a nice respite before all that.
Next up Topsail Hill Preserve State Park where friends are volunteering.
Until next time…
Just love it all!
ReplyDeleteDoing you proud, playing the tourist wherever we can.
DeleteWe would have liked several of those sights, especially the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Bummer there was no birds though!
ReplyDeleteNo birds but a great walk.
DeleteIt was fun to see Dauphin Island. Mike was stationed at the Air Force base many years ago. Now he telling the stories from back then.
ReplyDeleteDauphin Island is our favorite island. Like you there were no birds on our first visit there. But got lucky the second time around since we arrived there just in time for the spring migration and the landfall for neo-tropical migrant birds were abundant.
ReplyDelete