Pensacola day 3 & 4

66 low / 79 high

Monday we went to the mall so I could visit Lenscrafters for new glasses. Ann did some shopping at Old Navy. We visited fresh Market for a few things and had lunch on the boat. In the afternoon we went to Pensacola Hardware which is not your typical hardware store. Something for everyone. We decided to try the happy hour wine special at Jaco's Cafe here in the marina. Ok but we've had better. Topped the evening with grilled steak and sweet potato.

Yesterday we headed back to Lenscrafters to pick up the glasses and then to Fresh Market and Publix. Stopped by John & Sue's to visit for a while. Tuesday is also the day that the Blue Angels practice so we enjoyed that for a bit in the afternoon from the marina. Last night we all headed for Pensacola Beach and enjoyed the season finale of Bands on the Beach concerts. The band did a tribute to the Beatles and sounded quite like them. We had wine and wings as we enjoyed the evening.

Pensacola day 2

54 low / 81 high

Another beautiful day! Up early yesterday and went to church for an 815 am service. What nice and friendly people! Last year we were frequently in towns with a church nearby but not so this year. It started our day perfectly. We had to relocate slips once we got back to the boat. John & Sue picked us up about 1130 and off to the beach we went. First stop was Peg Leg Pete's for oysters. Then to a beach bar and finally to Paradise Bar & Grill on the intercoastal. We had a great time seeing some of their favorite places.

Peg Leg Pete's

Beach bar.

Later Ann & I drove up to Lenscrafters so I could finally get a pair of glasses made. I sat on mine a few months ago and had to crazy glue one arm. Upon returning to their house Ann partook in a game of corn hole.

What form!

Back in Florida, Pensacola!

54 low / 79 high

We were up early to go have breakfast at the Wharf before we left Saturday. Cast off about 900 am for the trip to Pensacola. It was another beautiful day. We were surprised by John & Sue from Thanks Dad as they left an anchorage and joined us just before Pensacola Bay. They had been home for about a week and decided to go anchor out for the night. We arrived at Palafox Pier Marina and tied up to the inside of the fuel dock for the night. John & Sue came down later and picked us up for dinner and the Alabama game at their house. Both were great and we even had the pleasure of meeting John's mom who also joined us. Sue lent us her car so we'd have transportation while we are here. It was great to see them both again. One of the many blessings of this trip is the friends you make.

The Wharf & Marina.

Many colors!

Back in Florida!!!!!!!!

Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Orange Beach

54 low / 72 high

Another beautiful day in Orange Beach. We took off mid morning and wandered around the outlet mall in Foley, Al. The a stop back at Lulu's for Ann to exchange a shirt. Then the drive along the coast again to have lunch at Flora-Bama. We had a dozen very large oysters on the half shell baked and covered with bacon, raw onion, mozzarella and gouda cheese. Also had fresh red grouper lightly fried. it was all delicious. We also visited the Flora0Bama Yacht Club witch is across the street. On the way back did a quick stop at Publix for coffee. My first Publix since we left home last May. Relaxed a bit on the boat then walked up for happy hour. We were still so full from lunch that we just had a few snacks on the boat while we watched football.

 

The beach at the yacht club along the intercoastal.

Orange Beach to Florida to Orange Beach

61 low / 80 high

We rented a car yesterday to explore the area. We drove out to Gulf Shores beach and looked around. Then to Lulu's for lunch were we tried a few appetizers and some sides like LA caviar. Black eyed peas, chopped red onions, green, red & yellow peppers with a balsamic vinegar dressing. Then back to the beach and drove along the shoreline for quite a few miles and before we knew it we had crossed the state line into Florida. We turned around and found the Flora-Bama bar and the Alabama state line. Back to the boat for happy hour then up to the wharf for a dinner of wings and salad.

Gulf Shores beach

Right on the intercoastal.

Lulu's beach!

The beach at Orange Beach.

Can't be without the condos.

Flora-Bama

Inside the main bar area. There were many as well as an oyster bar.

Back across the border!

Fairhope day 3 & off to Orange Beach, Al.

55 low / 81 high

Mon. was our third day in Fairhope. We've been blessed with such wonderful weather. Ann & her cousin spent the day in town browsing the shops. I stayed with the boat and got caught up with the external cleaning. That evening was a pot luck at the yacht club and we had several invitations. Everyone was so friendly and curious about our travels. We soon were invited to join several couples for supper. Among them were 2 fascinating people. 1 was Marlin Griffin. He was 98 years old and had just returned from purchasing a new car. He had been a WWII combat photographer and had videoed the Japanese war crimes trials. Over the years he had been an artist, photographer and art director. The man was just as sharp with his memory as any of us youngsters. The other person was Madie Ewing. She is 91. She and her husband started out in New Orleans, then Mobile and finally in the Fairhope area. She was an avid sailor but there were no women allowed to be members of the yacht club at that time. So she used to sail the races under her husbands name and won many of them. One hallway is lined with her trophies.

Ann & Carolyn

The yacht clubs pool.

The Fairhope Yacht Club.

 

Madie & Marlin
 

We departed Wed. around 930am with the rising tide for the trip down the very shallow Mobile Bay. At the south end we joined the intercoastal waterway and were welcomed back by pine trees and real palm trees. We passed Lulu's restaurant which belongs to Jimmy Buffett's sister. Arrived at the Wharf Marina about 130pm and settled in for a few days. This is another resort marina with condos and a main street filled with shops and restaurants. Things are slow now but crowded on the weekends and the summer. We had dinner on an outdoor patio and even saw the nightly light show. All the palm trees that line main street are lit as well as rotating lights on the buildings along the street. They all change color to music.

Leaving Fairhope.

Out on the bay.

Back in the intercoastal and still tows.

Lulu's

Part of the shops at the Wharf.

Dinner spot on main street.

Part of the light show.