Fairhope, AL Eastern Shore Marina 11/10-13/16
We had an easy crossing through Mobile and then into Mobile Bay once again... The closer we got to Mobile, the more the scenery changed to bayou country complete with hanging Spanish moss, kudzu, stumps sticking out of the water, palms and more varied water grasses and plants.
We started seeing more industry before Mobile and massive international container ships in the Port of Alabama at Mobile. It's the twelfth largest port in the country. Dad was excited to see more of the Navy littoral combat ships and had mom photographing them as we passed. We could see Battleship Park in the distance with the Battleship USS Alabama. Once we crossed into the Bay we saw a dolphin pod playing, so I knew we were getting closer to home.
Lonestar came in later and docked between Fins and us. So excited to see them again! We got to introduce them to Fins and Compass Rose before they all took the funky courtesy car for dinner at Shux on the Pier. I understand another fun time was had by all! Mom was nice enough to bring me catfish leftovers! I love them and her!!!
The next day dad and Phil decided to rent a car for 3 days to give us more freedom to see the sights. We saw Lonestar off in the morning, so they could have boat work done at Turner's. Phil and dad got our loaner car.
I love this marina because it has a nice large dog area down by their small beach. Mom can even play ball with me, but I stayed out of the water.
They left me napping while they went to lunch, sightseeing in Fairhope and shopping. Later in the evening they left again to go to Tamara's Downtown in Fairhope which they said was one of their best meals yet...I guess it was! "No, leftovers!" Rats!!!
Off they went Friday morning for breakfast at Eastern Shore Cafe in Daphne, then onto Mobile. Mom found Gulf Coast Trolleys for the four of them to get the history and layout of Mobile. It turns out they loved this city!!!
Mom told me it is as charming as New Orleans, but smaller and more intimate! It was founded in the 1700's and named for the Mobilian? Indians. While under the French, it had a strong shipbuilding history. It remained French until 1753 when it came under Great Britain until 1776. When the British lost this country, Spain jumped in and claimed the city for awhile before it became part of the US in 1819. It joined the Confederate States during the War of Northern Aggression. :-)
However, in 1865 one third of the city was lost to an arsenal explosion and fire. Many of the gorgeous homes M & D saw date back to the Victorian rebuilding period. In 1803 the first private Mardi Gras parties began. By the 1830's it became more public with parades and societies being formed to support the celebrations. The only time Mardi Gras hasn't been held here is during our Civil War, and the two World Wars. It's grown into the second largest continuing community gathering. It is celebrated for about 2-3 weeks and supports a $400 million plus dollar industry...
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| Coming into Eastern Shore Marina |
Kevin and Steve from Lonestar
Here we are at Shux on the Pier
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| One of the lovely Fairhope, AL downtown buildings...charming, small town! |
Our breakfast cafe...so darling and the menu was really delightful!
Was kidding Lynne about picking at Phil, literally!
We saw this place on the Gulf Coast Trolley Tour and decided it was a place for foodies like us
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| This emblem is the official historic one representing the 6 countries that governed Mobile |
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| Our last night's sunset over Mobile Bay |
This was taken from Lily's dog park and beach...
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| We were still navigating the Black Warrior/Tombigbee Rivers here |
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| See the vegetation changing...more Spanish moss, kudza and tree stumps sticking up |
One of the large steel plants we saw along this stretch
For whatever reason this barge had the seagulls in a tizzy!!!
Just love the pelicans, they always look like ole souls to me
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| Haven't seen many of these style bridges in awhile |
This wetland scenery reminds us of coming across Georgia and the Carolinas
Just hanging out...
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| These tidal marshes so close to Mobile are crucial for the health of the waterways and bay. |
Rather intimidating going by these gigantic ships!!!
Passing through the Port of Alabama right by Mobile before entering the Bay
Thought these yellow tugs were cute
Mobile, Alabama
Austral is one of the big employers here building these Navy littoral combat ships that are way over budget and still not working well...
The convention center and public pier that some loopers use, but you have to be ready to rock and roll!
One of the Princess ships and the closed Maritime Museum behind it
We were guessing the tall ship was part of the museum?
A tri-hull literal ship in this photo
Loved this old building which must have been the terminal center at one time?
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| One of these mega container ships in dry dock |
Incredible to see acres and acres of these containers waiting to be loaded onto ships
Our view of Mobile as we entered the Bay
John, Mike, Terry and Steve chatting and drinking after getting tied up
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| Our first night's sunset here in Fairhope, AL |
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| We decided Mike and I are the King & Queen of Trolley Tours...Phil and Lynne came along too |
One of the two founders of this town
A one third size replica of Fort Conde with the Government Service Center in the background
Arthur, our excellent Gulf Quest Tour Guide with a high school business teacher on a field trip
The historic Magula Inn on the major downtown Mardi Gras parade route...
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| Love the fancy lattice ironwork |
Think this was called Spanish Park...really beautiful with all the live oaks
The famous Callaghan's Irish Pub
One of the beautiful preserved homes here
Home of a famous Mobile landscaping expert...It's a Jungle in There!
The famous Mobile Moonpie that gets dropped at New Year's
Oliver, the friendly Trolley Dog
The fun Daphne St with loads of boutiques, bars, theaters and restaurants
Wonderful details on this old theater building
Cincy has their Flying Pig Statues, here it is Oyster Shells depicting Mobile's history
Getting into the Mardi Gras Spirit at the Carnival Museum
Isn't it incredible how I grew an extra arm?!!!
I can't begin to imagine how much money, time and labor is spent on these gowns and capes?!
Some of the capes are so heavy, they not only line them in plastic sheeting so they will glide but they use ball bearings too...
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My favorite part was the Cowboy Comics who make fun of everything and everyone!!!
Joe Cain, as an Indian who reinstated Mardi Gras after the Civil War with his mistress and widow mourners...another graveyard tradition!
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The Carnival Museum
WW II Bomber at Battleship Park
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