I don’t have the words to describe the amazing clarity and color 
of the water of Gulf of Mexico at Gulf 
Shores, AL. I had no idea! The sand is the color and consistency of granulated sugar and makes a squeaking noise when you walk on the beach. Maggie has now waded in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico. She is such a lucky dog.
This is my first trip to Alabama. As a northern Yankee I admit to having preconceived ideas about Alabama. I think the Gulf coast is an aberration, not the real Alabama. High rise luxury hotels, and $90 a round golf courses. When walking on the beach during spring break, the majority of people were white. There are Targets, and Wal-Mart, and all the other retail outlets that populate every U.S. community. I found a great new rug for Scout at the local Ace Hardware, my favorite retailer.
The Bay Breeze RV park 
is a lovely small RV park owned by Paulette and Jerry. Jerry leaves Maggie a small milk bone on the trailer step each morning. They work 7 days week 365 days a year, and they are incredibly cheerful and welcoming. It takes special people to be so cheerful 365 days. If I was going to organize a camping meet-up, this would be a fun place to do it. Bay Breeze is on the shores of the Bon Secour Bay. Gulf Shores is over 45 miles west of Pensacola, Florida. The name “Bon Secour” derives from the French phrase meaning “safe harbor” due to the secluded location on the inside coast of the Fort Morgan peninsula of southern Alabama. Just down the road is the Gulf State Park. For my hiking vacationing friends, state parks now have cabins! When we camping as kids it was tents or rented tear-drop trailers. Gulf Park has beautiful cabins fully equipped starting at $150 a night sleep 2 – 10 people, and are RIGHT ON THE WATER! Bike and hiking trails, and a golf course, I will be visiting as well where the green fees are $29. Where I will be playing.
I was going to move to another location, but why move when I can stay here until April 25, when we go to New Orleans. NO is only 3 hours 198 miles away, so staying here will avoid a move – hooking and unhooking. I am looking forward to meeting up with my Alaska pals, Hilary and Robin, Bruce and Lydia (now living in Tacoma), who will join me at New Orleans for the first weekend of Jazz Fest April 27-29. Bonnie Raitt, Sting, and Rod Stewart are all headliners. I hope the sun will shine, but I have my rubber boots just in case.
Anyone who wants to join us come on down, south!
