Meeting Folks

Last night Mike and I attended an entertaining "Three on a String" concert at the Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, AL.  Being a popular annual event, the house was packed and even though we arrived 20 minutes early, we sat in the back row of this 700-seat capacity auditorium.  Next to me sat a wonderful lady named Ruth from Wisconsin (Ruth--German, married her husband who is Norwegian...hmmm...like Finkenbinder marries a Torgerson.).  Ruth was introduced to Gulf Shores by her sister (who is currently 85 years old and suffering from dimentia) who came here each winter for more than 25 years. Ruth enjoys "simple knitting"--prayer shawls, prayer bookmarks, hats, caps, mittens--all of which are given away to others who need or would appreciate them.  Before the evening's end, Ruth gave me an open invitation to stop by her place at anytime.

At the end of our dock in a 65-foot Hattaras (M/V "The Jungle") is a local Alabama couple a bit younger than ourselves who own a nearby business offering full services (mechanical, structural, interior and exterior) for yachts. Their last name is "Jung" and they live on their boat with their labrador retriever, Troop, and 3 parrots-- thus the boat name of "The Jungle."  Their business has dealt with economic challenges and they've made changes to accommodate the cycles.  They sold their "home on the hard" a few years ago to become live-aboards. They describe their boat as "a project" which is a good description for any used boat one might purchase.

As we returned from a cruise to Bear Point's "Flippers" yesterday, we were again greeted by a dock neighbor at the ready to catch our lines and help guide Velsignet back into its slip.  This morning as I write this, Mike is on the dock visiting with slip neighbors who stopped to raise an easy conversation.

What is Gulf Shores like?  Besides being a favorite for Mike's parents, its bike trails, the protected marina, the wide variety of options for fine dining, things to see and places to visit, Gulf Shores has kind and proud snowbirds and locals who reach out to brighten the lives of others...including us!

National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola FL

On Monday, January 14th, we went back to the National Aviation Museum to see a WWII movie narrated by Tom Brokaw--this time with Mike's parents.  The movie wasn't playing on Mike and Brenda's previous visit--bonus for us
to return with Marlys and Glen! 

After the Aviation Museum, we enjoyed experiencing McGuires Irish pub where the lounge areas
feature walls and ceilings are lined with dollar bills!

We enjoyed fish 'n' chips and locally brewed porter in the beautiful wine room.

New Orleans, LA (NOLA)

On Thursday, January 17, we made a day trip to NOLA (or "naw-leens" as we hear the locals say it).  We were thrilled to get reconnected with Steve and Kathy (M/V "Red Pearl" currently at Dog River Marina in Mobile) and the 4 of us spent the day together.

We started our NOLA experience at Cafe Du Monde--menu:  Beignets (and only beignets) and Cafe au laite (coffee, chicory and hot milk; menu more expanded here--one could order regular coffee, hot chocolate or juice).  

We'd printed off an itinerary for our one-day whirlwind visit and finding our walking way around took a team effort.  Notice in this photo the iron railings on the second story of the downtown buildings.  Iron railings are a signature for NOLA--reminded us of Paris in that way--and we found the architecture of several buildings in the
French Quarter to be quite beautiful.

Our morning began with a bit of rain, but within a short amount of time, the rain quit, the sun came out and we enjoyed a day of mild to explore the streets in the French Quarter.

I imagine street entertainment is more evident as Mardi Gras crowds appear.  However, what we saw and heard, we liked!  This guy in the forefront stood like this for as long as we watched and listened to the background brass band--there's GOT to be an easier way to make a buck!

We took note of the brass band's banged-up tuba and its player.

This is St. Louis Cathedral.  It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.

On both sides of the Cathedral are museums: The historic Cabildo on one side (the site in which the agreement for the Louisiana Purchase was signed) and the equally historic Presbytere on the other.  We visited the Presbytere which featured 2 exhibits:  (1) The Devastation of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) The history of Mardi Gras. 

In the foreground is Jackson Park with its beautiful rose gardens and a life-sized statue of Andrew Jackson, Military leader and 7th President of the United States.

This is the interior of St Louis Cathedral which was originally built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France, who was later canonized by the Church. The original St. Louis Cathedral burned during the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt. The present structure was completed in the 1850s."

Behind St. Louis Cathedral is a beautiful garden that features a large white statue of Jesus Christ with an impressive "touch down!" shadow.  Obviously we took this photo later in the day (on our way back to our vehicle).  

We took in all of the shops at the French Quarter Market.
 It is quite impressive but, honestly, doesn't hold a candle to Seattle's Pike Place Market.

Near the French Quarter Market was this lovely park area.

Lunch was at Napoleon's where Muffeletta sandwiches and salads were signature items. 
As you can see, the staff made it also a fun place for us as well.

We explored the French Quarter by foot in the morning and after lunch, we gave our legs a break and drove through The Garden District.  History has it that after the Louisiana Purchase, many moved to New Orleans for opportunity.  The Creoles of the French Quarter were threatened by the education and experience of the newbies--thinking they would be run out of business.  So, the American newcomers were turned away.  In true American form, the American entrepreneurs settled upriver with snubbed noses and built opulent homes in their new community, establishing "The Garden District."

The Garden District is a beautiful neighborhood with gorgeous antebellum-style homes.  In the middle of the district is the Lafayette Cemetery.  The cemetery is locked at 2:30 p.m. each day (not a safe place in darker hours?) and from the outside of its dirty, crumbling walls....it's an eyesore.

After our after-lunch ride to The Garden District, we returned to the French Quarter and walked Bourbon and Royal Streets.  

Before leaving NOLA, Kathy, Steve, Mike and Brenda stopped for something to eat before the 3-hour ride back to Dog River and Home Port marinas. We arrived at this place (cannot remember its name) during Happy Hour and were told it was also Manager's Bacon Night.  What luck!  With our drinks we got a basket of crispy bacon!

 A Cruise to Flippers At Bear Point, Orange Beach AL

Yesterday with Glen and Marlys, we cruised Velsignet from Home Port Marina on the intercoastal for about an hour to the Bear Point Marina. 
At Bear Point, we enjoyed lunch on the deck overlooking the marina at the marina's "Flippers" restaurant.