DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama (April 24, 2021) – We did it! We finally settled into our gulf view rental on this small but beautiful piece of sand and trees at the mouth of Mobile Bay. From the porch – looking through a small Slash Pines stand – I can see the beach on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. To my left, I see the mouth of the bay. Across the entrance, I can see the lights of Fort Morgan, Alabama, and offshore I can see several natural gas rigs rising from the waves near the horizon.
But the whole experience is more than what I can see. This is what I hear: the crashing waves and the wind blowing through the trees – in front of and behind the rental. And it’s about the smells: the salty air, the smell of pine and the occasional breeze filled with the sweet scent of magnolia blossoms.
Prior to our arrival the area received about seven inches of rain due to fairly severe storms. When we got here around 2:30 p.m. today the sea was still rough, but the clouds and mist cleared well. The kids couldn’t wait to get to the beach so we all took a little walk across the street and through the small patch of trees to the water’s edge.
What a relaxing afternoon!
We found there was so much to do here on the island. And we are fortunate to have arrived after spring break and before the peak tourist season. The place is practically empty, to hear the locals speak. Either way, we’re here and the fun is just beginning. We will no doubt take the ferry from Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan at some point. And a trip or two to the West End to watch the sun set in the gulf over the dunes of this more natural part of the island.
There is an estuarium nearby where attractions include detailed descriptions and examples of the four specific ecosystems contained within the Mobile Bay area. The beautiful area directly behind our rental is part of the Audubon Bird Sanctuary – a forest within the limits of the island. I could go on and on – but we just got here. I will try to write more as the week goes on.
There is certainly a lot to do here. Even so, if you caught a glimpse of me, you might find me sitting on the porch watching and listening to the sea. Or sitting on the beach with my feet in the sand – beach feeling!