First 2014 Adventure

It was a low-key but fun holiday here in the not-so-balmy south.  More on that later.  New Year’s Eve we had a late lunch at Lucy B. Goode’s restaurant, a new eatery in a complex developed by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lucille.  Unlike her brother’s hard-drinking, loud, frenetic Margaritavilles, the Lulu’s complex is quieter, kid-friendly and generally felt more welcoming to us geezers and families. 

Giant jungle gym at LuLu's

Unfortunately it rained pretty much all day and was chilly (in the 40s, yes, I know that’s not really cold to you up north but it is for down here so just stop snarking at us), but the turnout for the holiday face-painting, sandcastle building and other kids’ activities didn’t seem affected.  We missed the “safe” fireworks but had it explained as rolls of pink bubblewrap spread all over for the kids to stomp on.  Would have been fun. 

The food was exceptional, twists and takes on more traditional Southern food.  We started with a Pimenna cheese on flatbread-a really good version of pimento cheese with house-made pickle on the side.  Entrees included a great burger (my pick) and a roasted quail that had been de-boned and was served with stoneground Gouda grits, roasted root vegetables and a cornbread stuffing.  A couple of local beers and nice wine rounded out the meal.  It was a treat.  We ended the evening back in Chuck with some wine and an early night.

Quail

New Year’s Day dawned gloomy but dry as we got up to watch the sunrise (invisible behind the clouds), napped to make up for getting up for the sunrise, watched the poor Badgers get smacked around and prepped for having a dinner guest.  It’s been lots of fun to reunite with my college roommate, known to Plattevillians as Rock.  Down here they call her Linda, but it’s hard to lose that college nickname for those of us who knew her when.  Dinner was local spice-rubbed red snapper grilled, served with warm red cabbage slaw and zucchini noodles.  Good food, wine and company made for fun evening.  Unfortunately, Stanford got smacked also.

New Year's snapper

Yesterday we had our adventure.  We knew we wanted to take the car ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin (pronounced dolphin down here) Island and then drive up through Mobile, AL around the bay and back home.  Watching the weather, we could pick warmer and cloudy (50 degs yesterday) or cold and sunny (30 deg today).  We opted for warmer and headed for the boat.  We could see the water was rough waiting at the dock, and we watched the tiny ship get closer and closer.  The sign said it could take up to 28 vehicles, so we were somewhat reassured that it would be adequate size.  Robin and Linda were singing Titanic songs and references were made to the Edmund Fitzgerald.  

When the boat pulled up to begin loading, the attendant told us there would no round trips.  We were OK with that since we planned on driving back.  Then he told us why…the water was getting too rough and this would be their last trip across the bay for the day.  We never hesitated and drove on board with the 5 cars and the brave sailors in them. 

No turning back now!

I bailed out of the car and climbed up to an observation area above the deck as we pulled out.  We soon hit a swell and water splashed up on the deck and over the observation area.  I made a beeline for the car, braving 2 more waves before reaching comfort.  I was slightly damp but Rock and Robin were heartily amused by my antics so my work was done. 

Gulf oil rig 

The ferry passes close to a number of working oil rigs and it reminded us that Alabama was affected by the Gulf oil spill tragedy as much as Louisiana, but we don’t think about the coastal fishing industries in Alabama like we do their neighbor.  People still feel the effects and are bitter, with good reason.

We survived the ferry trip and headed for our goal, Bellingrath Gardens.  http://www.bellingrath.org/home/  If you are ever in this area, the Gardens are worth a visit, especially at Christmas time.  A brief history as explained to us is that Mr. Bellingrath was one of the original Coca-cola distributors, and as he made his fortune, he and his wife turned his fish camp into a palatial riverside home with extensive gardens.  They were first opened to the public in 1934 and now, every Christmas season, the gardens are lit with amazing displays.  Fueled by mediocre Mexican food consumed in nearby Bayou La Batre (best known for Forrest Gump), we hit the gardens at sundown and spent the next 90 minutes wandering the winter wonderland.  Words can’t really describe it, it was stunning.  The four photos below are just a small sample of the hundred or so I took.  We ended the day with a quick but good sandwich in downtown Mobile and the dark drive home.  Rock and her Prius did a great job leading the tour. 

The wind picked up and temperature dropped during the night.  Sleeping last night felt a little like a boat as Chuck rocked in the wind.  The sun is out but it’s in the 30s today, and so windy that we’re afraid to open the rig door.  Yes, the balmy south is not so balmy at the moment.  This is our last night at our cute little waterside RV park.  We’ve enjoyed out stay, but we’re only moving about 15 miles down the road tomorrow so there’s still time for more adventures with Rock.