2021 Feb 8, Day Trip to Huntsville, Alabama

Hubby and I rode to Huntsville today for my Opthomologist appointment. You know the drill by now. Stay, in your car, and call the office to let them know you are there; they will call you back when you can come inside. Once inside the building, they take your temperature; you are given a sticker to place on your shirt or blouse that says you are okay to enter the building. Once inside, I checked in; after a short wait was called back to the waiting room. The pressure in both my eyes was checked both registered 15 and The optic nerve in both eyes was checked nothing changed. I had taken my big camera with me; I wanted to get a few pictures of the waterfowl and colorful fish that swam at Big Spring Park, so that was our next stop. On our way to Huntsville, the thermometer on the car read 35 and showed snow; but it turned out to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining; not much wind with a little chill in the air. I took my coat but never had to put it on.

Canadian Geese 

We then rode to Braham Spring Park where we saw Canadian Geese, Mallard Ducks, and a few starlings eating and swimming at the park. I said it's such a beautiful day let's go to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur so we entered I-565 and not far past the airport the traffic was bumper to bumper because they were working on the road and were merging into one lane. We then turned onto I-65 only to find out they were working on the interstate and were also merging into one lane. We finally made it to our turn off and hubby said what do you think about getting lunch at Libby's in Priceville. I said that sounds good for I love me some good old fried catfish. I was not disappointed; I ordered one piece of fillet with coleslaw, hush puppies, onion, baked potato, and iced tea. I could not eat it also got a to-go box.

Catfish plate @Libby's in Priceville, Alabama

We then rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to see what was left of the Sandhill Cranes to my disappointment they were just a few. The visitor center was closed and so was the observation building. There was a wooden wall with holes cut out to view the fields but no birds. We stopped at Jack's in Decatur for a diet Coke and two strawberry Cheesecake pies. Our last stop was a Wheeler Dam to see the waterfowl. Saw a few White Pelicans so we didn't stop. When we got home I went outside and filled both bird feeders and saw more birds at home than I did at all the places where we had stopped. We have Cardinals, Wrens, Finch, Tuff Titmouse, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Downy Woodpeckers just to name a few of our backyard birds.

2020 Jan 27, Enjoying a warm winter's day

It was so nice to finally see 👀the sun today, with a nip of cold air still about. I have not been out much because of the cold winter rain. 

I rode to the Rock Pile at TVA Dam hoping to see an eagle and maybe some waterfowl.

I saw a few waterfowl but no eagles. 

I meet  Steve Lovell a great photographer who has a website on Facebook where he posts some of his photographs.

TVA Dam & Waterfowl 

I stopped at the TVAM to view the art on display that was donated by Wanda and Bill Isom. 

Every room was filled with art that they had collected over the years. One room was filled with Japanese block art. 

The hall was filled with the art of birds. 

The Main gallery was full of large lithography of birds. 

In the back room was a variety of art including a Norman Rockwell piece and a Van Gogh piece. 

Loved the displays.

White Muted Swan

Canadian Geese 

Domestic geese

My next stop was Spring Park ( Growing up I spent many hours playing at this park).

Spring Park has a man-made waterfall that is fed by a spring that flows into the pond below. 

Permanent residents are two Muted White Swans.

Other waterfowl that can be found here are Black Muscovy Ducks, White  Muscovy Ducks, Domestic Ducks, Mallard Ducks, Canadian Geese, and others. 

A Great place to get pictures of waterfowl. 

We had a lot of rain this year and Spring Park was flooded. A couple of rides were completely covered in water and are no longer in use.  

My granddaughter-in-law owns a beauty school in Sheffield so I stopped in to visit with her and my great-grandson. Hayne is just a doll, so cute, lovable, and sweet. 

Big Box of Chicken and fixin' from Bojangles

Hubby would be home from work soon so I stopped at Bojangles to pick up a box of chicken and the fixings for supper. 🍗

It was a beautiful day not too hot or not too cold. 

Hope we have more days like today.

2019 Mar 16, 🚎Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History Tuscumbia, Alabama

It was in the 40s this morning cloudy, and windy so I grabbed my big coat, and winter boots and joined a group of locals and out-of-towners. 

Everyone met at Coldwater Books and began boarding the trolley at 9:30AM 

The trolley was taking a group on a “Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History 

Our guide told a fantastic story of Helen Keller, and her great-niece, Keller Johnson Thompson.

On the steps of Ivy Green, Mrs. Thompson told amazing stories of her great-aunt as we waited for a large group to finish their tour.

We toured the home and the many collections of Helen, her status, and the key she locked Annie Sullivan inside a closet. 

Helen Keller a girl who learned to communicate (WATER)

Older Helen Keller 

Outside the Keller Museum, we could see Cherry Trees were in full bloom and the gardens aglow with spring colors.

Cherry Trees @ Ivy Green in full bloom 

Tuscumbia’s Bicentennial Commission, Trolley Tour, "Miracle Ride: Helen Keller in Living History", was awesome.

After the tour, I enjoyed soup, a lunch sandwich, and a slice of mile-high cheesecake. 

Mile high cheesecake 
Cream cheese pure vanilla, butter baked on a pecan & graham cracker crust! to die for!

An eating bowl full of Crawfish bisque 
1/2 turkey with smoked cheddar melted cheese and a tall glass of iced tea

I had a wonderful day, a bit cold but finished the day off with a hot bowl of Crawfish bisque.

2019 Jan 7, Day Trip to Guntersville, Alabama State Park

Hubby and I rode to Guntersville but before we started our trip we stopped to purchase our lottery tickets for the week and to get our weekly B12 Shots. We stopped at Foodland and purchased two canned drinks and again at McDonald's in Rogersville for two apple pies. 

What a way to start the day!

We traveled US 72 E to I65 S to I565 E to US 431 SE to Guntersville. 

We arrived in Guntersville around 11:30 AM stopping at Lake Guntersville to take pictures of 100s of Cormorants and Sea Gulls that were perched on the piers. 

Gulls

Cormorants

At 12:40PM we stopped at KFC and ate from the buffet. 

I chose a chicken leg and wing, fried okra, and collard greens

After a hardy lunch, we began our adventure to Guntersville State Park.

We stopped at Guntersville State Park Birding Site #34 to take a few pictures.

Signs there said that we might see Signature Species, waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and Birds of Prey sadly, we did not see a single bird at site #34.

We rode up the hill past the State Park Cabins and Lodge, and down the hill to the Campgrounds, beach, and pavilion.

On our way down we saw a doe hiding in the brush.

At the State Park Lagoon, we saw two goats, 3 Emus

Five Donkeys 

The beach was desolate but there were hundreds of American Coots and gulls. 

As we were leaving the beach we saw these two does.
They came right up to the car and stopped for a picture
They were still there as we drove away.

We left Guntersville State Park around 2:30PM and headed to Bucks Pocket.
We missed our turn and rode 8 miles too far. 
Turned on our GPS and it took us down several winding roads.

Waterfall @ Bucks Pocket State Park

We walked down to the overlook at Bucks Pocket State Park where we saw a waterfall in the distance. 
We walked back to the car and hubby plugged our home address into the GPS which led us down this winding road that crossed the bridgeless South Sauty Creek. The creek water came from the waterfall we had seen earlier. Like so many backcountry roads in Tennessee, there was no bridge. There was only a poured concrete foundation where the creek flowed over the concrete. The road to the Ranger station was closed because of all the rain. Hubby said he saw tire tracks so he felt the bridge was safe to cross. 

We stopped at Weathington Park Overlook Sections, Alabama
It overlooks the Tennessee River

The sun was setting as we entered Scottsboro and a few clouds had drifted in giving us a spot of rain.

It was getting dark when we stopped on the East side of Huntsville at McDonald's for dinner. 

We stopped at Dicks and Cabela's in Huntsville to look at Scopes.

We talked to a couple of employees at Dicks about scopes and camera lenses.

We watched an employee feed the fish at Cabela's.

We arrived home around 8:30PM. 

I was exhausted from all the traveling, took a shower put on my PJs, climbed into bed, and was asleep in no time. 

On Feb 22, three young people drove across this South Sauty Creek and their jeep was swept into the floodwaters two of the young people were rescued as of March 1, the third Koy Spears has not been found. 

Tennessee and Alabama have been flooded with rain the ranger's station at this location was closed when we crossed South Sauty Creek in my opinion the creek should have been closed. Thank God the creek was not roaring that day but the creek was up and you could not see the concrete. 

2018 May 29-Jun 2, 🚙The sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Loaded my new Nissan Murano with my suitcase and camera and drove to my sisters to meet them for our trip. While waiting for them to finish getting ready I went outside and took some pictures. There were birdhouses in different shapes and sizes filled with bird feed atop tall poles, along with wind-chimes, and deer antlers.

Standing next to a mailbox, I saw a bicycle covered with vines of purple flowers, its basket was filled with lots of pink flowers.

Sitting next to a gate, and next to a pink rose bush,  with some faded and crumbling blooms,

sat on a wooden bench, that read School Bus

On top, of the fence post, See Rock City, on both sides red rose bushes stood a birdhouse.

A flower bed with several greenery plants, stepping pads, a wooden bench, a wagon wheel, a pot, and water flowing from a small pump down a wooden plank into a bucket. 

All this was enclosed and the ground was covered in mulch, a birdhouse, and a fence on the backside. There was a brick path leading up to the home next to the path stood another flower bed, a tall pole with a birdhouse, a wooden sign that read HOME, and atop was a big black dinner bell. All around the home were flowerbeds dotted with greenery and orange/yellow tubed blooms. In the distance stood an outhouse, with a washtub hanging on the side. A cabin with wooden steps on two sides, two wagon wheels, a dipper, cowbells, a bucket, and other paraphernalia hanging from the porch. A black mailbox number 146 standing next to the steps waiting for delivery. Jumping, playing, and hiding among the tall flowers was their bulldog puppy.

Red Roses

We have had lots of rain during April and May and today was no exception.

It started to rain and rained most of the day. The rain lessened the further south we went. 

We enjoyed lunch at Dairy Queen in Northport near Tuscaloosa. We stopped at Chick-fil-A in Foley for dinner. It was getting late when we arrived at Island Winds East. Unloaded the car and headed to the beach. My niece and her friend had never seen the Ocean/Gulf and were very excited. The water was still very turbulent from the storm that had come through a few days before. 

There was a full moon overlooking the Gulf the night we arrived. 

Full Moon 

Bird, Clouds, and Turbulent Water 

Wednesday, May 30

Around six AM I walked to the sand-covered beach, there were a few people out and about, some watching the sunrise, some looking for shells, and some walking and wading in the water. 

It looked like a fire breaking through the clouds as the sun began to shine. It was going to be another hot day.

Everyone enjoyed playing in the gulf. It was too hot for me so I got into the swimming pool and later went back to the room.

Around seven I walked down to the concrete boardwalk to watch the sunset. There were several tarps above concert benches with palm trees around each area. Footprints covered the sand and silence filled the air along the beach.

As I neared the Hangout I could hear a band playing 

Sunrise

Thursday, May 31

With my camera, I walked to the quiet beach around 7 AM.

There I saw a few white & pink clouds floating above the Gulf as the sun began to rise. 

A few birds were feeding, few people setting up for the day but still very quiet. Going to be another hot day.

Around noon we went to the theme park OWA in Foley.

The ground at the park was covered in Concrete making for an even hotter day.

We rode several rides but had the most fun in the kiddy area. 

Enjoyed a banana split Ice Cream at Hershey Ice Cream Parlor.

At Wahlburgers everyone ordered hamburgers and fries, and I ordered chicken fingers.

Katie enjoyed the splash pad where buckets of water splashed over her head. 

OWA Park 

Friday, June 1

Up and down to the beach at 6AM to watch the sunrise. A few clouds covered the sky, the waves not quite so turbulent, and not as many birds. The storm had brought high waves and in those waves were schools of fish.

The sun was up, and it was getting hot as my sister and I walked down to the Hangout stopping to take a picture in the BIG BLUE chair. 

Gulf Shores Hangout 

Everyone enjoyed another day at the beach, not me I went sightseeing.

I drove to Elberta to see dinosaurs and arrived around 10AM. Stopped at a Marathon Gas Station in Elberta to fill it with gas, and to purchase a coke and cookies.

Dinosaur Park 

I drove to Fort Morgan and toured the Museum where I saw Mobile Point Lighthouse Order Fresnel Lens (1873-1966), a 32-pound Carronade, a picture of Admiral David Farragut, Civil War Artillery at Fort Morgan, & Last Campaign Federal Operations at Mobile March thru April 1865. 

There were war signs posted along the walls, “I want you for US Army, Join the Army Air Service, Help Them Keep your war sayings PLEDGE, Tell that to the Marines Men wanted for the Army and etc.” Army returns to Fort Morgan 1989, A gallant officer and gentleman Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Stewart. The Big Gun Corps at Fort Morgan had several uniforms and guns. I walked around inside the Fort and drove around the outside of the fort. It was just too hot to stay for very long. 

I drove to Foley where I toured the Train Depot and the L & N. Red Caboose stationed outside the Museum. 

Inside the museum, I saw a statue sitting on a long bench, a bell, a set of faded blue luggage, and a stove with a metal kettle sitting on top. I saw an empty trunk, a closed trunk, and a Piano with a songbook opened to the song DEAD MARCH IN SAUL on page 87. 

Song Book at Train Depot 

I saw a wheel barrel with a sack of Hollywood-washed potatoes, two old-style telephones, the sign “No Longer a 'ONE CROP” Country, a couple of washtubs, a Mother’s Best Flower sign, a ringer Washing machine, an Ice Box and a Potato Grader.

 I walked across the street where I toured the Holmes Medical Hospital Museum.

There I saw wheelchairs, hospital rooms, a doctor's office, examining rooms, medical equipment, bedpans of every shape and size, medical books, an Ex-ray Room, medicine bottles, scales, a skeleton, a sink, a washtub, an Incubator for infants and so much more. 

I walked up the street to the Art Museum flowers were in bloom everywhere. Painted on the Foley Coffee Shop was a man standing next to a red truck, a train engine # 1701 with smoke coming out of an airplane flying overhead. 

Mural 

I walked to the overpass, took the elevator up crossed the road to Heritage Park, stopped at the Visitor Center, and drove back to Condo.

We ate dinner at Desoto’s Seafood Cafe the place was packed.

Saturday, June 2,

Up early once again to white clouds with the sun trying to break through, the beach was quiet, and the sand was covered in footprints, going to be another hot day.

I drove over to the Wetlands and walked across the wooden bridge. There were two young from Texas fishing. I took a few pictures as I walked along the bridge. 

Wetland Bridge/Boardwalk 

Rode back to the Condo packed and drove home. 

2018 Jan 31-Feb 5,🚙 Trip to Mobile, Saraland, Alabama and Carnival Fantasy Western Caribbean Cruise Cozumel, Mexico

Day 1 January 31,

We traveled along Highway 43 passing through Russellville, Spruce Pine, Phil Campbell, Bear Creek, Brilliant, Winfield, Fayette, Tuscaloosa, Fosters, Ralph, Knoxville, Eutaw, Forkland, Demopolis, Providence, Linden, Dixons Mills, Thomasville, Fulton, Grover Hill, Jackson, Macintosh, Movico, Axis onto I-65 s to I-10 W to hwy 90, hwy 59, 188, 193 to Dauphin Island.

We stopped in Forkland to take pictures of Jim Bird's Hay Bale Art and Tin Man.  

Tin Man 

At Dolphin Island, we walked along the boardwalk taking pictures:

Living Marsh & Boardwalk 

Marine Debris a Silent Killer 

Marine Debris Timeline

Butterflies of Dauphin Island

Mr. Sand Part I, II, III  

A Real Partnership 

Energy from the Sands of Time 

Where am I? 

Alabama Coastal Connection 

Dune plants survive in a harsh environment

Wetland birds 

The tidal Marshes of Alabama

Barrier Islands shaped by wind & Waters

Invertebrate Trail

Research on Marsh Restoration at Dauphin Island’s Sea Lab

Whether the Weather

The Living Marsh

Dauphin Island 

Rays at Dauphin Island 

We the Fort at Dauphin Island but it was closed and so was Sea Lab.

We drove to the Audubon Sanctuary Nature Interpretive trail looking for the bird. We could hear them but did not see any. 

We did see several turtles. 

It was getting late and we wanted to reach Saraland before dark. 

We arrived at Comfort Inn 1200 SHELTON BEACH RD SARALAND, AL checked into our room, and walked next door to eat dinner at Winzell’s. I ordered a fried shrimp basket with Coleslaw and water with lemon to drink.

My friend ordered the Shrimp Poboy served with lettuce, tomatoes, purple onion, and pickles served out their signature bread served with French fries. 

It had been a long day so we retired to our room for the night.

The Inn where we stayed was being remodeled. 

Shrimp Poboy

Fried shrimp basket with Coleslaw

Day 2: Thursday, February 1

We ate a continental breakfast at the Inn packed our bags and I drove us to the Port of Mobile.

We were a bit early to board Carnival Fantasy Cruise Line so we had to wait in line with several other cars. 

We finally arrived at the parking deck, each had a bag checked and parked on deck two.

We unloaded our carry-on bags walked to the elevators and had to pay for parking.

We went through security and because of my total knee replacement, the alarm went off and I had to be wand down.

We took our bags to our room on level four.

We went up the elevator to the patio pool area behind it are the Buffet Area, Pizza Area, and Guy's Burgers.

We both ordered Guy's burger and Fries.

Went we finished eating we walked around checking out the ship. That night we attended a Hasbro Game Show and were in bed by 9 PM.

Carnival Fantasy 

Guys Burger and Fries

Day 3: Friday 2, Fun Day at Sea

We were up early to see the Sunrise. 

We both ordered a made-to-order omelet and got a couple of pastries and French toast.

For lunch, we both ordered a taco salad with Key Lime pie.

That afternoon we went to a show about what we may see on the Island Adventures.

They gave away several prizes but we did not win.

We are going to a formal dinner so we dressed up. 

I ordered baked fish with rice, & broccoli. 

We both bought tickets for tomorrow's adventures. 

That night we watched a show about Soul Train with impersonators of Temptations and Supremes.

Fresh Rolls for dinner

Grilled fish with rice and broccoli 

Chocolate cake with ice cream 

Day 4: Saturday, Feb 3, 

Watched the sunrise and ate breakfast from the buffet.

Spent the day at Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel.

Landed Cozumel and went ashore around 9 AM. 

I stopped at the World Coral Exhibit to take a few pictures.

Cozumel’s Coral Reef

Reef Systems

Coral & Sponges of Cozumel

Ecosystems Importance

Carnival Corp & Commitment to our Environment

Commercial Threat to Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs

Life of Coral Reefs

We met up with our tour guide (Adolf) and were divided into three groups. 

Loaded into three different vans and was shuttled to Chankanaab National Park.

Several people in the group were going snorkeling.

We watched people swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery

We walked through the Maya replica ruins.

We walked through the Botanical Gardens at Chankanaab Park where we saw flowers, birds, lizards, and a coral reef. 

We joined the group for lunch and to watch the Sea Lion Show.

 Tequila tasting at 12:50 PM

We were shuttled back to the beach at 1:30 PM and loaded back onto the ship.

Once again we had to go through security and once again my knee set the alarm off and I had to be wand down again.

That night we saw our host dress up like Richard Simmons and do an 89’s trivia show.

For dinner, we both ordered a hot chocolate cake with French sauce. 

My friend ordered a taco and I ordered grilled salmon with carrots and broccoli served with potatoes.

Sea Lion Show.

Coral Reef

Swimming with Dolphins

Day 5: Sunday, Feb 4, 

Fun day at Sea 

We watched the sunrise &  on the Deck, we met a woman from Florida.

We ate brunch in the dining room.

We both ordered the huevos Rancho delicious chicken quesadillas topped with fried eggs,

& Manchebo cheese and orange juice.

huevos Rancho

Sunrise on the Gulf of Mexico 

I wrote in my journal while my friend finished reading her book. 

For dinner, we both ordered green beans, potatoes, and steak. For dessert, we ordered Cheesecake with strawberries and I wanted to try the caramel popcorn cream custard. 

Day 6: Monday, Feb 5, 

We both enjoyed breakfast before embarking on the ship at 9 AM.

We traveled through Mobile stopping at Dollar General for Diet Coke and peanut butter crackers.

I had heartburn and this helps settle my tummy.

We filled up with gas and stopped at Guthries in Haleyville for dinner.

We both ordered chicken fingers with Coleslaw.

Chicken Fingers and Coleslaw 

We arrived at my friend's house around 4 PM.

Hubby came to pick me up.

We stopped at Lawler’s to pick up a barbecue plate for dinner.

Carnival Fantasy Stateroom R18 DECK R MUSTER STATION A

Hotel Comfort Inn and Suite 1200 SHELTON BEACH RD SARALAND, AL