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.
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| 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
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| Dauphin Island |
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| Rays at Dauphin Island |
We went to 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.
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| Shrimp Poboy |
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| Fried shrimp basket with Coleslaw |
Day 2: Thursday, February 1
We ate a continental breakfast at the Inn, packed our bags, and drove 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 worn 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.
When 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.
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| Carnival Fantasy |
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| 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.
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| Fresh Rolls for dinner |
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| Grilled fish with rice and broccoli |
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| 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 worn 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.
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| Sea Lion Show. |
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| Coral Reef |
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| 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.
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| huevos Rancho |
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| 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 helped settle my tummy.
We filled up with gas and stopped at Guthries in Haleyville for dinner.
We both ordered chicken fingers with Coleslaw.
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| 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
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting and conserving our country's wild birds, mammals, and fish for the enjoyment of all people. Cooperating with the states and other countries, the Fish and Wildlife Service carries out several programs to preserve our priceless wildlife heritage.
Refuges
Migratory Birds
Fisheries
Federal Aid
Law Enforcement
Ecological Services
U. S. Department of the Interior
Established in 1938, Wheeler Wild Life Refuge protects and manages 35,000 acres of wetlands and forests for wildlife and provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.
Waterfowl and wildlife
Each fall, thousands of migratory waterfowl, including 26 species of ducks and four species of geese, arrive at the refuge to overwinter. Sandhill cranes, numbering in the thousands, also winter here.
More than 500 species of wildlife, including songbirds, wading birds, hawks, deer, turtles, and snakes, inhabit the refuge. Twelve of these species are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
Habitat
Wheeler Wild Life Refuge is comprised of diverse habitat types, including bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, pine uplands, shoreline or riparian woodlands, agricultural fields, and backwater embayments. These habitats provide excellent feeding, resting, and roosting sites for wintering waterfowl and Sandhill cranes, as well as nesting sites for migratory songbirds and many species of resident wildlife.
Wildlife Management
Several thousand acres of cropland are cultivated by local farmers on a share agreement. During harvest, a portion of the crop is left in the field as a food source for waterfowl and other wildlife. Each fall, the refuge provides green browse for wintering geese by planting wheat.
Water control structures are used in wet areas to change water levels in a controlled manner. This type of management provides food for waterfowl by encouraging the growth of native plants in moist areas.
Refuge Lands Within Redstone Arsenal
Highways
Secondary Roads
Refuge Boundary
Visitor Center
Wildlife Observation
Boating
Flint Creek Environmental Area & Universally Accessible Fishing Pier
Recreational Opportunity
The Visitor Center offers wildlife exhibits, a gift shop, a large auditorium, two walking trails, special events, and refuge information.
The Wildlife Observation Building, located a short walk from the Visitor Center, offers a unique setting for viewing wildlife. December through February, when large concentrations of waterfowl and Sandhill cranes are in the area, is a good time for viewing, especially just before sunset.
Fishing is a very popular activity on the refuge. Six improved boat launch areas provide access to miles of water in Wheeler Reservoir and adjacent creeks where bass, crappie, bream, and catfish are often caught.
Hunting for deer, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, feral hog, and quail is allowed on Wheeler NWR. Special regulations apply, and a refuge hunting permit is required. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on the refuge.
Wildlife Photography is encouraged on the refuge. There is one fully enclosed, permanent bend near the observation pond that may be reserved for a special use permit.
Environmental Education/Interpretation is a very important program at Wheeler NWR. Organized groups may reserve dates for presentations, wildlife tours, and outdoor classroom activities.
Nature Trails, ranging in lengths from 200 yards to 3 miles, provide opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. Maps and additional information may be obtained at the Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center is open daily, October through February, 9AM-5PM. From March through September, the hours are 9-4PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday
Phone:256-350-6639
Website: www.fws.gov/wheeler