Monday, September 18, 2017

My Space

Happy to be home. Gratitude and solitude. Doggie at my feet.

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Final Tour in Alabama

We finally made it to the Orange Beach Wharf on Thursday. It was a treacherous couple attempts on unfriendly bike routes, but certainly worth seeing. We had the best shrimp and grits ever for lunch along the marina.

We then rode the bikes back to Gulf Shores and enjoyed some pampering with a mani/pedi. A nice stress reliever.

Back at camp we took in another beautiful setting sun. The sky has been remarkable both morning and night from our camp each day. Grilled chicken Caesar salads for camp dinner and early to bed completed another enjoyable day in exile.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Bitch Irma

Will's friend stop by the house Wednesday and snapped these pictures. A mess but we feel lucky!

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Still Waiting

The Irma winds settled down on Tuesday and we were able to get back on the bikes. Where did we go? The Flying Harpoon, of course. They make the best, newly discovered Bushwacker drink and Bill's fave: the Hurricane.

Back to camp for steak on the grill with our gator barking. Yes. Barking. Mating season.

Wednesday morning brought beautiful clear skies. Breakfast at camp was simple and delicious. Today marks a week in exile, so it was time to do laundry; with a pleasant place to kill time.

Still no power at home. Will's power returned at noon.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Waiting and Wondering

To think I let 9/11 pass by without a mere mention of the momentous anniversary of death and destruction of 2001. I must be caught up in my own moment of destruction brought about by Hurricane Irma. Shame on me. RIP to all the souls of 9/11/01.

Winds were strong in Gulf Shores, AL Monday as Irma blew her way up the coast of Florida. There is virtually no news coming out of Marco Island. So, we wait to hear about power and water and try to enjoy this beautiful area on the Gulf.

There's a gator who stops by now and then to see if Solo is out. The birds and vista soothes our soul while going about in our survival mode at camp. We are blessed.

Monday, September 11, 2017

What a Long Day!

Glued to our devices and camp TV, we followed Hurricane Irma's path from the Florida Keys while juggling calls and texts from loved ones. It was a busy and stressful morning.

At noon, we hopped on the bikes and took our Mario Cart-like wooden path 2.5 miles to our favorite bar: The Flying Harpoon in Orange Beach. Luckily, football was the main attraction on TV and we drowned our sorrows as Irma drowned SWFL.

I watched Irma smack down Marco Island from my most informative Twitter feed. The rest of the day all the FL refugees in the bar wondered about their property and future. We all ordered fruity Hurricane drinks to ease the pain.

I was reluctant to impose on the neighbors who stayed in Marco for information on our home. Appreciating the ordeal they must have gone through during a Category 3 storm pounding their space and nerves, I would sit tight and be respectful. That was non-essential information. Timing is everything. I'll find out soon enough.

Meanwhile, all is calm at Gulf State Park camp.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Gulf Shores Alabama

After driving 677 miles in the state of Florida (crazy big state) we crossed into Alabama on Thursday afternoon. Gulf State Park had plenty of sites.

With news of Hurricane Irma getting more dire by the hour for our sweet community in SWFL, we'll stay put on the Gulf coast until after the storm. No longer are we in the mood for fun and adventure. Our friends and family could be in for suffering and loss. We'll need to get back home ASAP after the wrath of Irma.

We are finding cute little spots with amazing oysters, brews and bayou views. This is the perfect spot for the bikes with an extensive trail system all around. Exercise is lifting the mood, but not by much. Ugh.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Evacuation Season

Our original travel plans called for a 9/7 departure to start a two week getaway in the van. With the development of Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic, on track for landfall in South FL, we hit the road on 9/6. So did everyone else. We covered 291 miles in 8 hours. That's 37 mph on average. Ugh. Stressful and annoying heavy traffic.

Unable to at least get out of FL, we pulled off short of the state line near Gainesville. In fact, our fave State Forest, Paynes Prairie, off of I-75 had plenty of sites available for the night. We were set up before 5pm with a well-deserved cocktail and hot shower. Grilled salmon, quinoa, asparagus and coleslaw was served at camp for dinner. Love our tiny home and almost forgot the woes of the day.