The drive from Chatt Bend is a bit longer than we like to do at one time, coming in right at seven hours. Our preference is to be done with driving for the day in four or five hours. But having stayed an extra week beyond our planned departure day we opted to skip the short drive. Still, we got in while the office was open, got checked in, set up and drove almost all the way to Gulf Shores for dinner, all before it got dark.
Our dining establishment for the evening (we were looking for seafood) was recommended to us by the camp host. She said Fish River Grill #2 would fix us about anything we want, any way we want it, especially if you like spicy. Say no more, sign me up.
The restaurant wasn't in Gulf Shores proper but rather the community of Foley, on the north border of Gulf Shores. It was a kitschy place and we were there in the late afternoon, middle of the week, Pretty much had the place to ourselves. On their menu they describe themselves as "A Funky, Junky, Redneck Joint".
It was a tourist area seafood restaurant so there was the obligatory fishnet decorations and T-shirt sales. |
It was June but they have a year 'round Christmas tree, currently decorated in support of our troups. The place was filling up by the time we left. |
A side of Swamp Soup came with both our meals. Doesn't sound too appetizing and when they brought it out it didn't look all that appetizing either, green and opaque like swamp water. But surprise, surprise, it tasted great. After finishing off my cup in a flash I could see why they had it on the take-out menu in gallon size.
After dinner we took a sunset drive along the beach in Gulf Shores. Everybody has been really busy building back what Katrina swept away. The community looked new and fresh. The beaches were spectacular.
The next morning was a good discussion about wintering over in LA (lower Alabama). From just the tiny bit we saw the night before it was clear that there were lots of opportunities to explore and do things in this area. And the park is looking really good, it's a big park, with lots of options. The only downside is that all the sites are on grass. It could get a little dicey on rainy days.
Rainbow Plantation has spacious, shady sites. Almost every site comes with at least two oak trees. |
This is just one of the long rows of campsites in the park. The park itself is surrounded by pecan groves, horse ranches and cotton farms. |
So, a $100 deposit later and we were set for the winter. Now it was time to hit the road and go just two hours west to Mandeville, Louisiana, our layover park for day-tripping into New Orleans.
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