Happy Anniversary

Marti & I set up an ECO boat tour of Weeks Bay & the Magnolia River for 16+ folks. The day started out a bit misty and overcast but as we started down the river, the mist and clouds cleared and we were under beautiful blue skies. The ‘captain’ shared stories and highlights of the river as we sailed toward Magnolia Springs.

We saw some raptors and water fowl along the way. Except for the water mail delivery, the river was very quiet.

After the cruise, some of us went up to Cousin Vinny’s for some excellent pizza. They had us set up in an area in the back – good choice for our rowdy crowd – and we all sat together which is an ingredient for more fun and good times.

We were excited it was April because Terri & Mark were coming down again for a 4 day weekend. They got held up at the Toronto due to a bomb threat but did manage to get to Chicago but the gate was closed when they arrived to board the flight to Mobile and had to lay over for 24 hours. So their 4 day weekend was cut down to 3! We made some changes to their itinerary and made the best of their visit.

We planned a large happy hour while they were here to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our friends here at the Plantation. No one knew (except Terri & Mark after they landed) so it was a reverse surprise party with decorations etc. We had 50ish friends and neighbors all having a good time with us.

Barb always tries to surprise Terri & Mark with a little something to take home. This time, she made them placemats for them when they have pot lucks at the ski hill. Later, we drove down to Fort Morgan to take the ferry across to Dauphin Island and the visit the Dauphin Island Estuarium.

But surprise, the ferries are not on a regular schedule and the wait was too long so we came up with plan B – hike the nature trail at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. After that hike, we needed a cold beverage so back to Gulf Shores and to The Hangout right there on the beach. We managed to get a table on the porch overlooking the beach. Good food and cold beer, can’t get much better! This place must rock during spring break and the summer. Marti & Larry had a dinner party to end off Terri & Mark’s visit. Another great visit in the memory banks.

Betty & Jerry were heading north early this year and we didn’t have a chance to take them to another one of our favorite eateries – Sunset Point Grill – so we crammed it in before they left. Imagine, sitting out on their deck, overlooking the marina, watching the sun set over Mobile Bay. Too nice.

The rest of April was filled with more eating, celebrating the sun rising in the east or any other excuse we can think of. Happy hours and last minute chores like staining our deck. We even got the boat wet one last time and then packed it up and left it in the shed.

We left a little early this year so we wouldn’t be on the road celebrating our 50th anniversary! Hope all is well where you are…..