Groundhogs Day-still at The Wharf - Nov 4-12

We are still having a ball hanging at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach. Near The Wharf is the Backcountry Trail complex consisting of 7 trails totaling nearly 14 miles of paved bike/walking trails.

Beautiful!  On Tuesday we rode bike via the trail to the beach. On the return we discovered a great little joint called Moe's Original Backyard BBQ. Wow! Best ribs ever! Tuesday night we enjoyed time on the dock with Patriot, Blue Willow, and TaTa.

Wednesday was spent prepping the boat for the arrival of our guest on Thursday. The Pura Vida looked shipshape after a little TLC inside and out.

On Thursday we drove to Pensacola Airport to pick up our friend LaNell from Petoskey, Michigan.

LaNell was welcomed to The Wharf by the dolphins dancing behind the boat and fireworks at dark! (All of which we took full credit for of course)

Pensacola Navel Air Station is home to the Blue Angels. To celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the base, they had a 3 day air show. The captain decided this was not to be missed. Friday noon we set out on the Pura Vida to Pensacola where we dropped the hook for the night at Ft. McCree Anchorage.

This is a beautiful spot between 2 sandy islands about 2 miles from the airbase.  It was a challenge to get anchored safely amidst the many, many boats also there for the events. LaNell treated us to some awesome Tbones which we grilled on the bow of the boat!  There was a night air show complete with fireworks launched from airplanes while flying, (pretty cool) a fireworks show (beautiful), none of which compared to the huge orange full moonrise! Unbelievable! 

Saturday we enjoyed the full airshow. The highlight of course was the Blue Angels mid afternoon.

What a show! After the show, we quickly pulled both anchors and cruised backed to the marina, arriving just as it got dark. 

While staying with us, LaNell intended to visit her friend Phil who was in the hospital under hospice care for cancer in Panama City. 

Sunday, as we headed out to church, LaNell received word from Phil's daughter that Phil was failing so we drove past church and on to Panama City to the hospital. LaNell had a nice visit and opportunity to say goodbye. (Phil passed away the next evening)

Monday was a warm, sunny day! LaNell and Sheli took a big bike ride in the morning where a deer ran across our trail! In the afternoon we enjoyed time on the beach at Gulf Shores. We introduced LaNell to Moe's famous ribs for dinner.  

Tuesday the 3 of us took bikes to the beach. Steve rode a loaner bike from the Marina which he referred to as the "iron monster". What a trooper! Later in the afternoon we took a dinghy ride. The dolphins welcomed us as we arrived back. What an experience hearing them breath as they exhale out of their blowholes. 

Wednesday is was time for LaNell to head back to snowy Michigan. BooHoo! After dropping her of at the Pensacola Airport, we spent some time on Pensacola Beach. It was another warm day. We took a long walk on a very empty beach. We love the off season!  

 Our anchorage for the airshow.

 Captain & LaNell

 Full moon!

 Blue Angels over our anchorage.

 Wow!

 Small stingray on the beach

 Captain and his beach!