I haven’t posted in almost 2 weeks, in part, because I was away on vacation for one of those weeks. Some of our family journeyed to the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy a little sun and sand for spring break. It’s become a bit of a tradition at this point – not just the spring break, but the spring break in Orange Beach, Alabama. This is my second, and our family’s third, trip in about 4 years to Orange Beach.
The above pic was taken shortly after our arrival at our condo, while we were still unloading and unpacking, but hey, that view! It was a good 20 degrees warmer, with a lot of sunshine, compared to southwest Ohio.
Day 2 was expected, but still a bit surprising. Watching the double-red flags dance for their lives in the gusty wind told us all we needed about being outside.
After a day of wind and a day of rain, we finally got the sunshine we’d sought after, which continued for the rest of the week. Varying levels of sunburns were earned and treated within the family, and lots of beach time and even some water time were spent.
Many of the morning were glorious, with the sun slowly rising in the East. Being a bit of a late riser usually, even I found myself getting up comparatively early with views like this to look forward to.
The evening Golden Hour most days lived up to the name. I found myself regretting not taking my DSLR to get better photos, but my phone’s cameras did their best – and the subjects were optimal all week.
Orange Beach is just a little East of Gulf Shores, and a little West of Pensacola, Florida. There are lots of things to do there, lots of shops, restaurants, places to get drinks, etc. A little inland there is a place called The Wharf that packs a lot of options into a single area. If you have children and/or like to shop, and you need a break from the beach, you should check it out.
Most of the time when I’m on vacation, much to my wife’s chagrin, I prefer to stay in the condo, on the beach, or in the pool. I venture out for short supply runs, or occasionally go on fishing trips if I’m feeling up to dealing with sea-sickness while out. The white, sandy beaches found in Orange Beach as well as elsewhere along the Gulf coast are perfect for me.
Do you venture to the Gulf of Mexico on vacation? What destinations have you enjoyed? Where haven’t you been that you’d like to go? Comment below!
