Growing Up on Southern Shores

 

 

 

Beach at Fort Morgan

Some of my fondest memories of growing up can be found on the southern shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Born a native Alabamian, in the beautiful city of Mobile, I was fortunate enough to live only an hour or so drive from the beautiful white sand beaches of Gulf Shores Alabama.

Our family had a cabin located half way down Fort Morgan Road, so we spent many vacations and weekends at "The Gulf".  As a young child, the salt air, sand, and water infected my soul.  It was there that I learned to fish, crab, swim, and ski.  I became a flip-flop wearing-beach scavenging-sun worshiper.  During storms, I learned how to respect the water's fury and I learned the peaceful serenity of calm waters on a beautiful day.  Most of what we needed, the shores and waterways provided.  From delicious Flounder or Speckled Trout to wonderful Crab and Shrimp Gumbo, we would eat what the land provided. We only caught what we needed and returned the rest to the water.

Fort Morgan

Having a house near Fort Morgan provided access to the rich history of the south. It was there, at Fort Morgan, where I learned about the Battle of Mobile Bay. We would tour the museum and explore the fort.  Walking the beach at Fort Morgan provided beautiful sand dollars and star fish. Climbing the large slippery rocks at the fort offered a bounty of beautiful whelks and moon shells.  At an early age, I became an expert in polishing and removing the hermit crabs from these shells.  This bounty acquired by our scavenging became beautiful art projects on rainy days.

If the excitement of nightlife or great dining was desired, downtown Gulf Shores and Orange Beach was just a few miles from our reclusive hideaway on Fort Morgan Road.  Today, these towns offer some of the finest lodging and dining around.  It has become one of the finest playgrounds of the south.

Some people might say this type of vacation is boring but I can assure you it is not. There is always a new adventure waiting on our southern shores of Alabama.  From shelling and sun bathing on the beach, to fishing or boating, it is the best of times.

“Life is Beautiful"