tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73773102304918159382024-02-19T00:30:54.199-06:00BeachnRiver's Excellent Adventures---A Journal, Muse, Tips For Travelers To Alabama's Gulf CoastLearn of our day to day struggles and triumphs meeting the challenges of self-employment and find the threads of commonality between us. If you choose to vacation in Bon Secour, Foley, Ft. Morgan, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama, we hope you will consider choosing Beach'n'River Canoe and Kayak Rentals for your amusement and recreational desires. Follow along on our adventures and join us for a "Beachin' Good Time!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-22052819685271010702015-03-17T19:23:00.000-05:002016-06-02T14:11:42.885-05:00What Do BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Guests Desire? <h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii13a6jcB5qvGVtP_B8hDc7OH2Mc7K1QRk4P6vA8qYI37m39uZOCZ_iRwZ5MvVUEecuokzvaQFOWBYixB4HSlYj7D8Z6JSUwODnzJp0QHTUhTXsitnHpi5vl3d5iPeRiOkFO1fG3L6saPa/s1600/DSCF2750+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Eases The Minds of Parents With Children" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii13a6jcB5qvGVtP_B8hDc7OH2Mc7K1QRk4P6vA8qYI37m39uZOCZ_iRwZ5MvVUEecuokzvaQFOWBYixB4HSlYj7D8Z6JSUwODnzJp0QHTUhTXsitnHpi5vl3d5iPeRiOkFO1fG3L6saPa/s1600/DSCF2750+1.jpg" title="Our Precious BeachnRiver Kayaking Guests Must Feel Comfortable." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Does Their Best To Ease The Minds Of Even Their Smallest Guests. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<h4>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/find-your-inner-huck-finn-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals' Exclusive Guests Desire</a>:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.al.com/gulf-coast/2012/07/kayaking_on_the_bon_secour_wit.html" target="_blank"><b>Tranquility</b></a> --- This says it all. Because of our advanced ages and laid-back lifestyle, the "feeling" starts as soon as you arrive onsite.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/" target="_blank"><b>Freedom</b></a> --- You want to spend a day paddling with whom you choose, exploring where you choose, for as long as you choose. <b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/" target="_blank"><b>An Environment Free from Smoking and Alcohol Consumption</b></a> --- You chose our business because this agrees with your sensibilities. You sign a contract. We expect you to honor it. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/top-five-plus-one-most-commonly-asked-questions-by-potential-guests/" target="_blank"><b>"Down Home" Friendliness and Hospitality</b></a> --- Because you are a
special, "invited" guest, we treat you as such and give you undivided
attention. We are old-fashioned. You won't catch us texting or answering
reservation bookings in your presence. We don't even own a cell phone! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/" target="_blank"><b>Integrity</b></a> --- We care about the river we live on and want
our business to have a negligible to zero impact on our river and on our
neighbors. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/find-your-inner-huck-finn-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">A Family-Friendly Setting To Launch and Return To</a> --- </b>You will feel like you've returned to a long-lost relative's home. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/top-five-plus-one-most-commonly-asked-questions-by-potential-guests/" target="_blank"><b>Fairness</b></a> --- BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals does not offer
discount coupons or other gimmicks to attract guests. You chose our
business because <i>you</i> are special. You will pay the same "special" rate as all our special guests. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/alabama-coast-observer/current/2011053101/#17" target="_blank"><b>Clean, Well-Kept Equipment</b></a> --- Your boat, paddles, vests, seats are washed after each use. Paddles are routinely sanitized. Vests are re-freshened. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/to-reserve-kayaks-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank"><b>To Read, Review Info As Much Info Possible From The Comfort of your Home/Lodging</b>:</a> <i><b>We care so much about your comfort we REQUIRE you to review all pertinent info PRIOR to making a reservation!</b></i>Should
you choose to come prepared with Waivers of Liability and Rules
Contract already signed with personal identification and proper cash
ready, you will enjoy <i>the</i> <i>most </i>comfortable experience.
Getting in the water will only be a matter of minutes and we, as hosts,
get to spend more time making you comfortable in the boat instead of
handling money and doing legal paperwork. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/top-five-reasons-to-choose-beachnriver-kayak-rentals-in-foley-alabama/reviews-testimonials-and-publications/" target="_blank"><b>A Good Reputation</b></a> --- You can feel good about kayaking with
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. We have many excellent reviews and
testimonials posted on our website. Read guest reviews on
TripAdvisor.com and on Facebook. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsMyLjCurw_vo9f9st1pJvbA41kb94UMdYLjBXTgCXYOWzg_w_4zXLL16ZXQdYxuKICDmPj5mcdhHjGNzCaA4x3gAFbgpIkghbds5kyRHoBtXq3B8rZFFnLdRXDRFSowdNPsWf3ieLdS0/s1600/DSCF2741+1+watercolr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kiddos Get a Kick Out of Being Captain Of The Family Kayak" border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsMyLjCurw_vo9f9st1pJvbA41kb94UMdYLjBXTgCXYOWzg_w_4zXLL16ZXQdYxuKICDmPj5mcdhHjGNzCaA4x3gAFbgpIkghbds5kyRHoBtXq3B8rZFFnLdRXDRFSowdNPsWf3ieLdS0/s1600/DSCF2741+1+watercolr.JPG" title="BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Strives To Please Even The Smallest Guests!" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Discover YOUR Inner "Huck Finn" At BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Where You'll Have A "Beachin' Good Time!"</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-74764442369017291792015-03-16T11:26:00.000-05:002016-06-02T14:14:25.586-05:00Top Five Questions To Ask Yourself Prior To Choosing A Kayak Rental In Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Foley/Bon Secour, AL Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxN1gDt7r1yDvjpz4UBW7Tvc8N7nNH5kZAycykYhOHOZHh_TWeX5nnCMqip-JO1Axj1w8swk1b0PIj2QomUz33IK0GiK6HjlSm-7Xh8OsW6-vefMiM8THYG6RCuvY658Yiiv6PnQC1u4w/s1600/USE+THIS+for+promos+clr+watr+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="You can feel good about paddling with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. " border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxN1gDt7r1yDvjpz4UBW7Tvc8N7nNH5kZAycykYhOHOZHh_TWeX5nnCMqip-JO1Axj1w8swk1b0PIj2QomUz33IK0GiK6HjlSm-7Xh8OsW6-vefMiM8THYG6RCuvY658Yiiv6PnQC1u4w/s1600/USE+THIS+for+promos+clr+watr+fam.jpg" title="Kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Is Fun For All Ages" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Paddling still, clear rivers and creeks is what BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals specializes in offering. Kayaking guests enjoy the cool, shaded canopy on a hot Al Gulf Coast day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1314523457"></span><span id="goog_1314523458"></span>With so much interest in Eco-Tours, Geo-Tourism and Water Sports while visiting the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Foley and Bon Secour area, it will be an easy decision to choose KAYAKING as a "Fun Thing To Do" water sport. <br />
<br />
Kayaking uses paddle power so it is one of the most ecologically sound ways to enjoy the area's rivers, lakes and bayous. <br />
<br />
Negotiating a kayak is fairly easy to learn --- especially if you are considering a paddle on one of Gulf Shores' creeks and still, calm rivers --- like the Bon Secour River.<br />
<br />
But with all the new choices listed in travel guidebooks and on signs along the highway touting "Kayak Rentals" how do you know which kayak rental will be a good "fit" for you, your friends and family?<br />
<br />
Following is a list of <br />
<h3>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/" target="_blank"> "Five Important Questions You Must Ask Yourself Prior To Choosing A Kayak Rental Excursion In the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Foley/BonSecour Area"</a>: </h3>
<ol>
<li><h4>
Do You Plan To Set Aside At Least A Half-Day Or Full Day To Kayak? </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Are You Comfortable Launching Where You Must Be Transported By Boat Or By Vehicle To Your Destination?</h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Do You Mind "Sharing" Your Adventure With Strangers (Or A Guide)
Or Do You Prefer To Paddle Alone With Your Chosen Family and Friends?</h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Do You Smoke And Won't Consider Paddling Fun Without A Cooler Filled With Alcohol?</h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Are You After An "Adventure" Or Just Want To Tick Off A "Bucket List?" </h4>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
If you answer "No" to Question #1 <i>"Do you plan to set aside a half-day or so to paddle?"</i> then a kayak rental that offers an hourly rate will be your best choice.<br />
<br />
In Gulf Shores you may want to check out the <u>Gulf State Park</u> at Lake Shelby where you will paddle the lake, or the "<u>Down Under Dive Shop</u>" were you will launch into a Lagoon. If you have no fear of alligators you will feel perfectly fine paddling in both bodies of water. You must keep in mind you will paddle in open water where there is no shade or respite from the sun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcPyikr-PT-D5ihAv9TRAHU5H5O5GIYxr2y2uV-uMxS66sFVE8oPcRVWTyLWswsnJ807GBbN9Q4JfPxWW6uUbx6If9l7d9iSuMoq9N_7_R3hs3oybfN7BdPieEk77nBK-vy3az2X7eARl/s1600/DSC03544+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcPyikr-PT-D5ihAv9TRAHU5H5O5GIYxr2y2uV-uMxS66sFVE8oPcRVWTyLWswsnJ807GBbN9Q4JfPxWW6uUbx6If9l7d9iSuMoq9N_7_R3hs3oybfN7BdPieEk77nBK-vy3az2X7eARl/s1600/DSC03544+framed.jpg" title="The Little Lagoon almost never disappoints when I want to "see" alligators. " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- As beautiful as this photo looks, it was taken on an overcast day. Paddling the Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores will offer no respite from the sun. You must be aware that this Lagoon links to the same body of water as Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park and alligators are often seen traveling the waters. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
If you choose to paddle in Orange Beach, consider launching from behind <u>Tacky Jacks Restaurant</u> or from the backyard of the owner of "<u>Paddled-By-You.</u>" Both locations will take you through a canal-like body of water near busy marinas and public launch sites launching boaters. Most likely you will get a map to paddle to one of the "Islands" where you can lay out to bask in the sun along with throngs of other boaters/ kayakers prior to returning to the launch point.<br />
<br />
I would describe this kayaking experience as a very "social" kayaking adventure.<br />
<br />
The water is very choppy due to high boat traffic. There is a strong undercurrent. Winds can be high because you are out in open, unprotected water. You will need to pay close attention to other boaters, tour boats, pirate ships, sailboats and zooming personal watercraft.<br />
<br />
Why not follow up with a meal or beverage from Tacky Jacks Restaurant? You will have earned it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXK77bObm_9iIKIb1G6Fk5Gz4y-c0E5I8zNiT_I_TMPn-_ONhI1IXwr1roXQDvo9cSurBwE2D_xyG6uhvtkHThUB4pms4egKCqyQg81KWsuDZQspvQ-GTLSrG8995DMTNatDHbwe-Gjp/s1600/DSC05010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXK77bObm_9iIKIb1G6Fk5Gz4y-c0E5I8zNiT_I_TMPn-_ONhI1IXwr1roXQDvo9cSurBwE2D_xyG6uhvtkHThUB4pms4egKCqyQg81KWsuDZQspvQ-GTLSrG8995DMTNatDHbwe-Gjp/s1600/DSC05010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwPAgkRWwB4Avi6uXdGiMqPDNshklwe1JS3aVxZDoyVWmBRPk9miR_lHV6OhH3IkGI-wJO3ElLQwZO0pIkXPOUuu8DJHk_0NkGi3PLamCMX2iOWOvS_0m4OB8tzZmFDqdigE0XVPjAkw5/s1600/DSC05011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwPAgkRWwB4Avi6uXdGiMqPDNshklwe1JS3aVxZDoyVWmBRPk9miR_lHV6OhH3IkGI-wJO3ElLQwZO0pIkXPOUuu8DJHk_0NkGi3PLamCMX2iOWOvS_0m4OB8tzZmFDqdigE0XVPjAkw5/s1600/DSC05011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqBJPPiZ35KHr3DSjwdNL1oeMOe6Dg_5frF7sSXhYySa1YBIJY0gmilYQZCTJx_AgVlXAjVfJaCVmtG_JitQwC9l8lmTwS6YYPX4ABxLVTbPfS-fcg093KZ87RtnBE0uMdAgNPUQxTPcu/s1600/DSC05013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqBJPPiZ35KHr3DSjwdNL1oeMOe6Dg_5frF7sSXhYySa1YBIJY0gmilYQZCTJx_AgVlXAjVfJaCVmtG_JitQwC9l8lmTwS6YYPX4ABxLVTbPfS-fcg093KZ87RtnBE0uMdAgNPUQxTPcu/s1600/DSC05013.JPG" title="This is located near Outkast Marina. The Intra-Coastal Waterway is a main thoroughfare to the Gulf." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTOS BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Kayakers can launch from this point and head North under the bridge to a couple of islands that become extremely crowded during peak summer months. To paddle these waters near this Intra-Coastal location you must consider the wind, wakes and be adept at dodging large boats, tour boats skeedos, sailboats and even Pirate Ships!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can also rent a kayak hourly from <u>Zeke's Marina</u> and<u> SanRoc Cay</u> Shopping Center into a bay. We've never witnessed anyone launch from either of these locations, but the launches are located where large fishing boats depart and arrive. Although there is a portion of the water that is "No Wake," since you are in wide open "big" water, you will feel the wind and wakes from the large boats. There are restaurants located at both sites so you may feel inclined to paddle after a meal, then follow up your excursion with stiff drinks. <br />
<br />
Rates range from $10 to $15 for "by-the-hour" paddling.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFyE4wb9PwGZ9-ezKQjb4Su1vcvWOML_jJZ8XVkNd12yYXksqA283VbWZyygrfPA9tCjcPnCaZbzgw6dVsj58gxDmBnKNd5IxNNQJVpUzXw1-raus0N4QQTgtbQpQUeyF1RkdZjVAsbx/s1600/DSC03305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="As you can see you will paddle in big, open waters popular to boaters." border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFyE4wb9PwGZ9-ezKQjb4Su1vcvWOML_jJZ8XVkNd12yYXksqA283VbWZyygrfPA9tCjcPnCaZbzgw6dVsj58gxDmBnKNd5IxNNQJVpUzXw1-raus0N4QQTgtbQpQUeyF1RkdZjVAsbx/s1600/DSC03305.JPG" title="Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach now offers an opportunity to rent kayaks." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTOS BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- It will be important to note that launching from Tacky Jack's in Orange Beach will put you immediately in a body of water that is very popular with boaters, skeedos. You must be mindful of large wakes, wind and possible strong undercurrents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Dj4q4B7TsPhcYTkUg2RaOi1l5s3Q2GFQIWmK1PFLl2ukniOfq4snvCOObLk6lKgHaXto08BSmGrjfALR2ySlfZwQNjbOVe_DpnMWnbEhOWi0g2O3b23e_9qQ3d6vFI7zLaQax2K_Ylz/s1600/DSC03301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="This is a good "by the hour" experience. " border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Dj4q4B7TsPhcYTkUg2RaOi1l5s3Q2GFQIWmK1PFLl2ukniOfq4snvCOObLk6lKgHaXto08BSmGrjfALR2ySlfZwQNjbOVe_DpnMWnbEhOWi0g2O3b23e_9qQ3d6vFI7zLaQax2K_Ylz/s1600/DSC03301.JPG" title="Renting a Kayak from San Roc Cay will have you paddling in and around other boat tours." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- As you can see double ocean kayaks are lined up ready to rent at SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach. You will paddle in big, open water and feel the wakes from tour boats and other boaters even if you paddle in the "No Wake Zone."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kayak Rentals by the hour is the perfect choice for folks who just want to "Tick Kayaking Off From A Bucket List."<br />
<br />
If you are really feeling adventurous you'll rent from "<u>Ike's</u>" in Gulf Shores and paddle the Gulf.<br />
<br />
To explore any of the many rivers and backwaters, you may consider having kayaks/SUP's delivered from "<u>Gulf Shores Beach Rentals</u>" "<u>Go Go Kayaks</u>" or "<u>Alabama Paddlesports</u>" to your lodging --- if allowed. It will be best to confirm lodging rules and storage requisites beforehand. To our knowledge all kayaks are Ocean, Sit-On-Top style. Most rentals offer seats for an additional fee. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/public-launch-information-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">Consult a map of public boat launches and put-ins and check, check and CHECK off each tour you complete! Remember: Respect Private Property = R.P.P. and "Leave No Trace"</a><br />
---------------------<br />
<br />
If you have planned to set aside a half-day or day to paddle, there are a few options where your kayaking adventure will include a ride in a pontoon boat or being dropped off via vehicle at your launch site.<br />
<br />
According to web info, the "<u>Coastal Kayak Excursions</u>" owner/Captain offers a tour on a pontoon boat in a Bay where you will be dropped off at one of the "Islands" to paddle around. Reservations are needed for half or full-day rentals. This adventure is guides you to where there is heavy boat traffic with strong winds and a stiff undercurrent. As mentioned earlier, these "island" locations are a main attraction and can be heavily populated with partying boaters. These are considerations if your group has elderly or young children. <br />
<br />
"<u>Wild Native</u>" of Mobile, AL ---5 Rivers and now of Gulf Shores, just introduced a kayak adventure on the Bon Secour River where you park your vehicle at Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay off County Rd.6 (Gulf Shores) and board a shuttle vehicle driven by an employee to an unspecified launch-site up river (most likely Foley). The rate includes the vehicle transport and a $10 meal voucher to eat at the Happy Harbor Restaurant. The website suggests the tour is a guided 3+ hour tour with self-guided tours available. You will paddle in Double Sit-<u>Inside</u>-Kayaks on the return to the restaurant unless you pay extra for a single kayak.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfyCVvzmAW8YEh9MTUl3mxeYM6YJOtfngDfjgA6Mqip_X8-wG0qnmfJp0B40QGjCvk7ggN2kYAnDMncaqcIUSkiTnoWjTIy9c2DSYxKbta5ScQsdsM-xfy8sCAO8ep-vt4nYeO_JzHi4/s1600/DSC00595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mobile Delta is filled with Alligators." border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfyCVvzmAW8YEh9MTUl3mxeYM6YJOtfngDfjgA6Mqip_X8-wG0qnmfJp0B40QGjCvk7ggN2kYAnDMncaqcIUSkiTnoWjTIy9c2DSYxKbta5ScQsdsM-xfy8sCAO8ep-vt4nYeO_JzHi4/s1600/DSC00595.JPG" title="Wild Native Tours is known in the Mobile area for their 5 Rivers Delta Tours " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- It is not unusual to see alligators in Mobile Bay, the 5 Rivers, Lake Shelby, the Little Lagoon, the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, Oyster Bay in Gulf Shores, Phlash Island and in other warm canals and bodies of water along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Although all kayak rentals should disclose there is a possibility to see an alligator BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals has not found one while paddling the Bon Secour River for the past 14 years. We cannot say the same was true while paddling 5 Rivers area of Mobile, Bay. This photo was taken by the Wade Ward Park in Gulf Shores.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Reservations are required. Rates for these types of trips range from $45 to $65 for up to a half day of paddling. Web info does not state whether these excursions include tax. You should allow for tipping when budgeting these excursion.<br />
<br />
It is important to know when choosing your kayaking adventure: <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/public-launch-information-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank"><b><i>All property along the Bon Secour River is privately owned</i> <i>and there are <u>NO</u> <u>PUBLIC KAYAK LAUNCHES ON THE BON SECOUR RIVER</u></i>. This also means authorities WILL be contacted if you are caught trespassing! Check this link for a list of public boat and kayak-trail launches in the Orange Beach, AL area. </b></a><br />
<br />
More information is listed on the Beach Is Calling Blog dated March 17, 2015 entitled: "Where To Kayak in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach" <a href="http://www.gulfshores.com/blog/2015/03/17/where-to-kayak-in-gulf-shores-orange-beach/" target="_blank">http://www.gulfshores.com/blog/2015/03/17/where-to-kayak-in-gulf-shores-orange-beach/ </a><br />
<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8LEKbVtxFC4SzpHgMlqTK3r-yUp0sD_JcnMSBM0rhRT6LYBxD5BJNXksdNtuoYBF1nP-UpmMGHNbE4c4cnV65L_YcVk1FN8i2x9PREJFxS-p_avSuKUi66ZD_HCFzDhKZSs_F-2LavPY/s1600/DSCF0437+1+frmd+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shoes and cares melt away at the sight of this launch at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals." border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8LEKbVtxFC4SzpHgMlqTK3r-yUp0sD_JcnMSBM0rhRT6LYBxD5BJNXksdNtuoYBF1nP-UpmMGHNbE4c4cnV65L_YcVk1FN8i2x9PREJFxS-p_avSuKUi66ZD_HCFzDhKZSs_F-2LavPY/s1600/DSCF0437+1+frmd+.jpg" title="Guests flip when they see the beautiful white sand "beach" we have at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals' launch." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Shoes, cares and stress typically melt away by the time first-time guests see the white-sand "beach" launch at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. River Rick aids all kayakers into their boats and helps them get their "sea-legs" before sending down the Bon Secour River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/" target="_blank">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals</a> offers "Self-Guided" Summer kayak excursions from our private property up-river in Foley in comfortable, Single and Tandem easy-to-maneuver Sit-On-Top Kayaks launching in the still, shallow and clear Bon Secour River's end.<br />
<br />
Newly offered are seasonal "Self-Guided/Guided" tours of equally clear, still, shallow neighboring creeks and rivers.<br />
<br />
Since the rate of $35 for singles and $75 for double kayaks includes a put-in from 7 a.m., you can choose to paddle in larger, unprotected, sunny portion of the Bon Secour River exploring any number of the creeks and bayous along the way, so long as you return to the property before 3 p.m. you will more than likely return before the daily, seasonal pop-up storms!<br />
<br />
If you opt to bring along a separate cooler, you may choose to purchase fresh (frozen) shrimp from a number of shrimpers along the river. You must keep in mind you may not park on any road or gravel or upload our kayaks at any home, on any privately-owned land or at any business along the Bon Secour River. All shopping transactions must be carried out while you remain in the kayak. <br />
<br />
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals can accommodate up to 50 kayakers and is prepared to host private parties, scout functions and other large group functions.<br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/to-reserve-kayaks-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/to-reserve-kayaks-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">Reservations</a> are required and <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/" target="_blank">Strict Rules</a> must be followed. "<b>No alcohol, no smoking and no cussing is allowed ... and we're not kidding. "</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What sets the BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals excursion apart from other kayak rentals? </i></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You will launch from our beautiful, shaded grounds. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Our rates are </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">comparatively</span> the lowest offered. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You will deal with owners from the time you make your reservations until the time you are escorted to your vehicle waving goodbye.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals located off the Bon Secour River in Foley is the only
kayak rental option where you park in shaded on-site parking entering onto a
shaded property offering a launch
into a clear, shallow creek you can feel safe sinking your feet into.<br />
<br />
Because of the owners' love of flowers you will find an abundance of birds, flowers, butterflies and life buzzing all around the launch site. The air is heavily scented with a mix of sweet floral aroma and faint brine. The atmosphere is calm --- with a quiet ambiance of the sounds of nature sprinkled with the sounds of happy children squealing. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhZAF2dcGasOSo9RAExQxsHD934WMdtCyWaXzvYvDoBf3kH8i-Rd5t-Fj-5M0tH9pw7ox7FL85M6_CF55vojXVhFi_hCepixH9jPk47cZoU3TTysxSFLk2BN-vOuH1Yqx1C0XQuO03gHv/s1600/BeachnRiver+Kayak+Rentals+DSCF0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The "green" of the property at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals promotes a calm coolness. " border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhZAF2dcGasOSo9RAExQxsHD934WMdtCyWaXzvYvDoBf3kH8i-Rd5t-Fj-5M0tH9pw7ox7FL85M6_CF55vojXVhFi_hCepixH9jPk47cZoU3TTysxSFLk2BN-vOuH1Yqx1C0XQuO03gHv/s1600/BeachnRiver+Kayak+Rentals+DSCF0064.jpg" title="The grounds at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals are lush and planted with many flowers, herbs and vegetables." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Every single sprig of Liriope, every shrub, every flower was planted within the past five years so guests at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals will feel a connection to nature. It is not unusual for children to chase butterflies, smell flowers and see bunnies or ducks pass by. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You, as guest decide what type/length of paddling experience you will have. BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals offers you the opportunity to paddle at your own leisure and explore where you want to go.<br />
<br />
For example, you can paddle, swim, picnic in your
kayak for a full eight (8) hours for the inclusive rate of $35 per
single, Sit-On-Top kayak --- the easiest and most comfortable kayak
to negotiate in and out of the water. Paddling Sit-On-Top Kayaks also means you also have the freedom to move your limbs (and cool your toes as you paddle.)<br />
<br />
BeachnRiver Kayak Rental's double Sit-On-Top Ocean Kayaks
include comfortable adjustable seats for no extra charge --- and based on total weight can hold two
adults and a child for $75 inclusive. There is even ample room for freedom of limb movement and to strap an ice chest behind! <br />
<br />
Because BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals only allows "invited" guests onsite --- and we do not launch our kayaking guests from other business properties --- we offer you the most secure environment for your vehicles and belongings. We constantly monitor our grounds for added peace of mind. <br />
<br />
We require <b><i>all</i></b> our potential guests review website posted information --- from what to expect on a typical three hour tour -- to <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/rates-reservation-info-for-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">Rates</a>, <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/" target="_blank">Rules</a>, <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnriver-kayak-rentals-days-and-hours-of-operation/" target="_blank">Days and Hours of Operation</a> and even <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/beachnriver-kayak-rentals-suggested-items-to-bring/" target="_blank">"Suggested Items to Bring"</a> <u><b>PRIOR</b></u> to phoning for reservation information.<br />
<br />
Our "<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/beachnriver-kayak-rentals-accident-waiver-release-of-liability-form/" target="_blank">Liability Waiver</a>" and "<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/" target="_blank">Rules Contract</a>" are conveniently online to download so you can complete, sign and arrive with them ready to kayak within 10 to 15 minutes of your arrival. <i> </i><br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/beachnrivers-float-rules-and-replacement-fees/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/top-five-plus-one-most-commonly-asked-questions-by-potential-guests/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Why does all this matter you ask?</i></span></a><br />
<br />
All these steps add to "peace of mind." It is better to peruse the information at your own pace in the cool, comfort of your air-conditioned lodging than out in 80 degree or higher temps. Wouldn't you agree?<br />
<br />
You will arrived dressed appropriately, prepared to paddle and will have little need for explanations other than description of landmarks for turnaround on the return trip.<br />
<br />
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals is "off-the-beaten path" from busy Gulf Shores attractions, but because we offer limited launch times from 7 a.m to 10 a.m., if you paddle until you must return at 3 p.m. you will also avoid busy traffic drive times --- assuring plenty of time to return to your lodging to take in other activities.<br />
<br />
As owners of the <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/top-five-reasons-to-choose-beachnriver-kayak-rentals-in-foley-alabama/reviews-testimonials-and-publications/" target="_blank">highest-rated, most popular, family-friendly Kayak Rental business in the Gulf Shores area for the past four years</a>, BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals has become acutely aware of what our "exclusive" paddling guests desire. <br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/find-your-inner-huck-finn-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<h4>
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/about/find-your-inner-huck-finn-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" target="_blank">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals' Exclusive Guests Desire</a>:</h4>
<ol>
<li><b>Tranquility</b> --- This says it all. Because of our advanced ages and laid-back lifestyle, the "feeling" starts as soon as you arrive onsite.</li>
<li><b>Freedom</b> --- You want to spend a day paddling with whom you choose, exploring where you choose, for as long as you choose. <b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>An Environment Free from Smoking and Alcohol Consumption</b> --- You chose our business because this agrees with your sensibilities. You sign a contract. We expect you to honor it. </li>
<li><b>"Down Home" Friendliness and Hospitality</b> --- Because you are a special, "invited" guest, we treat you as such and give you undivided attention. We are old-fashioned. You won't catch us texting or answering reservation bookings in your presence. We don't even own a cell phone! </li>
<li> <b>Integrity</b> --- We care about the river we live on and want our business to have a negligible to zero impact on our river and on our neighbors. </li>
<li><b>A Family-Friendly Setting To Launch and Return To --- </b>You will feel like you've returned to a long-lost relative's home. <b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Fairness</b> --- BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals does not offer discount coupons or other gimmicks to attract guests. You chose our business because <i>you</i> are special. You will pay the same "special" rate as all our special guests. </li>
<li><b>Clean, Well-Kept Equipment</b> --- Your boat, paddles, vests, seats are washed after each use. Paddles are routinely sanitized. Vests are re-freshened. </li>
<li><b>To Read, Review Info As Much Info Possible From The Comfort of your Home/Lodging</b>: <i><b>We care so much about your comfort we REQUIRE you to review all pertinent info PRIOR to making a reservation!</b></i><b> </b>Should you choose to come prepared with Waivers of Liability and Rules Contract already signed with personal identification and proper cash ready, you will enjoy <i>the</i> <i>most </i>comfortable experience. Getting in the water will only be a matter of minutes and we, as hosts, get to spend more time making you comfortable in the boat instead of handling money and doing legal paperwork. </li>
<li><b>A Good Reputation</b> --- You can feel good about kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. We have many excellent reviews and testimonials posted on our website. Read guest reviews on TripAdvisor.com and on Facebook. </li>
</ol>
<br />
As mentioned above, there are plenty of kayaking choices in the Gulf
Shores/Orange Beach and Foley/Bon Secour area. To insure our guests to the Alabama Gulf Coast enjoy the best type of kayaking experience possible during their visit, we compiled this info as a service to make it easier to determine which kayak rental option will best fit your personal style.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoFl78nwZTsGA2ux_7BrJBskZjkHexnd_p_x13nQc3fp3hdp33Oe922KmcBqWdV2wJlfhn-vcbHqI7GTDFxgCa5-C5myJyOz7F4hv2Tyki42ENpciGSYyNIMOaV_roCUhVC0Ht1sX8B2U/s1600/frmd+memory+seuss+DSCF6435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoFl78nwZTsGA2ux_7BrJBskZjkHexnd_p_x13nQc3fp3hdp33Oe922KmcBqWdV2wJlfhn-vcbHqI7GTDFxgCa5-C5myJyOz7F4hv2Tyki42ENpciGSYyNIMOaV_roCUhVC0Ht1sX8B2U/s1600/frmd+memory+seuss+DSCF6435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/to-reserve-kayaks-with-beachnriver-kayak-rentals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CALL TODAY! We'd love it if you'll choose to kayak with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals where you can "Discover your inner 'Huck Finn,' 'Captain your own Eco-Kayak Tour,' and 'HAVE A BEACHIN' GOOD TIME!'"</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-17211090793691917352015-03-09T01:49:00.000-05:002016-06-02T14:14:49.783-05:00How To Gently Change A Vacation Mindset From 'Things To See' To 'Things To DO' --- i.e. KAYAK (Do You Know How?)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrILuD5KBQa6BOWQbNgI-n1LqoebTLCwrrkN1G-Naz2TuWOavj7ulnEH1-vyNYAs48bw-qSIHmFwV_6DBoy7tqJNfMrV5k4Ou477bxULyyTH2zaWNw2DU0BIVa8vW0hxvGdPcF0UEPCmS/s1600/pixlr+ipiccy+FotoFlexer+sft+corners+bs+elephant+ears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Most Visitors To Gulf Shores Are Unaware Kayaking Offers Up This Beauty." border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrILuD5KBQa6BOWQbNgI-n1LqoebTLCwrrkN1G-Naz2TuWOavj7ulnEH1-vyNYAs48bw-qSIHmFwV_6DBoy7tqJNfMrV5k4Ou477bxULyyTH2zaWNw2DU0BIVa8vW0hxvGdPcF0UEPCmS/s1600/pixlr+ipiccy+FotoFlexer+sft+corners+bs+elephant+ears.jpg" title="Shallow Coastal Alabama Back Rivers And Creeks Reveal Secret Beauty" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are places in this world you will only "see" by "doing." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Foley, AL --- I don't have a clue how to do that. Do you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the past four years BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals has offered kayaking a nice, clear, unspoiled still-water river as an easy and safe option for a fun "Thing To Do" while visiting the Gulf Shores/Alabama Gulf Coast area. We are rated by former guests Top #1 activity/amusement in Foley, AL on TripAdvisor.com </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphenDng-AgBE0rVf7WthInzT15l8xKyr9eJJBPHHM_K6ks0REeboGd6OH4KEwtTLI4E5woo8QLlpsp_bo0JbI4m4IfiYCrrXWR45bNbAgil8KdJzHEw2sQmjvSUC7vwmyCHQNA495Yro2G/s1600/picmonkey+pixlr+DSCF6435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sit On Top Kayaks Are Fun And Easy To Maneuver" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphenDng-AgBE0rVf7WthInzT15l8xKyr9eJJBPHHM_K6ks0REeboGd6OH4KEwtTLI4E5woo8QLlpsp_bo0JbI4m4IfiYCrrXWR45bNbAgil8KdJzHEw2sQmjvSUC7vwmyCHQNA495Yro2G/s1600/picmonkey+pixlr+DSCF6435.jpg" title="BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals in Foley, AL Offers Single Or Double Sit-On-Top Kayaks To Explore Gulf Shores Area Back Creeks And Rivers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking In Sit-On-Top-Kayaks Is The Easiest Way To Enjoy Kayaking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We blog about the fun adventures we have paddling the area's waterways. We Tweet. We <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/BeachnRiver-Kayak-Rentals/99139898068" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Facebook."</a> We post photos and funny and beautiful videos. Our business is featured in <a href="http://blog.al.com/gulf-coast/2012/07/kayaking_on_the_bon_secour_wit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">al.com</a> PensacolaNewsJournal (PNJ) articles and at one time on local tv throughout Gulf Shores thanks to COAST 360 "Island Tv." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet over and again when the question is asked on social media sites: "<i>What to Do' in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, AL area?</i>" "Experts" and frequent contributors to forums yell, "Lulu's," "The Hangout" "Sea-N-Suds" "Mikees" (all are local restaurants) as a "Do Not Miss" <i>"Thing To Do</i>." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Visiting bloggers sponsored by businesses and the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach CVB offer up "Top 5 Unique Things To Do" and suggest a visit to historic landmarks, a nature trail, (a Naval) museums, a sail or pontoon excursion. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The majority of folks on FB, travel forums and other social media scream "Do a Dolphin Tour!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Kayaking" is rarely mentioned. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet somehow when season starts, the calls come. Every year I marvel. And every year I pray a prayer of thanks because when asked what made our guests choose to kayak with us, most answers seem out of happenstance. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So I wondered: <i>What prompted me to canoe/kayak</i>? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was prompted (cajoled) by a friend, a relative and/or enticed by photos on ad pages of favorite magazines like Southern Living Magazine and such. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am not brave. In fact I'm pretty chicken when it comes to water sports. For years I never paddled without three life vests (I kid you not!). I didn't learn to swim until well past the half-century mark. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having an adventurous spouse and children who crave active outdoor activities means mom must paddle or be left behind. I do not care to be left behind. So I paddle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It wasn't until River Rick and I first canoed, then paddled the Bon Secour River in Foley, AL that I realized "<i>THIS</i> adventure is <i>SO</i> much less scary than canoeing down a rapid --- with boulders --- and river rock beds --- out in the middle of nowhere where no one lives --- and miles over treacherous mountains away from any civilization" --- like those river experiences we've paddled in the past!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">River Rick and I have noticed the increased number of vehicles toting kayaks heading South toward Gulf Shores beaches. We make a mental note as we drive by Blue Water Ship Store when inventory goes from eight to six to finally two lonely kayaks for sale. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've noticed (thank you, thank you, <i>THANK YOU</i>) the <a href="http://alabama.travel/online-vacation-guide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweet Home Alabama Vacation Guide and Calendar books</a> (pg 59) mentions kayaking back waters as an option --- and on some pages have pretty photos of happy-looking kayakers floating on a wide-open body of water. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've noticed the increased number of kayak rental businesses that have popped up. The fact that many vacation rental homes now offer a couple of kayaks for free use with a week's rental must indicate some type of increased interest. Eco-tours on the Intra-coastal Waterway now feature kayaking as part of their package. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And yet? There are so few mentions about kayaking on blogs and forums.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So today I got motivated to go against all the advice from unsolicited solicitors about SEOs and "rank" and "sponsorships" and ad purchases and I thought to myself, "<i>from now on we must not be fearful to speak and act from our heart --- and whatever that brings us shall be right for us." </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today River Rick and I rewrote our BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals home "About" page. We toiled over word choices. I stressed over grammatical errors. He wanted concise. I expanded. <i>We got personal</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You may have on your "Bucket List" to kayak while vacationing in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's the thing: <i>YOU</i>, as a potential guest, or first-time guest to the Alabama Gulf Coast </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>are not going to know </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the difference between one kayaking adventure or another --- or of the unique "quirks" of negotiating the many waterways. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Believe me you will not have enough time in a day to do what it takes to compare rates, terms, conditions, locations and the like to make a qualified decision --- and this after trying to choose lodging, restaurants and deciding on what clothes and shoes to bring. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You may read blogs, pick up rack cards, look at pretty photos --- and even get recommendations from folks (who may-or-may-not-kayak-but-see-others-do-it and make a recommendation) but have no clue whether you will be paddling out in the hot blazing sun dodging adrenaline-pumped teens on skeedos (<i>ditto party boats, giant yachts and Pirate ships shooting off loud cannons</i>), or with stiff undercurrents (<i>yes, Ole River, the Intra-Coastal Waterway at the Pass are prone to stiff undercurrents</i>), strong and never-ending winds prevalent on large bays or lakes --- or even waters teeming with alligators (<i>read: 5 Rivers Delta area, Lake Shelby at the State Park and in the Little Lagoon. This fact we know by first-hand paddling, scary, close-encounters-of-the-alligator kind</i> experiences. Never. Again). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We may not be experts in paddling, but I can assure you: if you are out on a giant lake or body of water without a hat and water and without sunscreen applied in the middle of an Alabama Gulf Coast summer afternoon, you will not think kayaking is so fun after about one half of an hour of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>(And if you don't think your first kayaking experience "fun" you are most likely not going to want to "try" another ... right? ) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Neither might you think it fun if your first-and-only experience to kayaking is to hop into a bus or onto the back of a vehicle or ride along in a boat with 49 of your closest strangers who smoke, curse and whoop-and-holler about every living thing imaginable, then plop into a double Sit-Inside Kayak to follow a guide you will not be able to hear --- especially if you fall behind, your paddles smack the kayak repeatedly and the wind blows in the opposite direction of earshot. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've kayaked in the Gulf. It was FUN! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But I wore a life vest and never paddled further than the first wave break. I call the experience "kayak surfing." I didn't try to paddle anywhere, I just "rode" the waves. I lasted all of 1/2 hour. I'd recommended this type of Gulf-kayaking for those who really do have abs of steel and whose arms are not jellified. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Would we recommend kayaking the Gulf for a "first-time" kayaking experience? Not. At. All.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then, we close our Summer Self-Guided Kayak Tours when temps get too intensely hot, the water is not optimal (especially after torrential rains) and cancel Off-Season Guided Kayak Tours if winds are greater than 10 mph and temps are lower than 60 degrees. <i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Why do we cancel when others don't, you ask</i>? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because we learned the hard way that no matter how wonderful the experience <i>we</i> think the adventure, if guests get wet and cold <i>and </i>they have to paddle hard to get to a destination, it is the antithesis of what we want to be known for: a comfortable and tranquil way to enjoy the water.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We want you, our guests, to have the very best of all possible kayaking experiences --- first-timers or not. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After four years of "experimentation," interactions with guests and listening to their feedback, we have come to realize the best way we can facilitate a good paddling experience is to employ these tactics:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1) We "help" you to have the best possible kayaking experience by <b>requiring</b> you and all your kayaking guests familiarize yourselves with our adventure <i>PRIOR</i> to making a reservation (hence there are few "surprises");</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2) We limit our "put-in" hours to ensure our guests enjoy the coolest temps and safest time to paddle during hot summers (early a.m. --- this way you can return prior to almost daily afternoon storms);</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3) For your added comfort and safety, and to differentiate our experience from other kayak rentals, we enforce non-negotiable "rules" (we want to be good stewards of our river and not pollute with noise or with trash).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's the thing: <i>We live on the body of water we put our guests in. We chose to live on this body of water because we especially love it and want to preserve the unique treasure that it is. We feel we must be a responsible gateway to allow only those folks who are as conscientious as we are access through our property. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So here is our new home page. It speaks to <i>you</i> personally. River Rick and I hope that you will feel our sincerest desire for you to understand where we come from.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And mostly? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We hope you will make a decision to "<i>DO</i>" this kayaking thing --- with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals of course!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/">http://beachnriverkayakrentals.com/</a> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOcoBTXb9qRAfH40dWk0xk4n961nG0dxEH6i1yKjhvlmcHjAVpgF5gbjtDXIlA0PtW8bReHNz8Ug0oUjS6ga1g5gPb7hxjiIK58OwzLY_h4Dev1awI7iZs_L6cljQ5KwBvomNYpcMNvRs/s1600/ipiccy+FotoF+bridge+postcard+art+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Remember to Respect Private Property (R.P.P.) On The Bon Secour River " border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOcoBTXb9qRAfH40dWk0xk4n961nG0dxEH6i1yKjhvlmcHjAVpgF5gbjtDXIlA0PtW8bReHNz8Ug0oUjS6ga1g5gPb7hxjiIK58OwzLY_h4Dev1awI7iZs_L6cljQ5KwBvomNYpcMNvRs/s1600/ipiccy+FotoF+bridge+postcard+art+.jpg" title="Kayaking The Bon Secour River In Foley, AL Reveals Private Beautiful History" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water under this bridge connecting to a private island is yours to enjoy by kayak --- respectfully, to pass through. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-72185104659609077562011-06-07T14:31:00.001-05:002016-06-02T14:13:05.883-05:00Kayaking Is a Great Way To Discover Nature Like You've Never Seen It<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9bkLyjIvK8dQxUdMVBiXOBq-FHBiSLR_lIUszNvHJw1Gyq_KzntDZLBwMTMlioB4Wg4RahYL8VtGOwRYqLH5WRCdpl9gHLQ4QEzduJPGzxfIwD-zrRL1AOiASFTx7hDxCVqZzkzkR4G2/s1600/bigheronnests.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9bkLyjIvK8dQxUdMVBiXOBq-FHBiSLR_lIUszNvHJw1Gyq_KzntDZLBwMTMlioB4Wg4RahYL8VtGOwRYqLH5WRCdpl9gHLQ4QEzduJPGzxfIwD-zrRL1AOiASFTx7hDxCVqZzkzkR4G2/s400/bigheronnests.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Foley, AL --- Many guests that visit the Alabama Gulf Coast area marvel at the wildlife and sea birds while enjoying the beaches. Herons are frequently seen catching fish and stalking the shoreline for their next meal. But how many times do you get a chance to see a mama feeding her young? Taking nature tours off the beach can offer such unique opportunities.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZzZBBfR47hhBKNx48vKbdN65cXjsY2Q7uHOlC4v1F4S_Zyo5Igm4VYZJ9gTz0xF8UR0z8WOw1919ESeqD1LTXvhEA_oWxERC47Zh8Dvbvu_RECjAPMQlGF_VGT7Ce3GAzcJ11pzXTbeQ/s1600/wildorchids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZzZBBfR47hhBKNx48vKbdN65cXjsY2Q7uHOlC4v1F4S_Zyo5Igm4VYZJ9gTz0xF8UR0z8WOw1919ESeqD1LTXvhEA_oWxERC47Zh8Dvbvu_RECjAPMQlGF_VGT7Ce3GAzcJ11pzXTbeQ/s320/wildorchids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Recent kayaking guests Dr. and Marlene Johnts of Northern Alabama rented kayaks from <a href="http://beachnriverkayakrentals.wordpress.com/">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals, Foley, AL</a> in search of peace, quiet and adventure paddling the Bon Secour River located just 10 minutes North of Gulf Shores, AL. They marveled at the beauty of the water and of the gorgeous wild flowers. They took photos of a heron's nest found high in the indigenous pine tree and of this native orchid. <br />
<br />
Pictured above is a heron in nest and wild native orchids along the river banks of the Bon Secour River located in Foley, AL. (photo courtesy Dr. and Marlene Johnts.)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-1082246833487372132011-05-19T14:43:00.002-05:002011-05-19T14:59:51.890-05:00BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Hosts First International Guests From Bulgaria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7sMBUu2HeaCT-XFupP06keDfPetVscjA5UrFp39YZl2vX7BapxHFGBfvj7tlFr5DgtSrBsp-SA5jwxHtzI62p-pFhf-me6XkQO1U872aDsVh9856pS-M0pkoqk61aQPyJ8kdu5dqll03/s1600/DSC05366.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7sMBUu2HeaCT-XFupP06keDfPetVscjA5UrFp39YZl2vX7BapxHFGBfvj7tlFr5DgtSrBsp-SA5jwxHtzI62p-pFhf-me6XkQO1U872aDsVh9856pS-M0pkoqk61aQPyJ8kdu5dqll03/s320/DSC05366.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> --- FOLEY, AL (shown from left: Petya Nedeva and Vladimir Donchev from Bulgaria). Beachnriver Kayak Rentals is proud to announce our first International guests for the year --- Nadya Nedeva, Petya Nedeva and Vladimir Donchev from Bulgaria. Petya and Vladimir visited the Gulf Shores, AL area the past two weeks and chose to end their adventures kayaking the Bon Secour River with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtsDmP7uvWQTUYG_dlOKAPcRTEm77mELnd6Z7sgcAohrwh33-Ji01Z4wOyxc3tFd98pzjWaixYnPTjNvMvZmMGIfTLcFTVkpvg0OydMCIF_d97v9UuKOQacvtrUsQcufKoYE8YuZCKv7b/s1600/DSC05367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtsDmP7uvWQTUYG_dlOKAPcRTEm77mELnd6Z7sgcAohrwh33-Ji01Z4wOyxc3tFd98pzjWaixYnPTjNvMvZmMGIfTLcFTVkpvg0OydMCIF_d97v9UuKOQacvtrUsQcufKoYE8YuZCKv7b/s320/DSC05367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The bubbly and energetic Nadya said they enjoyed kayaking the Bon Secour River because it is so scenic, easy to paddle and relaxing. They considered kayaking after watching "Island TV" and observing others kayak on the Gulf but ultimately chose BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals saying jokingly, "We came to RELAX!"<br />
<br />
Although today is their last day visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama they said they had a wonderful time and challenged their friends to consider kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals adding, "they don't know what they're missing."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_pLIof2r7hJHhBWtUZTEUevGZOhGUg6TQ0yowJqUNRN39AerGh5M5hUE5GPl5yca0anZLUMMUnYRt3rblr_UNprnZv8i79aSt3W3HuAsSmnlTDzlCnbSDI3RDJzcS4pLTKW7NLgvArMt/s1600/DSC05371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_pLIof2r7hJHhBWtUZTEUevGZOhGUg6TQ0yowJqUNRN39AerGh5M5hUE5GPl5yca0anZLUMMUnYRt3rblr_UNprnZv8i79aSt3W3HuAsSmnlTDzlCnbSDI3RDJzcS4pLTKW7NLgvArMt/s320/DSC05371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-46036722492053862222011-04-22T14:23:00.004-05:002011-04-22T17:00:49.864-05:00Guy Fieri Helps Promote Gulf Shores, AL By Attending "Supper On The Sand"One year after the worst environmental catastrophe to befall the Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, AL offers up a "Supper On The Sand" celebration to thank those who dedicated their time, money and energy toward bringing the Alabama Gulf Coast region toward "wholeness" and to tell the world "We're Back" and our seafood is wonderful to eat. <br />
<br />
To bring national awareness to the Alabama Gulf Coast Chef Pete Blohme, owner of Panini Pete's in Fairhope, invited Guy Fieri, New York Times best selling cookbook author, restauranteur and host of Food Network's "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives," to attend the event to lend his stamp of approval that Alabama seafood is not only safe but good to eat. <br />
<br />
Watch this video and get excited at the prospect Gulf Shores, AL might host "Supper On The Sand" as an annual event. <br />
<br />
To read more about this historic gathering check out Third Coast Cuisine blog: <a href="http://www.thirdcoastcuisine.com/2011/04/guy-fieri-helps-celebrate-gulf-oil.html">http://www.thirdcoastcuisine.com/2011/04/guy-fieri-helps-celebrate-gulf-oil.html</a><br />
<br />
<i>Celebrity Chef Stuart Reb Donald Pledges A Portion Of The Proceeds Of His Latest Cookbook To Aid Clean-up of the Gulf Oil Spill: <a href="http://www.thirdcoastcuisine.com/p/cookbook.html">http://www.thirdcoastcuisine.com/p/cookbook.html</a></i><br />
<br />
To read more about the future of the Gulf and to learn what you can do to help: <a href="http://healthygulf.org/">http://healthygulf.org/<br />
</a><br />
Better yet --- pick up the phone to reserve your next vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast. <br />
<br />
.... Are you calling yet? <a href="http://www.gulfshores.com/">Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Info</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rPhlRQ6UQW4?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="." flashvars="configParams=artist%3D3728%26vid%3D536045%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Acmt.com%3A536045" height="319" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:cmt.com:536045" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512"></embed><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/536045/when-the-coast-is-clear.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">When the Coast Is Clear</a> - <a href="http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/buffett_jimmy/artist.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">Jimmy Buffett</a> - <a href="http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/buffett_jimmy/videos.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">Jimmy Buffett Videos</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-7819325300318315312010-10-25T19:36:00.003-05:002010-10-25T20:14:14.227-05:00Can You Tell A Good Story? Did You Hear 'Bout Ghosts At Swift-Cole House In Bon Secour, AL?<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8E1BsXpgjE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8E1BsXpgjE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<object data="http://www.fox10tv.com/video/videoplayer.swf" height="520" id="video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"><param value="http://www.fox10tv.com/video/videoplayer.swf" name="movie"/><param value="&skin=MP1ExternalAll-MFL.swf&embed=true&adSizeArray=300x240&adSrc=&flv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efox10tv%2Ecom%2Ffeeds%2FoutboundFeed%3FobfType%3DVIDEO%5FPLAYER%5FSMIL%5FFEED%26componentId%3D18861311&img=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2%2Efox10tv%2Ecom%2F%2Fphoto%2F2008%2F10%2F31%2FGhost%5FHunting%5FSwiftColesdb0e9f49%2D7cc3%2D49e2%2D961b%2D0ee821d034d10000%5F20081031222238%5F640%5F480%2EJPG&story=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efox10tv%2Ecom%2Fdpp%2Fnews%2FGhostHuntersHouse&category=&title=&oacct=&ovns=" name="FlashVars"/><param value="all" name="allowNetworking"/><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"/></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-82477677429743557242010-10-09T13:32:00.167-05:002010-11-03T12:58:21.107-05:00"Hope On The Horizon" Says Dr. Guy Harvey ... But "It Takes Cash To Care"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_PjE5gM6rWy7g64sr_lEnyf2obwlYiOV8ykbOb2gF_gXx1cC2_fuu2r8t_lJBllY8KbS8PEOP1ceF7vEMljmcGjBIpcDFeO0lfEYgSe9-24N4Q3UlhkJxKSipSu0IqnjSO530mudqN3G/s320/DSC01589.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy's Seafood Market On Bon Secour River, Bon Secour , AL Is Beautiful At Sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_PjE5gM6rWy7g64sr_lEnyf2obwlYiOV8ykbOb2gF_gXx1cC2_fuu2r8t_lJBllY8KbS8PEOP1ceF7vEMljmcGjBIpcDFeO0lfEYgSe9-24N4Q3UlhkJxKSipSu0IqnjSO530mudqN3G/s1600/DSC01589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>JOURNAL --- </b>The photos above are of Billy's Seafood --- the only open air fish market located at the end of the road of a quaint fishing village of Bon Secour, just 15 or so miles NW of Gulf Shores, AL. The photos were taken at sunset--- a particularly beautiful time on the Bon Secour River.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQFDdNyVetPM0UiIpiekc4QQl_gE_n519M5Vn_ZTtPad2WyOW3oz-0vPetgXNKFQSE4O576m5IwjJBHFsgI-9nNhMj0o3n0IniWv3uz9eIzoU08d8Ex17-1773VQ9H5C2UwkUAQk9-wCH/s320/DSC02375.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Workers At Billy's Seafood Market, Bon Secour, AL Are Helpful And Will Help You Make Selections.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQFDdNyVetPM0UiIpiekc4QQl_gE_n519M5Vn_ZTtPad2WyOW3oz-0vPetgXNKFQSE4O576m5IwjJBHFsgI-9nNhMj0o3n0IniWv3uz9eIzoU08d8Ex17-1773VQ9H5C2UwkUAQk9-wCH/s1600/DSC02375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The appeal of Billy's Seafood Market lies in the imperfections of the place. Billy's is basically a wooden shack perched on the water. The parking lot and bank are made of cast off oyster shells. The workers have names like "Bubba" and some sport mullets (the hairstyle) along with their white shrimping boots. Large shrimping boats dock in and around Billy's to unload their catch. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwofMdlKphExBsujkVCE1fwPAd0VnfFJ3t-MQWG-4-Uuqv2zAFZ6kdbIwxaRTgbG5eWoRm1sMGUos6R_YFfLJHmoko2ywrIR1fpzBaR2fnYxbOmZ-lNguZI6Fv9rMBTjjDwNB5IklhVBr/s320/DSC02372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy's Seafood Market In Bon Secour, AL Is The Only Open-Air Seafood Market Located On The Bon Secour River. Shrimpers Deliver Their Catch To Billy's Market And To Other Waterfront Markets Along The River.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwofMdlKphExBsujkVCE1fwPAd0VnfFJ3t-MQWG-4-Uuqv2zAFZ6kdbIwxaRTgbG5eWoRm1sMGUos6R_YFfLJHmoko2ywrIR1fpzBaR2fnYxbOmZ-lNguZI6Fv9rMBTjjDwNB5IklhVBr/s1600/DSC02372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The place smells fishy. It is not air-conditioned, yet fish and shrimp are nicely displayed on ice. That it still stands is a testimony of owner Billy Parks who has re-built after Hurricane Ivan --- despite not having insurance. In my mind, it is one of the best and wholehearted reasons why I am hopelessly in love with where I live.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This place is filled with resilient "overcomers."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">But Park's business/livlihood, along with countless other businesses (like ours), is struggling to survive after the BP oil spill attacked our coast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QkhensBBMmJCY0Q9KlsKuG2fbzeD7oFlPOb5PoVrwrH7jgW4dsustHnPj6Zx2dHVNognE2JBsrMbrJL5Xdk8uugxKK2tTQYF5eS5o5fGxZCXrMwI2Z17ZBAIY_AFSJirA10yxkOgxQYy/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QkhensBBMmJCY0Q9KlsKuG2fbzeD7oFlPOb5PoVrwrH7jgW4dsustHnPj6Zx2dHVNognE2JBsrMbrJL5Xdk8uugxKK2tTQYF5eS5o5fGxZCXrMwI2Z17ZBAIY_AFSJirA10yxkOgxQYy/s320/DSC01091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs On Cty Rd 10 Foley, AL Direct Guests To Plenty Of Fresh Seafood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBnGeyJPCCLN5GWgdGSK-mrM8COyevg1cdsqaIUMxyQWkPMu0oOYyevoQBBmbtXZjy0j43_f8RbbbHua0u0gYzCV-T22NZWyaKLe6yrUSrGjDrbiBy9ZD4qbfAEJ89wnd1FOSgFYcKCGb/s1600/DSC00725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBnGeyJPCCLN5GWgdGSK-mrM8COyevg1cdsqaIUMxyQWkPMu0oOYyevoQBBmbtXZjy0j43_f8RbbbHua0u0gYzCV-T22NZWyaKLe6yrUSrGjDrbiBy9ZD4qbfAEJ89wnd1FOSgFYcKCGb/s320/DSC00725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists To Gulf Shores, AL Hired Shrimping Charters Prior To BP Oil Spill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru6bbhJMLf6svd35A46w1As-zrEUaH9qzvVdi1wCgUMxCTaDRxnXsE8zUEn7SCik20Qd3HXS0BlIyTHKgOE5gpVyjaNbOy6yVDA_mpRhqDgRNhyThsx7CwybvxEq4I324okiJIbZxVH0u/s1600/DSC00723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru6bbhJMLf6svd35A46w1As-zrEUaH9qzvVdi1wCgUMxCTaDRxnXsE8zUEn7SCik20Qd3HXS0BlIyTHKgOE5gpVyjaNbOy6yVDA_mpRhqDgRNhyThsx7CwybvxEq4I324okiJIbZxVH0u/s320/DSC00723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain's Galley On The Bon Secour River Was A Favored Restaurant To Enjoy Seafood Prior To BP Oil Spill</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Up the road a bit The Captain's Galley --- a restaurant that has been in business for the past 25 years (except to rebuild after the past three hurricanes: Ivan, Dennis, Katrina) is now closed due to lack of customers --- thanks to the BP oil mess killing our tourism business. <a href="http://blog.locustfork.net/2010/10/captains-galley-on-bon-secour-river-closed-due-to-bp-oil-spill/">Report from Locust Fork News of Captain's Galley Closure</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJASGP2TUafmuvyw1_aFW6YPvVQ-qMGn2EWGx-czhMvQYy87HNZ2ZfJBH964RGf8tPsUnfW2WZflqymqTBvcFfekzrZ8VngvbrN40yMcPRdBge8XZENhM58wqTitDoksTeIRzEJJSQ_M2V/s320/DSC04042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain's Galley Has Been A Foley, AL Business For 25 Years But Did Not Survive BP Oil Spill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJASGP2TUafmuvyw1_aFW6YPvVQ-qMGn2EWGx-czhMvQYy87HNZ2ZfJBH964RGf8tPsUnfW2WZflqymqTBvcFfekzrZ8VngvbrN40yMcPRdBge8XZENhM58wqTitDoksTeIRzEJJSQ_M2V/s1600/DSC04042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Countless other businesses are teetering on financial failure and the local news media has daily coverage of one business owner or another who says they may not survive until the end of the month --- yet alone the entire winter season. (I consider them the lucky ones --- at least their stories get picked up on the wires and get regional and national attention --- which may in fact boost their business. The businesses who are obscure from media attention will suffer most.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These days are a real test for any "overcomer" and it takes shear will-power to remain "positive" in thinking --- especially when successful and long-standing businesses are falling like dominoes all around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was listening to a Joss Stone song earlier this morning, "The Choking Kind," and the lyrics "you can kill ... with a knife or you can take her pride" choked me up. "How true, I thought." Although the song had nothing to do with oil spills or financial struggles it got me to thinking about what has been the worst part of this whole BP mess --- the assault on our region's pride.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I get a knot in my throat when I think of how pristine our little Gulf Shores was prior to the oil spill.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ckzhTW5ZhTBr7xOKlzqdWpdo9LTqzBhVCIOSUAz70OCuMD7tgw7BqK3HqM9e6mvRf_dYE7BlXz9Ti9B88Bzo_2pQSpkVaM5Wdp8Afzo7WLbJkxv3b3qAueStKvYAFZvRM91sXJyliPKH/s320/DSC02406.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As You Walk Gulf Shores, AL Beaches You Are Struck By Beauty Of Sugary White Sand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ckzhTW5ZhTBr7xOKlzqdWpdo9LTqzBhVCIOSUAz70OCuMD7tgw7BqK3HqM9e6mvRf_dYE7BlXz9Ti9B88Bzo_2pQSpkVaM5Wdp8Afzo7WLbJkxv3b3qAueStKvYAFZvRM91sXJyliPKH/s1600/DSC02406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Aside from having the whitest sandy beaches in the country, we are home to countless endangered species and a refuge for so many others. <a href="http://www.defendersblog.org/2010/10/celebrate-our-natural-treasures-during-national-wildlife-refuge-week/">Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge</a> <br />
<table style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Cleaning oil from Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><script src="http://tribeca.vidavee.com/advance/trh/embedAsset.js?width=470&height=352&wmode=transparent&skin=v3AdvInt_al.swf&dockey=465F09E6CFC0C032DE54F240DBF26D3D&" type="text/javascript">
</script></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegPtDLHdU_merxoC0NpeiSdSESHO5nS_ceIAW4sph_RJfroATThMhfGbMwt8bL3lFtydoOffVA8gA0elGs9XyG4mMP-P4qKX5C8TXzUenBPbiKWhK1ARL8SbRPiiQOjEF3ueH3Nt08vY_/s320/DSC01101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly Caught Shrimp Bon Secour, AL. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegPtDLHdU_merxoC0NpeiSdSESHO5nS_ceIAW4sph_RJfroATThMhfGbMwt8bL3lFtydoOffVA8gA0elGs9XyG4mMP-P4qKX5C8TXzUenBPbiKWhK1ARL8SbRPiiQOjEF3ueH3Nt08vY_/s1600/DSC01101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHYDkAL9rzgpc-KdbGgvbp8dLQ6BrijSyH5iScCBKOKUAR0jyzug7U64fEwZEzOhzfQHAgpFZDddCQ3I9u-odkiADAw54MkfRy0-22lZkHphO3SlQwZ7hXNh75pbQ7eZENHGogqni7YXR/s1600/DSC00155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHYDkAL9rzgpc-KdbGgvbp8dLQ6BrijSyH5iScCBKOKUAR0jyzug7U64fEwZEzOhzfQHAgpFZDddCQ3I9u-odkiADAw54MkfRy0-22lZkHphO3SlQwZ7hXNh75pbQ7eZENHGogqni7YXR/s320/DSC00155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters Served "Nude" Wintzells, Orange Beach, AL </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pride in our area is almost palpable. You don't just eat a plate full of raw oysters --- you are eating potentially the catch of the day from some happy local oyster man.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl1njer3FZ9LnQZXJxTkY1-bGdE1o92bfqD4h7bDU8kRylaL7nTuVsU6BHYGcTb6F7BmLaqJHMnKKYX2_15kP5EXEYgEdrT5PBVWj2ynurbqvjpkP4jXdX2zkpHUp1dlO8F5erYaftzfh/s1600/DSC02376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl1njer3FZ9LnQZXJxTkY1-bGdE1o92bfqD4h7bDU8kRylaL7nTuVsU6BHYGcTb6F7BmLaqJHMnKKYX2_15kP5EXEYgEdrT5PBVWj2ynurbqvjpkP4jXdX2zkpHUp1dlO8F5erYaftzfh/s320/DSC02376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Red Shrimp Are An Alabama Gulf Coast Pride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Signs suggesting tourists buy "Alabama Wild Shrimp" were put up to help the industry --- yes --- but they are the Gulf Coast's bragging right. Our "Royal Reds" are a unique specialty that taste like lobster and come from no other place on the planet.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our Gulf Shores tourism didn't rise on the backs of theme parks, high rise entertainment centers or the glitzy glamour found along many coastal areas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2KCYPhhfvQyg8EWmqI-oGO0FYQ0QW9r0pwZB5rtgkRuxCtx2-IkJIGuVeAznhQkWJA0Zysm6Q2ugMFulXcIqA2usPCwm-lHiT7vzbafiowFfuQZQzNN7nB3z2f2HyXPKlopO1Nw-ry5g/s320/DSC02417.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Alabama's Gulf Coast At Gulf Shores Is A Favorite Pastime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2KCYPhhfvQyg8EWmqI-oGO0FYQ0QW9r0pwZB5rtgkRuxCtx2-IkJIGuVeAznhQkWJA0Zysm6Q2ugMFulXcIqA2usPCwm-lHiT7vzbafiowFfuQZQzNN7nB3z2f2HyXPKlopO1Nw-ry5g/s1600/DSC02417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Our appeal was as a laid back "natural" destination --- a fishing destination --- a place to take the family to bathe in all of God's natural glory --- the kind of thing that some tourists long for but never get to see once the filter of commercialization sets in.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking for myself, I didn't fall in love with Gulf Shores/Orange Beach because of nearby outlets and malls and proximity to numerous chains found in many "destination towns." I fell in love with the area because of the many "mom and pops" along the one road Hwy (59) and beach boulevard. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKa8wrYAo08tnqJnwy6ERd_imsXT3oA2aOv5qQr50Ul3w1P_OYMoWkdsvhfBv_hF11EBe5JfuXV5UYdbOdOClgIP4fq4G7KIUvP3Hm9bBNC5mmqePUuQTqEYUwC600hTiUW5cFkckeC3n/s320/DSC03330.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Can See Gulf Shores Beach Boulevard From The Inside Of This Popular Souvenir Shop. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKa8wrYAo08tnqJnwy6ERd_imsXT3oA2aOv5qQr50Ul3w1P_OYMoWkdsvhfBv_hF11EBe5JfuXV5UYdbOdOClgIP4fq4G7KIUvP3Hm9bBNC5mmqePUuQTqEYUwC600hTiUW5cFkckeC3n/s1600/DSC03330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>In my mind these type businesses are what gives the "character" and charm to the area. It is not a forced "theme" park imposed feeling --- it is the "real thing" --- and the "character" comes from the owner's stamina to survive years of struggle forging a living where sand, water and wind continuously impose their will to overcome. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMzwk6bchTmDoWZLGavnuD4cRdpsPDw9EorSpZccH0K9ET-xRGYFIybBw9CVA7GcUTU37Zhidky1-5W-pPMYEfqnCR4SkaUaNbtg1zvGbEXDgW8chdpJJu-n6iCuT-wVera5KbtbFgFhR/s320/gulf+shores+beach+with+bag+postcard.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="250" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Photo Of A Rainbow Was Taken After A Gulf Shores, AL Storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can't buy this type of "feeling." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So getting back to the "pride" issue. I can't explain how awful it has been to "take a chance" and "take time off" from our negligible business to attend town hall meetings to witness our fellow (formerly successful) business owners BEGGING for honesty and truth from the representatives chosen to dole out due BP compensation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">After hearing story upon story of long standing businesses being denied for one phony reason or another we know we don't stand a chance of receiving any help. We are a new business started basically this year --- the spring the BP oil spill happened --- April 20. We were barely putting up wet boats from spring break business when the news hit and our business stalled.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ff2TLeD-hpU/TNBuO5q_zMI/AAAAAAAACe4/3rDTezHdTSA/s320/DSC00115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Readied For Gulf Shores, AL Guests To Kayak Bon Secour River . </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ff2TLeD-hpU/TNBuO5q_zMI/AAAAAAAACe4/3rDTezHdTSA/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I am not a naturally positive thinking individual. I am not the one who sees a pile of doo doo and begins to look for a pony.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am the one who says "now THAT is one MESS of a PILE OF DOO DOO! How are we going to CLEAN THAT MESS UP!" ... and then I get after it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I find a pony at the bottom of the heap then I begin new thoughts, "What are we going to do to multiply this gift?" "How can we best use this gift?" "How can I say thanks?"<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been<i> trying</i> to look for a silver lining in all this heartache. At least a few positive outcomes have resulted from the experience:<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQH86qjg_jloKMpst9Xw1LajtBFsysFIq4iSEFODUt96pKHHtg1nzky5ladc_QPdvbyK-_7ds6CmY0mOYXEm5c7O2WcFAg2FrXEWRDeLg5grib9iLSLLIM1VLDu66JpzUDaKye48TH_JR/s1600/DSC02432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQH86qjg_jloKMpst9Xw1LajtBFsysFIq4iSEFODUt96pKHHtg1nzky5ladc_QPdvbyK-_7ds6CmY0mOYXEm5c7O2WcFAg2FrXEWRDeLg5grib9iLSLLIM1VLDu66JpzUDaKye48TH_JR/s320/DSC02432.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It Is Difficult To Believe This Was The Scene At Gulf Shores, AL Beaches During Summer After BP Spill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There has been an onslaught of dialog about our little Gulf Shores, AL --- virtually putting us top of mind in media conversation. My guess is before the BP incident if you took a survey of ten people you might learn one was aware Alabama has a beach --- much less a beautiful coastline.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFvdwJeYFuGlUbTGgPaH8LzA4rifRlP35iQROFAubXKT_0S3XeJ4gtcwxWk-4rO_EMoaMJJNgd9jAVvhCVYLUlVXptgW84Er1fpPrE1AVJM8cLaAGmRbECjRgEu9KlcpzGjd_kW9p7_UU/s1600/DSC02428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFvdwJeYFuGlUbTGgPaH8LzA4rifRlP35iQROFAubXKT_0S3XeJ4gtcwxWk-4rO_EMoaMJJNgd9jAVvhCVYLUlVXptgW84Er1fpPrE1AVJM8cLaAGmRbECjRgEu9KlcpzGjd_kW9p7_UU/s320/DSC02428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several Concerts Were Held At Gulf Shores, AL Beaches To Raise Awareness Of Beauty Post BP Spill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another good thing? Several fundraisers popped up and began raising money. Jimmy Buffett provided a free concert. The <a href="http://www.gulfshores.com/">Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama Gulf Coast Vacations</a>, <a href="http://coast360.com/">Coast 360</a> and others have worked day and night to put out a positive message that our beaches are still a great destination and several tourists have made personal commitments to support the Alabama Gulf Coast by keeping their vacation plans to the area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6cSzdJ2jRu9ppTLFykUNweYHhTa8aSoj115cucSIN83xTAr_b33mY6MKEDWBexhiUk1KAwlxub_73N7_4-i_gcklmWQhcr2NYvsgrowTMU9y40fSMgxH4c5gEAC6MRNe40szr6OcasIA/s1600/DSC01495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6cSzdJ2jRu9ppTLFykUNweYHhTa8aSoj115cucSIN83xTAr_b33mY6MKEDWBexhiUk1KAwlxub_73N7_4-i_gcklmWQhcr2NYvsgrowTMU9y40fSMgxH4c5gEAC6MRNe40szr6OcasIA/s320/DSC01495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There Are Many Spirited Restaurants In Gulf Shores And Orange Beach, AL. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am an active participant in trying to promote the area. As much as I can I Twitter/Facebook and brag about our (now --- post Hurricane Ivan) fine dining establishments, the coastal birding trails and newly designated <a href="http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2442/itinerary/78860">National Coastal Byway</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I actively participate on (newly award winning) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresOrangeBeach">Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Facebook Wall</a> interjecting suggestions in answer to guest questions as a way to promote "off the beaten track" businesses.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_eFYeZECWJAfWQrI2T1RtHzzsaTi3V1_yVeQ7M9XotBot_J6B1x7vswYHeq_BDeeBqj6t54zXY4XM9CJwLaGZCGPAfG2olu6V4Z1KTdAMUxnIWGfA83gxwlyRm9Iq2dVF5Eloi4iGsmP/s320/DSC03427.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love To Promote Seafood "Dives." Fish River Grill #2 In Foley, AL Is A "Do Not Miss."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_eFYeZECWJAfWQrI2T1RtHzzsaTi3V1_yVeQ7M9XotBot_J6B1x7vswYHeq_BDeeBqj6t54zXY4XM9CJwLaGZCGPAfG2olu6V4Z1KTdAMUxnIWGfA83gxwlyRm9Iq2dVF5Eloi4iGsmP/s1600/DSC03427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Our first year business was severely impacted due to lack of tourists and negative public perception of our waters. With no budget to survive the winter, (much less spend on advertising) I'm going to stick my neck out here and (swallow my pride) to ask you to help us.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA-gT_pOALp6Ijog6yb6j-mV4du2fD7JMPH3h3n9_SY-G9U_goS4hYWYpTmAuPgwMLDyHDrdnHrfO_tIJVe4S4Rh4nXiS_ZyWtSijuCZdWzHeqeWrkwqdQDuadvDc_KRRMCo5mWlh1oCs/s320/DSC03206.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It Isn't Just About "Kayaking" At BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals In Foley, Al. Guests From Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Ono Island and Ft. Morgan Love The Gardens And Free-Range Chickens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA-gT_pOALp6Ijog6yb6j-mV4du2fD7JMPH3h3n9_SY-G9U_goS4hYWYpTmAuPgwMLDyHDrdnHrfO_tIJVe4S4Rh4nXiS_ZyWtSijuCZdWzHeqeWrkwqdQDuadvDc_KRRMCo5mWlh1oCs/s1600/DSC03206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I need you to brag if</b><b> you have had a good adventure at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals .</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you take the time to brag on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresOrangeBeach">Alabama Gulf Coast Facebook Wall</a> about your favorite restaurant --- <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>why not brag about your kayaking adventure with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals? </i></b></span>It is no longer enough to just suggest "kayaking" --- there are other kayaking outfits --- so no one will know you mean "kayaking the Bon Secour River with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals" unless you say so.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU13CS_mTJuMNbJUq1PO_QMNLaru5UWf7gdo7o84vgvQmcxfJoQRcra50e4vR8GKNUIv9I_T5GcSO20R_PzOEQ1ZuHwYYB3GMgf9gRvCKYKCZ15VW4B4LB5vPx8NpPIWiNT5mdduR6e3d-/s1600/DSC03226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU13CS_mTJuMNbJUq1PO_QMNLaru5UWf7gdo7o84vgvQmcxfJoQRcra50e4vR8GKNUIv9I_T5GcSO20R_PzOEQ1ZuHwYYB3GMgf9gRvCKYKCZ15VW4B4LB5vPx8NpPIWiNT5mdduR6e3d-/s320/DSC03226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Spirited Guest To Gulf Shores, AL Gives A Big "Thumbs Up About Her Experience Kayaking The Bon Secour River In Foley Located Just 10 Min From Gulf Shores Beaches. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you haven't already written reviews (remember the little cards I gave you at the end of your kayak trip?) on Trip Advisor PLEASE DO SO. We don't have a website so the Trip Advisor reviews help to rank us on search engine queries.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7xhM29fjwNaVMsVmrVIAvB8BgNiCSmbKP1VwpJQOBTXelbG_K8NXCFdH867J4Fx_AI6i23Ly5cangyXzs-puWY41pYExU2aZhdyk-nmdn3cjK5RttIhq7FM46bG2RR935sXNIuUhsUWI/s1600/DSC00107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7xhM29fjwNaVMsVmrVIAvB8BgNiCSmbKP1VwpJQOBTXelbG_K8NXCFdH867J4Fx_AI6i23Ly5cangyXzs-puWY41pYExU2aZhdyk-nmdn3cjK5RttIhq7FM46bG2RR935sXNIuUhsUWI/s320/DSC00107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals Promises Guests Will Have A "Beachin' Good Time!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We were told recently we were listed #1 in Google search for "Best Kayak Rentals Gulf Shores/Orange Beach." We'd like to remain #1 --- heck we'd like to remain in business another year!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">... And I thank you in advance for our continued success. As one guest told me yesterday (and I'm clinging to this!) "<i>I predict you will have a better year next year</i>."<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">p.s. after hearing the Joss Stone song and getting all involved writing this blog I find this blog post written by Fred Garth on the Dr. Guy Harvey blog:<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.guyharveymagazine.com/hope-on-the-horizon.php">Hope on the Horizon : Guy Harvey Magazine</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and then I hear this on the radio: Chet Baker's "<b>Look for the Silver Lining</b>" --- "<i>always look for the silver lining, try to find the sunny side of life" </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPx3z-TlmbPCLIctw7JB0vlgUO67SyJckwEpuRkxpn2x_FNKh7_3V5q_-ATC2Xe6Za3hgBhUWAnIX154dKEJQJLEECfA1QQ5VksqcocbcIIojeKuRz2Aefky2swh5UFMaltP4Ytsntl4l/s1600/DSC01296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPx3z-TlmbPCLIctw7JB0vlgUO67SyJckwEpuRkxpn2x_FNKh7_3V5q_-ATC2Xe6Za3hgBhUWAnIX154dKEJQJLEECfA1QQ5VksqcocbcIIojeKuRz2Aefky2swh5UFMaltP4Ytsntl4l/s320/DSC01296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Gulf Shores, AL Sky Is Beautiful After A Storm. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>Should I start searching for a pony</i>? ha. As always I look forward to hearing from you and reading your responses.<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1sDO-i97uQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1sDO-i97uQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-55951233749092213242010-06-24T15:45:00.001-05:002010-06-24T15:46:04.551-05:00Today's Alabama Gulf Coast Daily Update Videos Stars --- BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals!<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nNCqI9cBh6Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nNCqI9cBh6Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-50780747740696780312010-06-15T16:31:00.007-05:002010-06-15T20:25:29.802-05:00"You Have No Events Scheduled Today"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY-g6liMc_AG8uvT2ykINCbq7QnaUAfSvpTplyO1X2scgqMA245kIPO9HChAw517UHFR1ZMTjw59JGw46fyMdCghxq-b1jVIqzK5e6j31lTqR1y2HmSxhr2UEJp_QjDqValXfMb23tkgi/s1600/DSC02677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY-g6liMc_AG8uvT2ykINCbq7QnaUAfSvpTplyO1X2scgqMA245kIPO9HChAw517UHFR1ZMTjw59JGw46fyMdCghxq-b1jVIqzK5e6j31lTqR1y2HmSxhr2UEJp_QjDqValXfMb23tkgi/s320/DSC02677.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OPINION </b></span>--- For the past week these are the words I read when opening my email, "you have no events scheduled today." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is not a comforting statement to an owner of a kayak rental business catering to tourists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The phone has not rung in the past week (except for one caller who I referred to a river tubing business on account they had two small children I couldn't accommodate).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact, everything I said that might happen in my last blog post seems to be happening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you guess why I posted the above photo? I posted it to show the lack of traffic traveling South on Hwy 59 toward Gulf Shores, AL. This photo represents the first time hubby and I were able to drive South toward Gulf Shores beaches during peak summer tourist season and have the highway virtually to ourselves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is not a good thing folks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We, like most "locals" travel back roads to do our business so as not to get bottle necked in tourist traffic. We may have complained. Alright we did complain ... at times ... and for that ... I repent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact, right about now hubby and I wish we could take back every inconvenience we endured during summer "tourist" season because we (I'm sure other local business owners would agree) would rather have "too much" business than have NONE. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are ever so grateful to the loving and kind visitors who have kept their plans to vacation on Alabama's Gulf Shores despite the scary images shown nightly on TV. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For every home/condo/hotel rented, for every meal eaten, for every dollar spent in our gift stores and yes, for every fishing/kayaking/tubing/sailing adventure taken --- maybe one less teacher will lose a job, one less business will shut down, one less home will be put up for sale. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been closely reading and participating in the threads on the Alabama Gulf Coast Facebook Wall. For the most part guests are sympathetic. Many "friends" ask in what ways they can help and several offer condolences.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But there are a few who smell the blood in the streets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These "friends" insist everything be discounted to free with the disclaimer "after all we are choosing to support you and your community by our presence." Some have gone so far as to suggest a for profit amusement park offer their facility to guests for free ("their losses will be re-reimbursed by BP --- all they have to do is file a claim," they argue).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I'm the first person to admit I am a bargain hunter (and free is quite a driving bargain) my mind kicks into empathy whenever I hear of an area devastated by a disaster. My sympathetic heart (which has endured now three major floods, hurricanes, a devastating ice storm, a fire and business losses due to an ailing economy) engages in ways seeking to support communities I'm fond of by breaking my "vacation" bank. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although Hurricane Katrina damaged some local areas, our beloved Gulf Shores was mostly spared a direct hit. We knew our neighbors in Biloxi, MS were devastated. We also observed their nominal National media coverage compared to that of New Orleans, LA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hubby and I made trips to eat at open (read: struggling) Biloxi restaurants and play in the casinos. The town was a mess. Roads were closed and there were several detours. Debris was still in yards. Buildings were barely standing. Century old live oaks were missing from the well known boulevard. The lighthouse leaned. In essence --- the landscape was not a pretty sight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Discounts nor aesthetics factored into our decision to try to support their economy. We simply wanted to use our (hard earned) dollars to support an ailing neighbor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trust me, I understand those who say this oil spill mess is a different scenario. I agree the presence of oil on our beaches is disgusting, probably toxic and can have a negative effect on a person's health if inhaled/touched. To those who are concerned of long-term effects and have health issues I say: stay away from the beaches ... or at least stay indoors in an air-controlled environment overlooking the beaches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, there is so much more Coastal Alabama has to offer tourists in terms of sightseeing, history and culture that in my mind if the beaches were permanently closed I would still brag and encourage visitors to vacation here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25_S0BLKfkWwE_bzPSB1WHWHrdYnOqI01Xqfc1_T4NdYJjP7UIQWVxMCvHv4fNIws59CgyeA_aY-HJOFJqHtcv5sfjWWCy2UpIXwqPN5R_cKOqSljkdnbRLIQcuvxUO-vwipF5hYI5kuK/s1600/DSC00390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25_S0BLKfkWwE_bzPSB1WHWHrdYnOqI01Xqfc1_T4NdYJjP7UIQWVxMCvHv4fNIws59CgyeA_aY-HJOFJqHtcv5sfjWWCy2UpIXwqPN5R_cKOqSljkdnbRLIQcuvxUO-vwipF5hYI5kuK/s320/DSC00390.JPG" /></a>When is the last time you were able to see live guides tell Civil War stories in an old fort? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you say you've been to the oldest city in the United States? (No, it's not St. Augustine, Fl it is our neighbor to the East, Pensacola)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you love to garden, landscaping and love flowers, are you aware Bellingrath Gardens is considered the "Castle of the South" and boasts spectacular landscaping with hundreds of variety of flowers?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you have loved ones in the Armed Forces? How proud would you feel to see the inside of a real "heroic" battleship? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many reasons to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast --- all within an hour drive from Gulf Shores, AL. If you think of it, many of us choose our vacation spot based on only a couple of reasons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp3pUkHngPJw2mYzaKG7yc5L7pBbvbbzSzgS3-L29N2jDiScdSYjiivFO5vF4odTbMrrs7lgaPg8XK5dW5BKyR1xtZNxKXP3LFUXFH2fad2VAOTAQvjJtwYlk2_fpOXRedj9KXuWfGcTi/s1600/horiz+cropped+red+roses+under+bridge+bellingrath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp3pUkHngPJw2mYzaKG7yc5L7pBbvbbzSzgS3-L29N2jDiScdSYjiivFO5vF4odTbMrrs7lgaPg8XK5dW5BKyR1xtZNxKXP3LFUXFH2fad2VAOTAQvjJtwYlk2_fpOXRedj9KXuWfGcTi/s320/horiz+cropped+red+roses+under+bridge+bellingrath.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, hubby and I once chose to explore a State Park because of the WPA architecture. We traveled all the way through Florida's "Forgotten Coast" to see why it was "forgotten." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Get this: we traveled to Bayou La Batre because we enjoy the movie Forest Gump and wondered what about the shrimping village inspired the author .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We then traveled to Fairhope to explore the streets the author may have walked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's my point: unless your heart is dead set on going to a beach to lay out in the hot sun taking occasional dips in a) either a cold ocean and/or b) sharing your space with throngs of others who have the same plans, why not search your heart and think about what you most enjoy about your stay along Alabama's Gulf Coast?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My guess is it will have something to do with Gulf Shores fun restaurants, shopping excursions, natural scenery and "Southern" hospitality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ya'll come down! WE MISS YOU!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">p.s. Can I pencil you in?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-18496941187239188392010-06-05T21:54:00.040-05:002010-06-06T00:32:03.809-05:00It Was A Bittersweet Day Today --- Oil Washes Ashore As We Celebrate Record Bookings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS343o2Y0SptFdFqATJhPXX-i8XhPVR_jIG5D7pOwHDly_h70GlcM8s6N6YzTrXc1XvfgiyHXyhzg-Dm3YqmsWu7bcJcJxU-Vm1sJlWfbY7vw3JNAYEvlqtZvCSspiNcAAqE7PLZcuvJH/s1600/DSC00626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS343o2Y0SptFdFqATJhPXX-i8XhPVR_jIG5D7pOwHDly_h70GlcM8s6N6YzTrXc1XvfgiyHXyhzg-Dm3YqmsWu7bcJcJxU-Vm1sJlWfbY7vw3JNAYEvlqtZvCSspiNcAAqE7PLZcuvJH/s320/DSC00626.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">JOURNAL</span><span style="font-size: large;"> --- </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">Today is a bittersweet day for BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. We celebrate one of our busiest kayak rental days as we learn of the nasty oil invasion on our beautiful beaches. The event is coincidental --- we received a referral from the Tin Top Restaurant and despite rain, a large party from Mobile, AL celebrate two birthdays with their friends kayaking the Bon Secour River. All kayaks are on water --- a first for us since the oil spill was announced. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a new business, this year was to tell us if this whole "kayak rental" idea would pay off. Rentals were going gang-busters during Spring Break, the rhythm of bookings consistent with our expectations. It was Spring. The water was still cool and we had many rain-outs. We anticipated Summer would tell a different story. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">On any other busy day hubby and I could hardly contain excitement. "Maybe the word has gotten out of the fun and value of kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals," we might say. But this day we are almost somber. We don't jump for joy --- or even high five. We feel a tightness in our guts that this day may be an anomaly and we clutch the receipts as though we may never see them again. </span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, June 4, news broke of confirmed sightings of tarballs and oil on Gulf Shores, AL beaches. I learn this via Twitter." An hour later I learn (via Twitter again) an advisary is issued for Gulf waters. The local five and six o-clock news stations announce with "Breaking News" and "Dateline" later portrays an ugly "Special" of the blight on our white sand beaches. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I refer to our local Gulf Shores/Orange Beach CVB online <a href="http://www.gulfshores.com/issues/">Alabama CVB Website</a> to watch chirpy Rebecca Wilson tell on the June 5th edition "there is alot of seaweed" ... "there are scattered tar balls and patches of oil.""Please do not pick up the oil of any form" she warns ..."the Al Dept of Public Health has issued a swim advisary for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach." </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Upbeat sounding as she is (ya gotta love her positive spirit) Ms Wilson ends the clip with "our beaches are still open ... you can sunbathe ... you can walk on the beach."</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">By now I'm thinking "euww" (Be honest. Aren't you?) Nine tenths of me wants to make the trek to the beach to see first hand this landmark invasion while the other part of me wants to close the lid on the coffin.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are images I watch today:<a href="http://photos.al.com/4464/gallery/oil_spill_--_june_5_2010/index.html"> Gulf Shores Oil Invasion. </a></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the past few days our tranquil "tropical" setting has been assaulted by sounds of military choppers flying low overhead. This is a strange departure from the occasional recreational plane with banner flapping announcing "Mikee's Seafood Specials." The air is seemingly and eerily quiet the rest of the time. I've yet to see a hummingbird. The feeders remain full. I can't say the last time I heard a heron squawk. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is as a calm before a major storm. My senses are attuned to the subtle differences of nature's song. I feel a nervous anxiousness --- a "fight or flight" kind of jitters is settled in. I'm sad. I'm prayerful. I'm remorseful. I make bargains I'll never keep (like promising to do my best to reduce my carbon footprint and live off the grid) and repent my little faith in the profiteering "Man." </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also want my life back (damnit! I'm mad enough to spit). After running down an inventory of all we've overcome I retract my thoughts to count blessings --- then I think of the chirpy Ms. Wilson and wonder if I can be paid enough cash to ooze the confidence our life and the lives of all affected will ever be "made whole." </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm grateful for our kayaking guests. I'm grateful we still have beautiful water on the Bon Secour River to enjoy. I'm grateful BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals can offer </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">our kind, out-of-town guests </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">one more (natural outdoor) entertainment alternative to a themed waterpark, mini-golf or shopping mall. But never in my lifetime will I be happy it may come as an alternative to a trip to beaches along the warm, formerly beautiful, life-sustaining Gulf of Mexico. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm choked. Aren't you? </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">(As oil seeps toward the Loop Current I hope God keeps tally.)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><br />
</b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-23180065558625814422010-06-04T17:41:00.001-05:002010-06-04T17:52:02.221-05:00It is Confirmed. We Have Oil On Our Beaches. Advisory Issued<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mzV2-V8HPjc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mzV2-V8HPjc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
There are crews to clean the beaches however as of 3:53pm today State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson warned beach goers to stay out of coastal waters. You can read more here:<br />
<a href="http://blog.al.com/live/2010/06/beachgoers_urged_to_stay_out_o.html">State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson Issues Warning</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-4087306954285527992010-06-04T16:55:00.003-05:002010-06-04T17:07:49.435-05:00Did You Know Less Than 1% Oceans Are Protected?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA9wu45p3OT5d_GVnQsc-2J3Q880r2CEpxkcteZFJDOIpBjHmkLrYZrkApmLSx5cKA5t0qzDnZi2hGF03jzSswgw2h5hISUy1R-sSPe69Z-Xpf2xbgECVev4g8sGimrOtMnpPY9fScXKE/s1600/DSC00651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA9wu45p3OT5d_GVnQsc-2J3Q880r2CEpxkcteZFJDOIpBjHmkLrYZrkApmLSx5cKA5t0qzDnZi2hGF03jzSswgw2h5hISUy1R-sSPe69Z-Xpf2xbgECVev4g8sGimrOtMnpPY9fScXKE/s640/DSC00651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I had no idea how connected we are to oceans. You may not either. Ocean ingredients are the basis of medicines for Alzheimers, heart disease, viruses and other diseases.<br />
<br />
Go to the website located here and click the dots on the multimedia graphic to learn how one in six jobs are marine related for example:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1563001035"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.nature.org/multimedia/features/art30988.html?src=sp1%20">http://www.nature.org/multimedia/features/art30988.html?src=sp1 </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nature.org/multimedia/features/art30988.html?src=sp1"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-53248851683527681172010-05-25T11:18:00.000-05:002010-05-25T11:18:06.760-05:00Lyrics to Donavan Leitch Song "Riki Tiki Tavi"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi-54P-1jlet9u3n2K7HZjqXju1tONZe0wMd7UHVMswqEe62TvumyKb9gxZkhhj2i6NE-KuYtJQthctfk90bBW4XzJTTgyMJcK2GhqYZBRpwDFrKsSbd-u_SpoVzLgdOEeecBH6TrExRV/s1600/dreamy+view+down+bon+secour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi-54P-1jlet9u3n2K7HZjqXju1tONZe0wMd7UHVMswqEe62TvumyKb9gxZkhhj2i6NE-KuYtJQthctfk90bBW4XzJTTgyMJcK2GhqYZBRpwDFrKsSbd-u_SpoVzLgdOEeecBH6TrExRV/s320/dreamy+view+down+bon+secour.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>INSPIRATIONAL</b></span> --- When we picked "Riki Tiki Tavi" song by Donovan as BeachnRiver's "theme" song we liked the catchy tune, (we grew up listening to it, ha) and we identified with some of the lyrics. <br />
<br />
I pulled up the lyrics today to see how relevant they may be today. I thought I'd share with you. <br />
<br />
All I have to say is "I guess I gotta look inside myself some more" and I'd "better get into what I gotta get into."<br />
<br />
Nature is my high ... <br />
<b><br />
Lyrics to Riki Tiki Tavi (via sing360.com)</b> <br />
<br />
Better get into what you gotta get into<br />
Better get into it now, no slacking please<br />
United Nations ain't really united<br />
And the organisations ain't really organised<br />
<br />
Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
Won't be coming around for to kill your snakes no more my love<br />
Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
<br />
(Every)body who read the Jungle Book knows that Riki tiki tavi's a<br />
mongoose who kills snakes<br />
(Well) when I was a young man I was led to believe there were organisations<br />
to kill my snakes for me<br />
(ie the) church ie the government ie the school<br />
(but when I got a little older) I learned I had to kill them myself<br />
<br />
(I said) Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
Won't be coming around for to kill your snakes no more my love<br />
Riki tiki tavi mongoose is gone<br />
<br />
(16 bars instrumental)<br />
<br />
People walk around they don't know what they're doing<br />
They bin lost so long they don't know what they've been looking for<br />
Well, I know what I'm a looking for but I just can't find it<br />
I guess I gotta look inside of myself some moreUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-14662767421194235442009-09-28T15:14:00.006-05:002013-09-24T23:39:09.933-05:00I Forsake My Fears And Kayak This Morning --- Alone --- In the Dark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQofpt3YDcCcR47_c4E9vKLtHsnQpW3x1F2bAcvHt_gDuWTo7p1xBkuIqY6fv6-RsR0DMyf8Vdt9gIfImmZyfHQUKCbKoLkZoQYvAI7xH7qSYj_fTcrmuSAGI0uJ7I5ixX1gJ-8by4zOCl/s1600-h/negative+trees+deep+purple.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQofpt3YDcCcR47_c4E9vKLtHsnQpW3x1F2bAcvHt_gDuWTo7p1xBkuIqY6fv6-RsR0DMyf8Vdt9gIfImmZyfHQUKCbKoLkZoQYvAI7xH7qSYj_fTcrmuSAGI0uJ7I5ixX1gJ-8by4zOCl/s400/negative+trees+deep+purple.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386615719853737010" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">INSPIRATION</span></span> ---I went kayaking this morning. You may wonder why I'd take the time to write about it, but consider this: I started out on the water at 5:30 a.m. It is dark. There is no moon. Only the stars, clouds and freaky loud owl whooshing by are out at this time, as far as I can tell.<br />
<br />
Oh, I hear the crickets or cicadas or whatever they are called that normally give me comfort during long, hot summer nights, but this morning I don't seem to notice them much.<br />
<br />
More than anything else, at pitch black darkness, I find myself acutely aware that I am alone. Along with intense concentration to maneuver around twists, turns and fallen logs in the dark, I become introspective. I feel oddly off kilter, somewhat off-balanced ... my husband isn't here. I take wrong turns. My heart beats quickly and jumps at the slightest sound. I tell myself I have nothing to fear but fear. I paddle on.<br />
<br />
I went kayaking alone because I have something to prove to myself and because I was inspired by new found Twitter bud, Shawn Brown. After viewing his pics and reading his blog I realize I've been harboring a fear greater than others I currently cling to: I cannot swim, I am fatter than I'd like and am deathly afraid of water --- especially of big water. "I'd make some alligator a meaty meal," I say --- when I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> joking. To keep me alive these 50+ years, I've clung to all kinds of "truths" --- such as big people make better fish bait. They have little to do with fact and everything to do with my own insecurities.<br />
<br />
I discover: I'm "yellerbellied" doing some things alone.<br />
<br />
You see, I have been married my entire adult life. I know what it is like to be independent of my husband --- but for the most part, I do everything with him. I don't consider it a weakness; it is just the way it is. That is, until I got the nerve to kayak alone in the dark, waiting for the sunrise.<br />
<br />
On this weekend morning, I am a sole kayaker in a wide expanse of river wonder. I encounter male boaters, male fishermen, males sitting by the docks, men doing what I did --- taking the time to get out at sunrise to inhale the rituals of life.<br />
<br />
Which leads me to another thought: a large majority of BeachnRiver kayaking guests have been single dads. For every 10 informational calls, one tenth come from women. Of those women, only ONE trip was taken by a gal and her girl friend --- and they were repeat kayakers.<br />
<br />
Why <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> that? I wonder.<br />
<br />
I'd love it if everyone who has read this, reads Shawn Brown's blog "Early Morning Kayaking Adventure" <a href="http://www.outdoorgulfcoast.com/early-morning-kayak-adventure/" target="_blank">http://www.outdoorgulfcoast.<wbr></wbr>com/early-morning-kayak-<wbr></wbr>adventure/</a> and ask yourself what keeps<i> you</i> from trying new adventures? What excuses do <i>you</i> make that keep you from exploring? The husband/wife or kids excuse works when purchasing a home/car or some major decision, but trust me when I say, "you can <i>do</i> <i>this</i>". You can plop yourself in a single, sit-atop kayak, paddle from side to side, and propel yourself to unknown pleasures.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Who knows what fears you will forsake?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-59087770689671186972009-08-24T13:34:00.008-05:002015-03-14T18:14:10.281-05:00I Went (And Stayed) Outside Today<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicohYC9BrI2x9dnGcvkMYUsztZ5nKl1QQdEJ3KqcHArO3mtD8OCfsADgWfXUdOF99Omsv7kJnvfTf6nUdd2dDWteijGqO2B-nqax-iy-XY2UNd21_jTJTXw7LUT_RjcjQ0V27Lb8WdUr9/s400/2+horses.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373602866182051842" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 400px;" /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">INSPIRATION</span></span> --- I went --- and stayed outside today. I could have enjoyed my coffee outdoors then retreated in to tackle chores that lay ahead.<br />
<br />
Instead I ventured out --- to see --- and hear -- what I would not see --- and hear while cooped inside:<br />
<br />
I saw the morning sky turn from burning pink to soft, cerulean blue.<br />
I saw fluffy clouds move in overhead.<br />
I saw the steam over water rise.<br />
I saw morning glories. (I didn't catch their unfurl.)<br />
I saw our cat stretch --- then chase a lizard<br />
I saw the first hummer attack the feeder.<br />
I saw damsels and dragonflies glisten and dart in and about.<br />
I saw a limb crash to the ground (I would have wondered when it fell had I not been standing near).<br />
I saw squirrels jump and play.<br />
I saw a fox trot proudly with catch.<br />
I saw baby chicks follow their hen --- and the rooster crow and circle his wing.<br />
I saw butterflies --- all kinds of butterflies --- hover off and onto puddles, sedums and brightly colored zinnias.<br />
I saw leaves fall (can it already be an autumn call?)<br />
I saw a hawk circle then perch overhead.<br />
<br />
I saw MEN --- WITH HATS --- ON HORSES march clippity, clop by.<br />
<br />
All these things (and more I'm sure) happened today because I went outside to see what I typically would not see. It is now past noon --- and I can hardly wait to see what I've yet to see.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Do you know what I mean?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-69271806744593241472009-03-12T20:54:00.002-05:002009-03-12T20:58:39.709-05:00Choose Your Own Path<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro2qnpwbRPGpTtKR5cnwvGGK2hjw_9XS65WpOuG6O6QMZ9LyTe3e8ZKc7vOZOh77vX1WuU7zW6RFZ9GGgAJxgRDEERxWacVXgxLsDIaCbU_maLKFEMudbVIzA8vvZpcZ0VDAKzcdfNHuA/s1600-h/DSC00100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro2qnpwbRPGpTtKR5cnwvGGK2hjw_9XS65WpOuG6O6QMZ9LyTe3e8ZKc7vOZOh77vX1WuU7zW6RFZ9GGgAJxgRDEERxWacVXgxLsDIaCbU_maLKFEMudbVIzA8vvZpcZ0VDAKzcdfNHuA/s400/DSC00100.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">INSPIRATION</span></span> --- Just as this bird flies alone while others remain grounded, choosing to fly the path of an entrepreneur can be lonesome --- and scary. There is comfort in being grounded and in the company of others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Choose this day to soar in the mansion of the sky.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">"</span><em style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky, whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the silences of the night</em><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">."<br /><br />---Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet"</span></span><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-61272531841754691932009-03-06T18:53:00.005-06:002009-03-06T19:10:53.016-06:00Do You Feel Down? Watch This Video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpw8mANipZ_nE-pBCDrkBspp49974lvzQnt6yPVIYkdhxlMj1ye-O6tc-0uHqgwYNT_ANkw70iW3bInv6XCyuu_iAhGPDszW4hs69YA7ZmS5Sv6-TmLVNwFbf4GppV1iFrYnCP_vnG6L/s1600-h/woman+walking+beach+n+pier+gs+jones+0000887058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpw8mANipZ_nE-pBCDrkBspp49974lvzQnt6yPVIYkdhxlMj1ye-O6tc-0uHqgwYNT_ANkw70iW3bInv6XCyuu_iAhGPDszW4hs69YA7ZmS5Sv6-TmLVNwFbf4GppV1iFrYnCP_vnG6L/s400/woman+walking+beach+n+pier+gs+jones+0000887058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310243529950729778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">INSPIRATIONAL</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> --- <span style="font-size:85%;">It is difficult to go a day anymore listening to the news, watching the stock market, watching investments dwindle, without feeling nervous and insecure during these economic times. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It is difficult enough to watch the news but it seems it has impacted your business or livelihood. Phones are silent. Sales are down. Unemployment rises.<br /><br />You get down in the dumps.<br /><br />You may fall from your station in life. You may feel like giving up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Watch this tiny man with no arms or legs demonstrate how he plays the drums. Watch in awe how he has learned to get up from a fall.<br /><br />If you are like me you will cry. You will cry and you will want to watch again and again.<br /><br />Then ask yourself as he asks of the audience, "Are You Going to Finish Strong?"</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></span><br /><br /><br />http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377310230491815938.post-54607192924934342512009-03-04T14:21:00.005-06:002009-03-04T14:28:13.223-06:00The Daily Show Twalks of Twitter<style type="text/css">.cc_box a:hover .cc_home{background:url('http://www.comedycentral.com/comedycentral/video/assets/syndicated-logo-over.png') !important;}.cc_links a{color:#b9b9b9;text-decoration:none;}.cc_show a{color:#707070;text-decoration:none;}.cc_title a{color:#868686;text-decoration:none;}.cc_links a:hover{color:#67bee2;text-decoration:underline;}</style><div class="cc_box" style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/" target="_blank" style="display: inline; float: left; width: 60px; height: 31px;"><div class="cc_home" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 1px 0px 0px 1px; background: transparent url(http://www.comedycentral.com/comedycentral/video/assets/syndicated-logo-out.png) repeat scroll 0% 0%; float: left; width: 60px; height: 31px; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"></div></a><div style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 1px 1px 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; float: left; width: 299px; height: 31px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112); position: relative;"><div class="cc_show" style="overflow: hidden; position: relative; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); padding-left: 3px; height: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a><span style="position: absolute; top: 2px; right: 3px;">M - Th 11p / 10c</span></div><div class="cc_title" style="padding: 1px 3px 3px; overflow: hidden; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(134, 134, 134); background-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); line-height: 14px; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=219519&title=twitter-frenzy" target="_blank">Twitter Frenzy</a></div></div><embed style="float: left; clear: left;" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:219519" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" bgcolor="#000000" height="301" width="360"></embed><div class="cc_links" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color rgb(207, 207, 207) rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 0px 1px 1px; float: left; clear: left; width: 358px; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; color: rgb(185, 185, 185); background-color: rgb(245, 245, 245);"><div style="width: 177px; float: left; padding-left: 3px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml">Daily Show Full Episodes</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/important_things/index.jhtml">Important Things With Demetri Martin</a></div><div style="width: 177px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.jokes.com/">Joke of the Day</a></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0