Mobile and the Gulf Coast

I started this morning with a visit to Alligator Alley . Well, a different Alligator Alley. This one is on the East side of the channel and much larger. It it truly a controlled environment. They raise the alligators from babies (I am not sure about any breeding program) and they have feedings several times a day. There is a different section of the property where many ‘gators exist in a natural swampy environment. I did not ask if they are sold for meat. I’m always conflicted about keeping animals in any sort of constrained environment unless they are truly rescues. I did take the opportunity to get photos, In particular some close-ups. Still, I’m not sure how I feel about it all.

In the afternoon, I continued South to Gulf Shores, where I had signed up for a Kayak trip with WildNative Tours. It was advertised as a dolphin and wildlife experience, so I had some expectation of photo opportunities. I was the only single in the group; the remainder comprised two large families, ironically both from Iowa. Our guide was Erin and her boyfriend Steven was assisting. Both were kind, knowledgeable and helpful. I ended up in a single kayak, which was a lot of work without being able to share the paddling. I was also the oldest and least experienced paddler in the group. In the end Steven was assigned to “babysit” me so I could take my time. I really did enjoy chatting with him while we paddled and was glad for the pressure to be removed. In the end though, the wildlife experience was a bit disappointing. We did see a few dolphins, but not much of a show. We also saw a couple of ospreys, but only flying high and difficult to photograph. So, in the end, I contended myself with barnacles.

The unfortunate part was that I discovered, only at the end, that the dry box they gave me to store my wallet, phone and keys was more of a damp box. My very expensive Viper remote shorted out and I had to unlock the car with the key, setting off the really annoying alarm, which I could not stop until I found the spare auxiliary remote that I fortunately always keep in the console. Thank goodness I could at least drive back. I stopped and got a bag of rice and even as I was packing it, it looked like it might be coming back to life. Even if it does recover, I think it was brackish water, so I’m not sure how that will work out long term. Although it truly was just an unfortunate accident, I have to give the both Erin and Steven, as well as Chris, their boss, credit for stepping up. They did take responsibility given that it was their dry box, and I was given Chris’ number with the promise that he would sort it out with me. Stay tuned.

Tomorrow I backtrack to Mississippi.