Sat., 16 Feb 13

Today was cool and breezy with sunshine and a few clouds. Still it was nice enough to go for a ride with the top off.

We stopped at Walmart and stocked up on Charlotte’s weekly magazines: Woman’s World, First and All You. I was looking for a Bell triple lighter plug socket w/usb power outlets (2). I bought the last one at another Walmart and wanted a second unit. No luck.

As we exited we picked up a few boxes of Girl Guide cookies that the young ladies were displaying on their table by the entrance. We purchased Peanut Butter Sandwich and Shortbread; two of our favourites.

Our next destination was the Punta Clara Kitchen in Point Clear, AL. They have been known for almost 40 years for their great preserves and candies which feature local pecans.

It is located in a historic home which was quite nice to visit on the way to the “kitchen”. There we sampled several candies and preserves and were remarkably resistant to temptation. We only came away with a few purchases.

We then continued north on Scenic 98 to the Marriot Grand Hotel which, since 1847, has been known as the “Queen of Southern Resorts.”  It had served as a Confederate Hospital during the Civil War and currently is rated as Marriott’s Top Spa worldwide.

We just did a U-turn after reaching the Marriott and headed back south on Scenic 98. We branched off onto CR-1 which brought us further south along the waters of Mobile Bay. We were really enjoying the slow ride in the sunshine. Unfortunately, we had to turn inland before the road reached a dead end at Weeks Bay.

Heading back inland we followed US -98 then on to AL-59 southbound through Foley to our next destination in Gulf Shores, AL.  It was time (3 p.m.) for a late lunch. Our choice was the Original Oyster House (and Boardwalk) - a local landmark with a great view!

There were a lot of great choices on the menu. We finally decided to share the Seafood Platter and the Fried Green Tomato entrees. It was a good thing this was a late lunch – no take-home; but, we were stuffed. We would both go back just for the Fried Green Tomatoes!

We bought a few items in the Boardwalk Shops attached to the restaurant then started back to the RV – still with the top off. In Foley we pulled in to the Walmart SuperCenter. Still no luck on the item I was looking for.

We arrived back at the just before sunset. We really enjoyed the slow ride in the sunshine. All that fresh air will probably mean early to bed after a little TV. Supper will just be snacks – maybe a few of the Girl Guide cookies.