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Too Busy To Write !Mar 9, 2010
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The White Sands of Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan
12 " Guns ! Vary unique
A Beach Shot
| Received an email from our close friends asking if everything is OK, as there had not been any trip blog posting of late. First of all, everything is great. This is a different trip for Marilyn and I as we not touring as on past adventures. We actually set a record the second week we were here. It was the longest stop in one location in all of our travels. This trip is more the trip of a Snow Bird. We are staying put for the total trip giving Marilyn a chance to relax. RIGHT! She has been busy with the quilt group, doing her own quilted jacket, and making baby blankets with a group of gals for a mission project. This coupled with a host of other activities, dinners, and entertainment keeps us going. It sure is a great life. We finally got a break in the weather to what is considered normal down here, around 64, and toured Fort Morgan. The fort, built in 1819 was constructed to protect Mobile Bay. It first “action” was in the Civil War in August of 1864. The Union sent in an 18-ship fleet to take the fort and control of Mobile Bay. It was also the location of the first death in the Civil War. An interest fact, the Confederates had mined the bay entrance. Back then they were called torpedoes. After the Union lost one ship to torpedoes, the famous orders were given by a Captain Farragut “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”. The fort was activated again for the Spanish-American War, and used for training for World War 1. The big guns were pretty amazing, being able to shot a 1046-pound shell over 8 miles. Design allowed a counterweight to raise the gun and the recoil to return it to store or loading position, out of sight of the attackers. The day also provided some “beach” time for Carley. As with many ocean side beaches access is often limited, but once you are “on the beach” you can walk the shoreline. It is amazing to see house after house that was destroyed in 2005 hurricane build back bigger than ever. Everything on “11’ foot stilts” and many with NO insurance. Talked with 1 owner who bought in 2000 and has seen 4 hurricanes. Anyhow, life is good. 65 degrees, in the mid to high 70’s later this week. Enjoy, |
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