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| PHOTO FOR SALE BY DIANE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY --- this photo was most likely taken in Gulf Shores. However one can experience this scenery at the end of an easy hike through the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Fort Morgan and get an additional benefit of experiencing a diverse Eco-system of one of the last remaining undisturbed Coastal Barrier habitats in the nation. |
Let's face it, you come to Gulf Shores, AL to take in the Sounds of the Sea, to feel your toes beneath the cool, white sand, and to breathe in the thick, salt air.
But are you aware that there are some areas just minutes "off-the-beaten-path" that can further enrich your beach-going experience and deepen your connection with the area's Natural World by taking a hike through the last remaining undisturbed Coastal Barrier Habitat --- The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
With a visit to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (just North off Ft. Morgan Road Hwy 180), one can learn about native flora and fauna found along the Alabama Gulf Coast through self-guided walks and seasonally-based ranger led programs --- and still get to enjoy a nearly private beach experience!
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| PHOTO BY BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (Ft. Morgan) |
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| PHOTO FOR SALE BY DIANE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY --- it is not unusual to be able to glide by quietly in a kayak and witness a heron feeding along the river banks. Kayaking is one of the most "nature-friendly" ways to experience wildlife so intimately. |
"Aside from taking a hike, what is another 'BeachnRiver' recommended fun way to actively participate in an adventure observing nature up-close and personal" you ask? Kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals (Foley) of course!
Why do we love kayaking the backwaters of the Gulf Shores area so much? Because there are several "still," shallow rivers and creeks that are easily traversed via kayak --- a person needs only minimal strength and paddling skills to enjoy scenes like the photo of the heron above.
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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley) --- Families find all kinds of ways to enjoy time on the water. When you opt to paddle with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals, you can make the kayaking experience any way you choose. Some choose to paddle to reach a destination point, others want to swim, picnic and play in the water before returning to the launch site. Beachnriver Kayak Rentals offers the same low rate whether you paddle for one hour or for eight hours. YOU are the Captain of your own Eco-Adventure. We hope you'll "Find Your Inner Huck Finn," and we're sure you'll have a "Beachin' Good Time!" |
While vacationing on the Alabama Gulf Coast you'll notice that folks like to fish. Summer evenings you will see men, women and children casting nets from piers, docks, river banks and jetties.
You can find several opportunities to try your hand at fishing. A challenging but fun way to fish is to cast a net.
You can purchase inexpensive nets from retailers like Wal-Mart, but it is still possible to find hand-crafted nets for sale from vendors at the Coastal Alabama Farmer's and Fisherman Market in Foley.
3) A "BeachnRiver" Fun Way To Try Your Hand At Fishing: By Casting A Net
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| PHOTO FOR SALE BY LYNN JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY --- This is a perfect photo of a fisherman casting a net from his boat. However, you can try your hand throwing a net from a bank. |
Why not? (Art lies within the eye of the beholder right?) Emerald Coast Plein Air Painters meet weekly at various locations and their painting "adventures" often include additional active and social activities --- like kayaking or snorkeling and dining. If you're not yet a Rembrandt why not enroll in painting classes at Gulf Coast Arts Alliance (Gulf Shores) or the Foley Art Center?
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| PHOTO FOR SALE BY LYNN JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY (Gulf Shores, AL) Woman Plein Air Painting. |
A person can burn off a fair amount of calories walking, kneeling, standing and waiting to capture the perfect photo image. (You can see how many calories are burned by utilizing a calories burned calculator.) Taking photos of your experiences while on vacation is a good way to actively engage your family in the vacation itinerary.
If family members have cameras or cell phones, you might create a challenge to see how many unique ways an image can be photographed. One or more of your family members may be inclined to "journal." Ask them to keep a daily record for future reference. Encourage all to collect "souvenirs" like napkins, coasters, postcards etc. to add to the records/scrapbooks. Homemade photo gifts are nearly always welcomed by parents, grandparents and other family members!
A shop like Gigi's ScrapBookin and More in Foley offers packages to create anything from cards to photo frames. Organizing a scrapbook, making craft "memories" is a perfect "Rainy Day" activity --- and one that can bond your family in "active" participation to commemorate your wonderful vacation events.
Of course, if you are like us, you may come to the conclusion that professional photographers like Michelle C. Stancil of MCSPIXS , Diane Davis of Diane Davis Photography and Lynn Jordan of Lynn Jordan Photography have already captured some of the most unique and spectacular photos that you may want to purchase as posters, coasters, books, cards, handbags, shower curtains, necklaces and more!
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| PHOTO FOR SALE BY DIANE DAVIS (Gulf Shores, AL) A Summer Day at the Beach. |
