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!
PHOTO BY BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (Ft. Morgan) |
"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.
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
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?
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!
PHOTO FOR SALE BY DIANE DAVIS (Gulf Shores, AL) A Summer Day at the Beach. |
Links To Additional BeachnRiver
Top Five All-Time Favorite Hiking/Biking Paths
1) GULF SHORES and ORANGE BEACH --- Hugh S. Branyon BackCountry Trail
2) FOLEY --- Graham Creek Preserve
3) DAPHNE --- Village Point Park and the Jackson Oak
4) DAPHNE --- Gator Alley
5) WEEK'S BAY --- Pitcher Bog
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BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals thanks you for taking time out of your life to read our Blog. But lets be honest with our intent--- we created this blog to interest you in kayaking and hope that you will choose BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals as a top fun "Thing To Do" amusement during your next trip to Fairhope, Foley, Ft. Morgan, Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs, Mobile, Orange Beach --- the Alabama Gulf Coast!
We are an 'ol mom and pop. Our focus is not to spend time on the computer. We'd rather be putting guests kayaking on the water!
We ask only those folks who have kayaked with us --- or who are interested enough in kayaking to join this blog and comment. No soliciting of any kind is allowed. Thank you.
We hope to put you on the water soon! Our mission is to help you "Find Your Inner Huck Finn and Have A Beachin' Good Time!"
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