If I got my way when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on our fall vacation, I’d plan an entirely different itinerary for our kids than mom. I’m all for sand in our toes, salty skin, and sun-baked cheeks, but I also don’t want to miss out on the adventures these beautiful locations provide.
Let the criticisms fly, but I don’t like to just sit in a beach chair when I visit. I sit way too much already on the job; I want to be up and about - taking in my vacation doing all the things I never would in my regular routine.
So, if you were to ask me, and I know you were about to, I’d create our own agenda tackling fun by land and water.
BY LAND
Cruising the backchannels of marshlands and nature preserves was far more fun than I’d even hoped they’d be. The 28 miles of trails in Gulf State Park provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable bike ride. Thanks to Beach Bike Rentals we hopped on our beach bikes and rode across wooden bridges, trails, and roadways as we stopped periodically to observe the beauty, look for wildlife, and stroll through a little museum.
It was more than a bike ride, it was beauty and nature filling our day, distracting us from the fact that we were actually exercising in the most tranquil and entertaining fashion.
BY water
Then it was boarding a large pontoon boat with Coastal Kayak Excursions, getting whisked away into the backwaters of the bay where we disembarked from the boat for kayaks of our own. Gliding through the waters at dusk, we saw dolphins in the distance and exotic birds all around, and we enjoyed the peaceful sounds of a paddle gently stroking through the waters.
It was here where we learned of the bay’s secrets and viewed the sights unknown. Hidden in the tall grass were paths of waterways, unchartedunchartered and serene. Kissed by the afternoon sun, we relish our cruising underneath the golden glow.
Say what you will; Alabama's white sand beaches are amazing, and we still make time for some fun in the sun. But if this daddy had his way, his kids would all be telling tales of lessons learned, adventures explored, and new experiences never pursued back home.
And yet, we’d all still go home with sand in our toes, salty skin, and sun-baked cheeks.
