A few days at Orange Beach
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:50PM "Shouldn't you go to the beach in the summer, when it's hot and you can lie in the sun?"
A friend asked me this last week when I told her I was going to Alabama's Gulf Coast with some old friends from my college days.
Alabama has about fifty miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, stretching from the Florida state line, through the major resort communities of Orange beach and Gulf Shores and on to the Fort Morgan peninsula. I had never been to the coast during the winter, but I thought the weather might be pleasant enough. And it was! I didn't mind the chilly nights, blustery days, with some rain mixed in to give a good excuse for indoor shopping.
We stayed in Orange Beach, and the uncrowded beaches were perfect for walking, if not for sunbathing. 
A pool of water reflects nearby condominiums.
Sea shells and sea foam and foot prints make patterns in the sand.
A giant shadow person waves at me.
Sea oats and fencing protect the sand dunes.
Sea gulls fly over head and hunt for food along the beach.
Pastel colors wash the sky as our first day at the beach passes into evening.
A dark and turbulent sunset on another day follows a storm.
We spoke to the man in the following picture as he passed. He was walking away from the sunset.
"You are going the wrong way!" we told him. "Look behind you!" Amazingly, caught up in his own thoughts, he was unaware of the spectacular sunset that had occurred.
Today I returned home, refreshed and ready to get busy. Lou tells me it may snow this weekend. No way. I'm planning on working in my garden!
Reader Comments (12)
Wow, never seen anything like that sunset! You must be refreshed after such a lovely getaway. No gardening for me for at least 3 months.
Christine in Alaska
I just LOVE beach in winter! In summer there is so many people and it’s too crowded that I can’t enjoy at all. In winter I can hear the sea and wind... its lovely. I used to go for New Years to some town on the beach - and it was a lovely trip every time. No tourists, only a few people living there...
I love those photos of sunset.
Beautiful photos of a great place! Makes me long to be at the beach and feel the warm sun. Thanks for sharing!
I like the beach in winter when there's clouds and fog. No sunburn; just the sound of the surf, and shells and things to find.
The pictures are so beautiful. Alabama may only have 50 miles of coastline, but they are very beautiful. The sand is so light in color. In California where I grew up, it is quite a bit darker.
Sounds like you enjoyed your getaway. You certainly brought back some great photos - I love the sunset!
I love the beach in the winter! (Okay, well, anytime). The closest to me is the Jersey shore and let's be honest, no one really wants to go there in the summer. But somehow, the whole world goes there in the summer. Not me if I can help it. Each winter since I've lived here, there's been at least one day warm enough to justify wrapping up the kids and drive the hour to the ocean. They always get IN the water. Glad you got to dip your toe in the big water. Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment! Kelly
What fantastic photos.
Loved the one with the fencing in the dunes-a real art shot!
Cool dog!
Also great to see the Darlingtonias a post or two back. Reminded me of trying to grow them well in a greenhouse in the uk!
Best Wishes
Robert
Beautiful seascapes! There is nothing like the ocean to refresh and energize! How wonderful you had that time. ;<) Carol
I was enjoying my vicarious day at the beach as I scrolled through your gorgeous shots, but when I got to the sunset my heart stopped!! Glorious!! I need to get out of the NW snow and see those beautiful beaches!
Stunning pictures; love the sunsets. I love the ocean, especially when the weather's tumultuous. My nearest beach is the South Coast; grey town filled with grey people. How I envy you!
What a beautiful beach and that sunset is gorgeous! I think the beach in winter is so pretty, I kind of like being bundled up and watching the birds and the water.