Bellingrath Gardens

Sunday, August 14, 2016

The rains have finally ended and we are still in Mobile waiting to have some fiberglass work done on the boat. 

Today we took the opportunity to tour Bellingrath Gardens before the heat returns.

The Gardens and home were built as the weekend, then retirement, home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath in the 1930s.  Walter was the first owner of the Coca Cola bottling franchise for southern Alabama.

Always an avid gardener, Bessie oversaw the establishment of the gardens.  First opened to the public in 1932 just for the spring blooming season (lots of azaleas),  the gardens were so popular, they were
opened year round in 1934.  With no children as heirs, their estate was dedicated to maintaining the gardens and home.  The home today is filled with their original furnishings and Bessie's extensive porcelain collection.

The home overlooks the Fowl River from a high hill and enjoys cool breezes.  This view shows the boat dock at waters' edge.



The immaculately groomed gardens were lovely, even in the August heat.

Coleus

Ginger

Banana

A tropical conservatory housed numerous plants not winter hardy in Mobile. 

 The Japanese American Garden was an especially tranquil spot.

We expect to be in Mobile for another week or two while the boat work continues.

Sunsets!

Monday, August 1, 2016

After a short trip from Gulfport across Mississippi Sound, we arrive at Ship Island.  This is a deserted strip of a barrier island, heavily eroded by Katrina.  We anchor a short distance from the beach.  The sailboat is visible past the island, in the Gulf of Mexico.






We take the dingy ashore to explore.  Boka loves the beach and played hard in the water and sand.








One of the benefits of cruising, especially anchoring out, is the 360 degree view of sunsets.

This one was spectacular from every direction.  Ocean Springs MS is barely visible in the distance.







Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Today we are moving about 35 miles to another anchorage by Petit Bois Island.  This island is similar to Ship Island but the anchorage is more protected from wind and ship wakes.  As we left Ship Island, we spotted a shark keeping an eye on us.  En route we passed one of numerous Pogy boats operating in this area.  Google "menhaden boats" to learn more about this commercial fishing operation, common in the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.  The catch is used to make fish oil.

Here's a view of Petit Bois Island with Boka enjoying a swim.  Our first beach destination here was altered when we saw an alligator slide off into the water to watch our approach.

Sauvy B looks like a ghost ship in the haze.  Calm seas are most welcome!

Lots of Portuguese Men of War in the water here.  The bubbles are from our generator exhaust.

 And another fabulous sunset!

The last thunderstorm of the day moves toward Gulfport.  Lots of lightening!  Fortunately we did not have any rain.







Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Today we return to civilization.  After a 5 hour cruise, we arrive at Dog River Marina in Mobile AL and another spectacular sunset.  We will be here for a week or two while we have assorted repair work done at Robert's favorite boat yard.