Gulf State Park Campground, Gulf Shores, Alabama
No, but I was sure hopeful. 
On Thursday we once again hopped on our bikes to ride on some more of the trails in Gulf State Park. This time we rode 15.5 miles. Let me tell you; by the time we got back home, I was a bit sore in certain areas!!
Part of the trail runs next to a sports complex. Kevin spotted a large bird on top of a light pole next to the soccer field. One pole had a huge nest and the bird was on the next pole over.
Here’s the nest.
I had seen information in the visitor center that said there are eagles in this area. The bird was quite big, and from a distance it looked like it might be an eagle. We’ve never seen an eagle in the wild, so this was very exciting.
I walked closer to the pole and took some pictures. As I got closer, I had a feeling it wasn’t an eagle because I could see a brown stripe on its face. We stopped at the nature center back in the campground, and the ranger there told us it was an osprey. Still a cool site!
There are signs all over the place along the trails warning about alligators. I thought the saying was clever, “A fed gator is a dead gator”. This got me wondering what someone would feed an alligator. Kevin’s response was toes. Ha Ha. I sure hope not. Years ago we took our kids on an airboat tour in the Florida Everglades. I remember those alligators liked eating marshmallows.
Friday was another beautiful day so we did a little more bike riding. It was quickly obvious to me that I wasn’t going to be able to ride too much because I was still sore. We rode for a few miles and then walked on the beach. My favorite thing to do!! Do you see the bird?
Thursday evening brought some beautiful colors. The pink clouds caused the lake behind our site to look pink too.
Here’s the same view in the morning with the sun making the water sparkle. Both views are so pretty.
We arrived today at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. This is another awesome park. This area of Florida is called the Emerald Coast. I can see why because the water is emerald green near the shore and then gets dark blue further out. The sand is amazingly white.
The water is crystal clear. You can see the bottom at least twenty or thirty feet out.
We’re here for a week. Lots of exploring will happen!!
Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!
