April 21: Moss Point, MS to Dauphin Island, AL

It was a leisurely ride today, as we headed to a rest day. After our restaurant dinner of the night before, our map meeting was in the parking lot before we started pedaling.

Of course, there were bridges, the first one less than 2 miles from our hotel. Thankfully, it did not have the treacherous expansion joints we had experienced getting to Moss Point.

The nasty bridge of the previous day

Around mile 10, Carol had suggested visiting the Alligator Farm – everyone but Donna and I missed it…Nothing fancy, but lots of alligators.

Alligators grow a foot a year for the first six years of their lives. I am holding an 18 month old. They keep the young ones in separate pens, one for those up to 2 years, another for those up to 3 years, then 3-6 years, before putting them in the big lagoon.

On to Alabama, where we are following a scenic byway.

The next bridge took us into Bayou la Batre, obviously home to fishermen.

We were attracted by this sign for Sugar Rush and had to try the Bubble Tea. The black balls are like tapioca and chewy like gummy bears. Our tea was mango flavored, like a watery smoothie.

Another bridge, with the old one now used as a fishing pier.

When we turned on SR 193 at mile 35, we had water nearby on both sides. I was able to take a photo of this beautiful crane/heron, searching for food – and see the bridge to Dauphin Island in the distance.

The bridge and lead-up is over 3 miles long, serving as the entrance to Mobile Bay.

While it looks quite steep, the GPS mostly read 6 per cent. It was interesting as we rode on to the Island, to see this fisherman only waist deep in the water, knowing the nearby channel must be quite deep.

There are also drilling rigs in the Bay and in the Gulf.

These “Fish Camp” condominiums were just beside the bridge, and our lunch stop at Barnacle Bill’s was across the road.

The Island is noted as a bird sanctuary and we will explore more on our rest day.

Donna had a surprise visitor waiting at the Resort, Joey, the son of her dear friend who died of pancreatic cancer just before our trip began – a very special reunion.

We are staying in a condo overlooking the pool and beach, 3 bedrooms, 4 of us, a real treat.

Our dinner was in the guides’ condo, then we enjoyed the sunset.

After dinner, Marilyn led us in a game of Trivia, good laughs.

44 miles today.(I have installed a new wireless bike computer, but only for speed – others miss attractions because they are too focused on mileage.)