The Gulf State Park Tradition...

[Teamubr]

@Teamubr, it says Allegiant will have service from St. Louis/Bellville Airport to JEA in May also, possibly that might be a direct pipeline for you from your home in IL

Ed,

I've looked into Allegiant a couple of times. For being a "discount" airline, they are pretty expensive. Ian and Blake are coming to GSP, but will drive down. They looked into flying down. Allegiant only flies from Belleville to GS on Monday and Friday and the "basic" price (no check bag, no seat selection, no carry on) is still $279. To pick your seat and have a carry on was an extra $116.

They can drive down, have their own car and even get a hotel on the way down for a lot less than $400/person.

j

 

[team bradfield]

Been going to the Gulf Coast ever since I was a six-year old in 1956. The first trip was Pensacola Beach, and we've been to just about every beach from one end to the other, from Dauphin Island to Port St. Joe.

We leave in 2 1/2 weeks for Destin and PC Beach. The entire coast is the most beautiful stretch of beach anywhere on Planet Earth.

Period.

Agree, this is our 2nd year going to Navarre, Destin and PC

 

[bama_ed]

I've looked into Allegiant a couple of times. For being a "discount" airline, they are pretty expensive. Ian and Blake are coming to GSP, but will drive down. They looked into flying down. Allegiant only flies from Belleville to GS on Monday and Friday and the "basic" price (no check bag, no seat selection, no carry on) is still $279. To pick your seat and have a carry on was an extra $116.

I understand. Until there is competition (or more regular flights not just those days that bookend the weekend), there is no reason for them to do otherwise. I didn't say it was cheap - only said it will be an option in the future.

 

[BenitaN]

Lazy day here is Gulf Shores. Weather was beautiful - crisp, low 60s, blue sky with high clouds, sunny.

Went to the bookstore in Foley this morn (DW's favorite) and killed 90 minutes. Then went to lunch at the new location of Duck's Diner in Gulf Shores next to the WalMart Supercenter (the old Hazel's location). DD has had a place in Orange Beach for 20 years but recently started this location. Their thing is breakfast-lunch service only and breakfast is available all of their hours. Lunch is mostly burgers, sandwiches, and salads; also a meat-and-3 type offering.



I got the Reuben and fries for $12.50 (LOVE me some crinkle cut fries) and DW got a 3-veg plate (healthy). Here is my meal.



The food took a while to come out of the kitchen but our server was good. The sandwich, while well made, was a little on the small side but with prices and such these days I shouldn't complain. We hope to come back for breakfast (DW's favorite meal of the day) Monday on the way out of town.



Went for a walk at the campground after lunch. But first I reserved this weekend for next year (also 3 nights). Hey @Teamubr, I got my 15% discount (finally eligible)! (or will be when I arrive next year).



Pretty day on the walk. Tried to stay in the sun when I could.



Coming up to the checkin building on my walk.



Here is the site I reserved for next year. If you drive down Sumac Road to the far end where the 2nd Comfort Station is, it's across Live Oak where the white pickup is (left of the Yield sign).



No shade but no care. Not in February.



Dinner back at the camper tonight. Up early for my 14th Half Marathon tomorrow.

ED

PS - low/mid 40s here for lows at night mitigated by ceramic heater during awake hours and an electric blanket while we sleep. The Aliner has a heat pump which works down to about 42F and below that is ineffective. It cools fine in summer though. Thing is it is right under our bed and I can put up with the noise if cooling but if not heating, nope. But we are comfortable.

PPS - getting 22mb/s downstream on the campground wifi. adequate.

Crinkle fries are my favorite, too.

 

[tiggerdad]

Okay, we are finally starting to get close, weather starting to warm up. Unfortunately SouthAlabama5er has been forced to back out of the trip, at least not being able to stay but intending to ride over for a day at least. He has now been informed he has to be in two different weddings this summer (not his own) and thus he is having to take time off for those and would not be able to take the additional time off which i understand. especially given one of those weddings is for his step daughter so kinda can't avoid that.

i had booked mine and his site together, so i am currently looking to see if anyone might be interested in the site or if i need to cancel it. our neighbors are looking to see if they are possibly able to utilize it, but putting the word out if any of the other Disers might be interested if this backup plan falls through i could certainly offer it up to someone else. Anyone interested let me know, and I'll keep you informed.

Joe had asked me about a potluck dinner evening, which course is a must. Although, typically when we are down there as i remember correctly we usually have 2-3 nights of someone hosting and those who did not already have dinner plans attended so we can start thinking on this. Of course, i have no problem hosting a meal and thus certainly insist that we eat at my place at least once.

I'd also like to officially inquire as to which of you might be interested in a "friendly" miniature golf game at a course to be determined later. Figure the laughs and jokes will be well worth it. In miniature golf i consider myself a Carl Spackler.


Though i promise no harm to gophers, as they are akin to squirrels

 

[bama_ed]

@tiggerdad,

You might want to check with @Flametamr about Randy's site. Joe/Flametamr found out about our DISMeet last fall at FW Halloween and might have secured a GSP site or not (I'm too lazy to look back). But I would vote in our HOA mtg to add him to the neighborhood.

Speaking of which, later this month us ALABAMA residents can book 13 months out for end-of-May 2026. A reservation can always be cancelled later on but only if you have one to start with. I'm just thinking ahead.

Bama Ed

PS - Randy, being an Alabama resident too, has a 13 month window.

PPS - Randy is the father of the bride this summer? Darn, I was hoping to drink my fill of champagne on his tab. Oh the stories I could tell.



PPPS - @tiggerdad, I consider myself a Happy Gilmore on the putt putt golf circuit!

 

[Teamubr]

We are good with a pot luck any night(s). Mini golf is fun, especially with friends.

One other thing I was looking at is the Blue Angels practice. It looks like they have practice on June 3 and 4 that week. I can't tell if it still requires a real ID, but I plan on bringing my passport anyway.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

We are good with a pot luck any night(s). Mini golf is fun, especially with friends.

One other thing I was looking at is the Blue Angels practice. It looks like they have practice on June 3 and 4 that week. I can't tell if it still requires a real ID, but I plan on bringing my passport anyway.

j

Please bring your passport!

 

[Teamubr]

Please bring your passport!

Lesson learned.

I'm also considering doing this again. I is an all day cruise and a lot of fun. The views of the Angels from the water is pretty impressive.



I've actually never seen practice from the actual base (see former Real ID issue), so that may be our 1st choice this year.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

@tiggerdad,

You might want to check with @Flametamr about Randy's site. Joe/Flametamr found out about our DISMeet last fall at FW Halloween and might have secured a GSP site or not (I'm too lazy to look back). But I would vote in our HOA mtg to add him to the neighborhood.

Speaking of which, later this month us ALABAMA residents can book 13 months out for end-of-May 2026. A reservation can always be cancelled later on but only if you have one to start with. I'm just thinking ahead.

Bama Ed

PS - Randy, being an Alabama resident too, has a 13 month window.

PPS - Randy is the father of the bride this summer? Darn, I was hoping to drink my fill of champagne on his tab. Oh the stories I could tell.



PPPS - @tiggerdad, I consider myself a Happy Gilmore on the putt putt golf circuit!

Yes, going forward the only way I will be able to secure any site of good use will be if I get an Alabama resident to book it for me. Otherwise, by time it opens up for us out of state folks the only sites will be in the back areas and that is a no-go for us.

 

[Teamubr]

I know Ed is excited since this is in his favorite part of the area.

Looks like a new place to check out for lunch or dinner.

Check out one of Orange Beach’s newest restaurants: ‘25 years in the making’

j

 

[garneska]

Sorry to be a bummer but Bert and I will not be joining. Lots of things going on. Plus we need to get on selling that RV. Not a great time to try and do that. I have no canceled my sight yet. Please let me know if someone is looking for a site. not sure if i can transfer it or if we just need to coordinate when i cancel it.

Everyone have fun. Right now Bert, Herb and I will be at Yellowstone.

 

[bama_ed]

I know Ed is excited since this is in his favorite part of the area.

Looks like a new place to check out for lunch or dinner.

Check out one of Orange Beach’s newest restaurants: ‘25 years in the making’

j

* Yawn * A(nother) new restaurant in Orange Beach.

Blackened Grouper in a lemon butter sauce? Child's play.

A good roux is important to a pot of gumbo? Oh yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way when I burned the roux but still cooked the gumbo and ate that junk in stubborn silence. But lesson learned and my gumbo is delicious now (but not as good as my crawfish etouffee over pasta).

I was thinking about a tour of an Oyster Farm (yes, aquafarming) but it has a minimum of 10 people at $35 each. Or a sunset dolphin cruise if anyone is interested.

Ed

 

[bama_ed]

Sorry to be a bummer but Bert and I will not be joining. Lots of things going on. Plus we need to get on selling that RV. Not a great time to try and do that. I have no canceled my sight yet. Please let me know if someone is looking for a site. not sure if i can transfer it or if we just need to coordinate when i cancel it.

Everyone have fun. Right now Bert, Herb and I will be at Yellowstone.

Kris, we will miss you and the Bert-Man. Yes, times are changing and the two of you will always be welcome.

Have fun with Herb out West!

Ed

 

[tiggerdad]

* Yawn * A(nother) new restaurant in Orange Beach.

Blackened Group in a lemon butter sauce? Child's play.

A good roux is important to a pot of gumbo? Oh yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way when I burned the roux but still cooked the gumbo and ate that junk in stubborn silence. But lesson learned and my gumbo is delicious now (but not as good as my crawfish etouffee over pasta).

I was thinking about a tour of an Oyster Farm (yes, aquafarming) but it has a minimum of 10 people at $35 each. Or a sunset dolphin cruise if anyone is interested.

Ed

We've done a few of the dolphin cruises, DDs have always enjoyed so we very well may be interested

 

[sweet maxine]

Sorry to be a bummer but Bert and I will not be joining. Lots of things going on. Plus we need to get on selling that RV. Not a great time to try and do that. I have no canceled my sight yet. Please let me know if someone is looking for a site. not sure if i can transfer it or if we just need to coordinate when i cancel it.

Everyone have fun. Right now Bert, Herb and I will be at Yellowstone.

(Raises hand...)

Me! I would love to book your site! I don't know how to coordinate it either. Haven't been to GSP since 2021, so not really up to date on latest reservation procedures. Have been considering stringing together several nights as there is not really availability at one same site without having to move around. I'll send a PM

 

[sweet maxine]

No worries! I found a stretch of 8 nights starting the following weekend. Thanks for considering allowing me the reservation. It has all worked out.

 

[tiggerdad]

No worries! I found a stretch of 8 nights starting the following weekend. Thanks for considering allowing me the reservation. It has all worked out.

I only just saw this. Glad you were able to put that together. I have been typically lucky in the past finding cancellations and being able to still book GSP on short notice, but you have to be diligent. What dates did you manage to land?

 

[sweet maxine]

I grabbed June 7th through the 14th. Wasn't sure if it would work out to transfer the other reservation in some way, and this one popped up. I will be in Biloxi, leaving the 31st of May, and then was hoping to drive on over to Gulf Shores, but hadn't really found anything to put together for about a week.

 

[team bradfield]

At

We are good with a pot luck any night(s). Mini golf is fun, especially with friends.

One other thing I was looking at is the Blue Angels practice. It looks like they have practice on June 3 and 4 that week. I can't tell if it still requires a real ID, but I plan on bringing my passport anyway.

j

Were at Santa Rosa rv resort at Navarre blue angels just did a fly by, awesome