December 11, 2015 (by Angela)

These artic blasts have made it hard to have fun on the local beaches lately, but Jim and I decided to give Dauphin Island, Alabama, a try today. Compared to the last few days, the temps were not to be too bad, though the sky was cloudy and there was a foggy mist.

Dauphin Island Water Tower

When Jim and I were first considering making the switch to the RV lifestyle, we began reading blogs of those who had already taken the plunge.  One couple’s blog we read only full-timed for a year, and then they returned to the sticks and bricks home and the more traditional lifestyle.  Evidently, they had exhausted their funds, but it seemed to us that this couple treated their experience more like a year-long vacation than a change in lifestyle. Dauphin Island was one of the places about which they were most critical, not only in terms of the campground, but also in terms of the island and people themselves. Jim and I had to see the place and meet the people ourselves, so once we realized that we are camped about an hour from the island, we had to plan a visit.  In our opinion, this other blogging couple was way to harsh in their assessments; we enjoyed our day at Dauphine Island, Alabama.

The drive to the island was enjoyable, but pictures did not turn out well due to the weather conditions. The bridge we crossed from mainland to island made me feel as if I were about to run off a ramp into the wild blue (or, in this case, the misty fog), but of course, once to the top, the island spread out before us.

Bridge to Dauphin Island

The edge of the island before us

First, we visited the main RV campground on the island, located near the ferry that runs between the island and Fort Morgan. They were very kind in allowing us to tour the campground.

One of the sites we liked at the campground

Jim outside the “facilities” at the campground

Jim and I drove the full length of the island, looking at the beach homes and searching for a public beach at which we could let our dog romp. Finally, we met with much-appreciated success.

A beach house I liked

A beach house Jim liked

The beach on the Gulf side

Chewie paw prints in the sand

Jim with Chewie – they were like two kids rushing to the edge of the water

The picture does not really show it, but Chewie was prancing around like a puppy playing.

After the walking and romping, we were hungry, and Chewie was thirsty. I was pumped to visit the Lighthouse Bakery for lunch, but unfortunately, it was not to be. They were closed. 😦

The highly-rated Lighthouse Bakery

The restaurant is quite quaint looking

Darn! Closed January 1 – 17, 2015

Finally, we found our second choice for lunch. The food was good, but a little bit more in cost than we thought it should have been. Still, it was not drastically high.

Islanders Restaurant

Islanders Restaurant has a nice view

It was a nice jaunt and a good day of exploration; however, we were all tired once back to the camper, so a nap was in order to wrap up our day.