Take 2 Canadians, add water, and salt to taste…

10 April 2014      Gulf State Park BEACH, Gulf Shores Alabama

This is a formula for finally getting around to immersion in the Gulf of Mexico. At 65 degrees F - no risk of overcooking. The usual pre-screaming pictures:

Coastal Highway just past the Gulf State Beach

Heading into the Park Beach lot. $5 a day unless you're camping in the Park - then it's free

Oh No! Yellow Flag! Maybe we can't go into the cold water (hope).

Rats! It's safe!

A pre-immersion beach shot:

And a local architecture view:

The Park restrooms and changing rooms

 So we’ve done everything possible now to slow down the process (bravery has left the room).

What do you mean this doesn't qualify as swimming?

I'm going to help you with the problem.

OK - no more excuses. I'm going in really soon.

I got in first! Beat the fish! Not by much - she was in moments later.

After hypothermia set in we found the water quite lovely. Stayed in long enough to prove how robust we are. Did a little beach walking afterward in the lovely warm Alabama sunshine (77F) while waiting to hear from our extremities.

Did I mention that we love Gulf State Park? That the beach rocks? And the trails are fantastic? You should put this place on your “must camp” list if you’re planning to be within 500 miles of Gulf State Park.