Still moving along the Gulf we made our way into the big town of Mobile. We found a parking spot and walked along the city streets for a while. Mobile is a surprising place. We did not expect to find as much industry as there is here and the town is in an odd state between revival and decline.
We encountered more wildlife in Mobile, and I am not referring to the local bums. In Bienville Square we counted over 30 squirrels while standing in one spot. J.D. was beside himself with excitement.
Mobile also claims to be the home of the first Mardi Gras. This fact is boasted at the local Carnival Museum. Carl and I were surprised at how much the museum housed. It primarily exhibits the various costumes used by the mystic societies (there are over 55 in Mobile) and the robes and garments of past kings and queens of Mardi-Gras.
The Mobile Carnival Committee selects the king and queen of Mardi Gras each year but the family is expected to pay for all that this title entails. Basically, the wealthier families in Mobile take pride is exhibiting their prowess by purchasing lavish gowns and robes, throwing extravagant parties prior to the event, and then donating it all to the Carnival Museum. The one rule the Mardi Gras Committee strongly enforces is that everything must be made in Mobile, which helps to fuel the city's economy.
The museum was far more interesting than we had imagined. It was a fun stop and we were glad to see something different. Even the gift shop was fun and festive, and our tour guide greeted us with beads! Beads are just one thing thrown at the parades, another staple is moon pies. The gift shop had several varieties... did you know they even make a mint moon pie?
Back on the road we began to debate our route. Should we head up through Alabama or continue over into Florida. The rain storms of yesterday were still following us, but we hung to the coast through Pensacola. Around the beach town of Destin, the luckiest little fishing village in the world, we were going a bit stir crazy. We found a Pet-Smart and took J.D. for a bit of time out of the car. It was then we debated our options. Since it was already growing late, we sought out a local hotel and begged to let our poor pup stay with us.
The Old Pier Motel was a pleasant surprise! They rented us a full beach cottage for the night. It was very nice to have a full house to use and a king sized bed to collapse in for the evening. It also gave J.D. a chance to stretch out and relax while we went out to dinner. Carl insisted that we eat at a Hooters since we were in Florida. Dinner was great! Tonight was just what we needed to recharge after the depressing weather which has dampened most of our time along the coast. Hopefully the weather changes for us tomorrow.
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