We’re here! Gulf Shores Alabama. It’s peaceful, quiet, sunny, gorgeous views on a pond with no one behind us. Egrets in the mornings and sun on the water.
Bucolic
Friday found us in Muscle Shoals Alabama, the home of more major music hits than anywhere else in America, including Nashville TN.
Bruce was a sound engineer in the 70’s for the Portland Civic Auditorium. His church hosted a singing Christmas Tree there, for the public, during the season. In order to run the sound he had to be a union, in house, engineer. It was no hardship for him, he’d been running sound in the church since he was 15.
It was the 70’s, and rock bands from all over, held concerts in the venue. The older union guys didn’t like working those events, too loud and wild for them, so Bruce was tagged to handle them. For 5 years, from 1974-1979, he ran sound for all of the rock and roll concerts of the day. I could shamelessly drop names, but instead I’ll let you imagine. And if you come up with someone, just think ‘yes’, he ran their sound.
Can we all just agree that our generation’s music was the best? Sadly, I didn’t even appreciate much of it at the time. Let’s just say I was a late bloomer musically. Bruce was the family music teacher so the girls have a much greater appreciation for those years than many.
Going to Muscle Shoals, seeing both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and the Muscle Shoals recording studio, was a dream come true for him. His gear head heart sang. Our playlist on the way back to camp reflected his joy.
I was amazed at the number of recording artists who were from Alabama or were made famous because of the studio.
Our 2nd tour that day, complete with guide and stories. The recording studio, founded by what would become known as ‘The Swamp Boys’.
Our tour guide at the recording studio, had more stories to tell than a day could hold. Personable and funny. You could tell he was a willing and passionate fan of the Swamp Boys. His appreciation for their legendary talent was only matched by the deep wealth of stories that flowed from his memory.
And in his world, Jerry Wexler was a music God.
It was a fun day all around. Alabama BBQ and music for the win!
Splitting our time on the road when we’re between destinations, is a wonderful gift. I usually try to find a place to rest that might have a bit of interest. Usually smaller things to do, day trips or even half day trips. The whole goal for staying 2 days is to have one to rest, and sitting in a truck 3 days in a row ain’t my idea of a good time! So I try to keep the driving to a minimum. Bruce, however, loves to drive so he’ll get in any vehicle, and go most anywhere.
The campground in Hartselle, had nothing to hang out for, so Muscle Shoals was the perfect 60 mile side trip. I’ve learned that simply saying you’re a ‘resort’ doesn’t make you one. Often campgrounds use that label to attract visitors, and often pictures do not tell the whole story. While this camp was on a venue with a golf course, it was a bit run down. Resorts don’t usually attract full time living either, and there were many full timers there.
Landing in Gulf Shores gives us a chance to see the sun and live outside again, especially once this arctic blast blows through!
Milo likes it too…
This guy is such a trooper! His normal ‘pull day’ consists of trying to escape the crate by hiding in a closet, then whining for an hour till he falls asleep. These last 2 days we barely heard a peep and he walked into his crate with nary a fuss. I’d say he’s become well adapted to the life.
Eventually the weather should warm up enough to use the heated pool and hot tub. Possibly find some bikes to ride, and walk the trails at the state park. But for now,
We simply enjoy the sun and the view, and keep the pipes open and the heater on!
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