Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

This last week in April we are staying at the Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve near Atmore, AL.  The reserve and campgrounds,etc. are owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians, a segment of the original Creek Nation which once covered most of Alabama and Georgia.  The reserve is huge with campsites ranging from primitive (nothing but a spot to put your tent) to full hookup (water, sewer, and 50 amp electrical service).  The sites are very large and are spread out through different areas of the reserve.  Our main objective in being here is to meet up with Tracy who is visiting the Air Force Base at Montgomery.  It has been a while since we last saw her and it is nice to have this time to visit.
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Fort Pickens to Foley, AL

A Short Hike in the National Park:

For any of you who have only experienced crowded or dirty (or both) beach resort areas, you probably think that what we've been sharing with you from the Fort Pickens is not possible. It really is as beautiful and unpopulated as the photos indicate, even though this is in the height of the Spring Break period and the weather is nearly perfect.  On a hike of about two miles or so through some other areas of the National Park, I took one trail to nowhere (just suddenly ended in the marsh), another one to a nearby campground and a third to Pensacola Bay. I encountered no other humans after leaving the campground but was joined along my way only by birds and a few small lizzards.
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Leaving Fort Pickens and on to Foley and Gulf Shores, AL:

At the end of our two week stay, there was one more opportunity for a short walk in another direction before we packed everything up and moved West into Alabama. We are presently located just a few miles North of Foley, AL, which is just a few miles North of Gulf Shores and the Gulf of Mexico. Jimmy Buffet has a sister who owns a very nice eating establishment in Gulf Shores where we enjoyed a great meal two days ago. We will be located here in Johnny's RV Park in Foley for just over a week before we move just about an hour and a half North where we plan to meet up with Tracy for a couple days.
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A Return to Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and the navy yard. Constructed over a 5 year period beginning in 1829, the fort was in use until 1947. The only real action the fort endured occurred during the Civil War when it was one of four seacoast forts in the South that remained in Union control. The fort was upgraded several times both with facilities and armaments and was last used as part of the U.S. homeland defense network during World War II.

 We spent several days here in May, 2010, primarily to spend some beach time with our one daughter and two of our grandkids. This year we're spening two weeks at the larger camping area which was just recently reopened after the completion of significant repairs due to hurricane damage. Much of this island is just a few feet above sea level and the road to Fort Pickens is frequently flooded during severe weather. Photos
 
We are very happy to be spending these two weeks in the Campground at Fort Pickens.  We've spent time with friends, walked and sunbathed on the beaches, explored the fort and enjoyed some great food.  On the way back from dinner one night, we decided we would make our reservations to spend two weeks here again in April, 2012.  Deb and I are convinced these are the nicest beaches we've ever visited and the campground is beautiful and well cared for. More Photos