

Mobile, Alabama, is situated on the Mobile River at the head of Mobile Bay. Its location, and the fact of it being the only deep saltwater port in Alabama, makes it a very important port in the U.S. for shipping and cargo transportation. As we navigate the Mobile River through the port area on a Sunday morning, we are hoping that the “busyness” of the port is not business as usual today, simply because it is a Sunday.



While the waterfront of Mobile consist mainly of ports with ships of all sizes and kinds, there are a few waterfront buildings nestled within the bustling ports.


We gratefully leave the city of Mobile behind, without incident, and head into Mobile Bay.

As we navigate Mobile Bay, we find we are not quite done with the large ships.
They keep coming. We are thankful to pass them in Mobile Bay rather than near their ports on the Mobile River.
We enter the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Gulf Shores Alabama.


We arrive at The Wharf in Orange Beach where we will stay for two nights.

The Wharf is a not just a marina, but a village. Compared to our previous marinas along the rivers, this place is like Disneyland! There are over 60 shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, including a Ferris Wheel, an express train, and a 10,000 seat amphitheater.

January, in Alabama, is off season. Many establishments are closed or operating limited hours. On this day, It’s definitely not the entertainment mecca they advertise, but more like a ghost town. However, one thing remains operating and that is their nightly SPECTRA Laser Light Experience Show. We have our choice of any sidewalk bench to watch the quick show.
After a not so stellar meal at one of the on site establishments the first night, we uber out of the area to Big Fish, a local’s recommendation for great seafood. After a delicious meal, and on the advice of our waitress, we head back for a cocktail at The Wharf’s Speakeasy.


We had a nice stay at The Wharf. However, one night, given this time of year, would have been sufficient. Tomorrow’s destination: Sandestin Baytowne Marina.