Beach Report

We're at Orange Beach, Alabama, and many of you have texted or emailed me to ask what conditions are like here.  

This morning around 7:30 or 8:00am, work crews set up camps every couple of hundred yards along the beach, with about 15-20 people per work crew.  They spent some time scooping sand with shovels into plastic bags.  Watching from the balcony, I couldn't see any obvious staining of the beach.  Apparently they were picking up whatever had washed up overnight.  Very early this morning around 6:30, I could see tracks in the sand at the waterline, and I assume that was from a motorized sand scrubber, but I can't be positive.  Here's a picture of the work crews this morning.

Around lunchtime, we went out to the beach at the waterline.  Rust-colored stains were visible scattered through the sand at various places, some more sparse, some more dense.  By no means was the beach "covered" though.  Here's a couple of pictures to illustrate what I mean.

Individually, the stains were tiny little tarballs, and were almost like a gel.  Here's a picture to illustrate the size.

In addition to these on the beach, as the waves came in, you would occasionally see these on the very edge of the water as the wave receded.  Also, there is a very slight film/sheen on the water's surface.  It's hard to see in this picture, but it is there.

What is important to note, though, is that this is the condition - today - and where we are.  A mile in either direction could be better, or worse.  And here, tomorrow could be completely different.  It all depends on location and the day.

A light washing with soapy water and scrubbing removes any residue.  When I was cleaning my feet, my impression was that I was trying to wash off baby oil.  Not difficult at all.

The normal summer crowds aren't here though.  Restaurants that normally command a 30- or 45-minute wait in the summer will be able to seat you immediately.  The beaches aren't crowded at all.

Having worked through a host of disasters, including several coastal hurricanes (Georges, Ivan, Katrina, Rita, others), I can say this with certainty:  This area needs your continued support.  Their "industry" is tourism.  Just like cotton, rice, catfish, and soybeans are the heart of the economy in my hometown, your patronage to local condos, restaurants, and gift shops this year will insure they'll be here for you to enjoy in years to come.  The only activity we haven't been able to do this summer is being able to get in the gulf water.  Normally, I'm skeptical of self-serving messages you get from convention & visitors bureaus like www.thebeachfacts.com for this area.  But the messages they've put forth in the past few days are accurate.  The beaches are open for you to enjoy.  On-shore activities continue unabated.  The food is excellent, and the staff at local businesses are glad to welcome you.  

So if you're planning to come down, or if you're not sure whether you should or not...come on.  Support this area so the local mom-and-pop shops will still be here in the next few years.  They'll appreciate it.