Enjoying the Gulf

My sweetheart is sleeping again. He's slept a LOT since he was released-- 9-10 hours a night, plus two naps a day. I think he was exhausted!

The last 48 hours has been very low key. We drove to a pet-friendly hotel Friday night and crashed with the dogs. We ordered pizza and only left the room to grab some decaf coffee downstairs. We slept late, drove the rest of the way the next morning, and dropped the dogs off at their boarding facility. We visited our base, which was exciting! Then we called our hotel and asked if we could check in early. I was hoping to change and hit the beach, but Brandon slept for three hours straight, haha.

We went to a local seafood restaurant last night, which was quite the experience. The restaurant was about 12 feet in the air, sitting on wooden beams. I thought that was kind of strange, because it wasn't on the water so high tide wouldn't be an issue. Obviously, large hurricanes and flooding could be a problem, but in the surrounding area, only one other building was built like that. All others were just normal ground level buildings.

We sat outside on a screened in patio, in order to really experience the mugginess of the deep south (and to get a table quickly, haha). The humidity is out of this world. I grew up in Arkansas, so I thought I was prepared for humidity. . . but I've never experienced anything like this.

The restaurant was a strange combination of typical Northeastern seafood (grilled tilapia, fresh lobster from Maine, etc.), Southern seafood (fried catfish, fried clam strips, fried popcorn shrimp, etc.) and Cajun (seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, alligator, etc.). I ordered off the Cajun menu and probably would have really enjoyed it had I not had the real deal in Alabama two nights before. Seriously, if you're ever in Prattville, stop by Uncle Mick's Cajun Cafe. It is authentic and out of this world. My mouth waters just thinking about it. There is nothing like good Cajun food-- I love it.

Today, we picked up a local brochure and were pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do in the area. I wish I could drag Brandon sightseeing, but I'm going to be nice and let him rest. :) There are some interesting historical sights, a strong military heritage, a farmer's market (very surprising!), blueberry picking, beaches (of course!), outlet mall shopping, and big name concerts/shows in the area!

Tonight we're going to try another seafood restaurant, and tomorrow we're going to check into base lodging and go to a base bonfire and fireworks on the beach. Brandon will report Tuesday morning and our fingers are crossed that we will be able to get set up in base housing that day!