Orange Beach, Alabama

The gentleman from Saunders marine working on our engine

Got news this morning that our part had arrived, but they had sent the wrong one. The correct one would be in the first of next week, so made plans to stay here over the weekend. Then the guy from the repair shop called back and said the part had to come from England, and would not be available for over a week. They were able to get a used injector from Mobile if we would accept that. The mechanic went to Mobile to check it out and brought it back with him, then installed it. So far seems to be working well.
They are cleaning the sand in this area, apparently digging down 4 feet and finding oil in the sand. We have heard many stories about how this area has been devastated by the oil spill. This marina is full of large sport fishing boats, many used to take out charters. Of course, with the oil spill they have not been able to go out. It is red snapper season now, and apparently they have allowed the fishermen to go out just so they can make a living. We see the charter boats coming and going from the marina here, watched them hang up the catch today for the pictures. That particular boat had gone out at 10 pm last night, returned at about 3:30 today.They said they had gone out about 80 miles. They had caught yellow-fin tuna, amberjack, and a couple of red snappers.
As we walk along the street, there are many nice houses and condos. There are also several for sale signs. We hear stories about the loss of value in homes and condos. This area was hit hard by a hurricane a few years ago, and now with the oil spill. This year they are just not getting the tourists. We were the only ones in the restaurant last night; the owner told us how much he appreciated us being there.
Tonight got together with Nancy and Eddie for a nice dinner.

The catch from one charter boat today. The yellow fin tuna are on the top row, the amberjack below.

A typical sport fisher boat here in the marina, one of many

We will go to Pensacola tomorrow if the weather is good.