February 1-13, 2017

Some 40 FOS friends enjoyed a campfire on the lake at sunset with great snacks and a Birthday cake for the BERN. (Bernie Hockman). Temps below 50 but warm by the fire along with the warmth of such great friends. Just great to see so many coming in to join in the group fun since Feb. 01.

Sitting by the campfire as the sun sets.

The Happy Birthday Boy. Says he is just 59 and counting, not.

That's the Birthday Boy, the BERN, sneaking more food before eating his Birthday cake.

Joe and Marilyn Armour and Warren Dowling yakin it up.

Candy Rose, Molly and Malcom Clasper, Donna Driver.

Darold and Nancy Foltz, Chris and part of Tom Chaney.

Peter Meyerink, Steve and Linda Camarigg, Mary and a little of Morrie Frisbe.

Chris and Tom Chaney, Ted and Sheila Leavitt.

Treasure Hunt ends with the PRIZE for ALL, Icecream and Brownies all orchestrated and hosted by Peter and Betty Meyerink. Lots of bikes in their yard after 14-21 mile rides. A beautiful day to enjoy it all. Thanks to Peter and Betty for a great adventure.

The Half Fasters finally finish their HUNT and join in the after party.

Continuation of the trail additions proceeding from Rosemary to Canal (at Lone Oak Rd. new bridge) then on to around Shelby Lake new trail which ends at Park Headquarters.

Same area, different shot from Jim's Kayak, on 08 February on Middle Lake. Deadline mid-April, to complete to Headquarters. Workers say today they started talking about PHASE III. Go to mygulfstatepark.com for all the phase details. It'll knock you socks off.

30+ wonderful FOS friends tripped to the Orange Beach SportsPlex for their gourmet picnic in the sun. Just a little windy and cool but still a fun ride.

Then before lunch we met with Nichole from Backcountry Trail Headquarters for a discussion of our safety concerns relative to our regular use of the trails and accessing various Community Commercial aspects of the area, i.e. Cosmos, Luna's, Wharf,, Cayman Grille in OB, then accessing points North Gulf Shores, Diner, New Brewery, and points West of 59. These and more present unsafe access difficulty. She will pass our concerns to those most able to influence the decision makers. Thanks to all attending and for your input.

Thanks Nichole, she's in the NON-BIKING APPAREL, posing glamorously, with the white scarf.

We can always count on Donna to relax those tense muscles as we ride so intensely to our 'Lunch' spot. Daryl, is that road dirt on your parka from your ROLLING your three wheeler. If someone got a video of that, please share. We're happy you're not hurt!

The Sportsplex was a fine place to enjoy each other's company and eat a 'light' lunch so we can really 'fill up' at Parker and Edyth Parker's PIZZA PARTY tonight and witness a beautiful sunset from their Condo Patio oceanside at Shoal Water. A perfect way to enjoy the doldrum days of February. It's snowin and blowin SOMEWHERE.

Not to be disappointed, a new 5' alligator displays himself near the usual LEFTY sighting spot. She was there too in her usual spot on full display with her babies hidden in the bush.

FOS enundateed the condo at SHOALWATER of Parker and Edyth Jenkins when we heard the invitation PIZZA PARTY at 5:00pm. What a great time we all had as the sunset over the Gulf entertained, pool patio lights came on, and we popped the tops or corks of some fun drinks and downed a pile of PIZZA and salad. Here are a few pics of the fun we had.

Our gracious hosts, Parker and Edyth Jenkins. Thanks soooo much for a great evening of fun, friends and pizza, FOS style.

Watching the moon come up in the East and turning to the West to catch a phenomenal sunset below.

A beautiful sunset off the patio on the beach.

The ocean was in clear view as this group has had their pizza and are enjoying some good stories. Pictured are Jean, Marylyn, Scott and Carol, Linda and Steve, and Warren and Joanne.

Linda and Donna and the back side of Peter's head.

Bob, Betty and Mary relaxing inside the condo and munchin on the many goodies that seem to just appear at FOS get togethers.

Saturday, February 11th, another perfect day for enjoying some great exercise with the best of FOS ambitious friends.

A stop at the bike repair station to catch our breath and water up.

Arrived at the Flip Flop Deli Shop on Beach Highway and enjoyed ice cream and some chose light lunch. Over forty FOS bombarded but they indicated they've had as high as 100. Good thing we're not in a hurry and could enjoy the moment.

The half faster's arrived first , then soon the fast group arrives. Got a little crowded their for a while but what a better way can there be to spend the day. Sorry we didn't get a pic of the total group before we struck out.

And on the return both groups plotted a stop to visit the Eagles nest on the NEW trail paralleling a portion of Lake Shelby road. Happy to ride with many new FOS members.

This is an update since last I took pics a few days ago via kayak on Middle Lake

Same place shot a few days ago. Left side of supply opening.

Right side of supply opening, looking toward the Pavilion along Beach highway. They are about 1/4 mile from connecting to the bridge across the canal. Total distance from the Rosemary Trail entrance to this spot about 7/8 mile, totally wood and railing.

This shows the supply opening and the trail relative to the Pavilion. The materials are supplied from the campground boat launch and ramp. Huge piles of lumber and long poles stocked there. Everything is transferred to the building site by barge and cranes. Fun to watch their progress.