March 1 - 11, 2017

On Friday March 3, 2017 twelve FOS members paddled the Magnolia River. Pelicans, Cormorants, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, and Kingfisher were some of the birds seen. We paddled downriver 2 miles and found a dock to take shelter from the wind and had lunch before returning to the Rock Street hand carry launch. It was still early so nine paddlers continued upriver under the bridge. The river became narrower and the water quite clear. A downed tree across the river caused us to do the limbo to get through. Only one swimmer on the return passage under the tree. Thankfully the water was not cold.

A record setting 50 FOS participated in the Mexican Themed Potluck/Campfires outing last Saturday evening. We finally settled on the location of the 2017 Rally, 7LOOPS Trail System, Madison County, Illinois.

These potluck just never disappoint as our FOS are very good cooks. As the darkness slipped in, the fires kept us warm and illuminated and we just kept on eating and sipping. Besides biking this is what we do best. Weather has cooperated on every campfire date this year.

You'll note some pretty familiar faces of those FOS that have been with FOS from the beginning on or before 2008. And yes some quite new faces we're happy to have join us. Thankfully, we continue to grow.

On our Tuesday, March 7th ride, the faster group stopped by the CG campground office to admire the beautiful flowering azalea bushes as we headed to the Eagle's Nest new trail, then on to Lunch at Another Broken Egg.

Another Broken Egg offered huge salads and excellent sandwiches.

More tables of hungry riders.

On the return we stopped at the FOS Bench for a photo behind the bench, by Ardith. Here we are trying to figure out how ALL of us could fit on that bench. Good thing all today's riders weren't passing by at the same time.

Ardith provided this FOS Bench photo of about half the riders on our way back from our 'gourmet brown bag lunch' at Wolf BayPark.

3 FOS brave riders snuck on the new Rosemary Trail Branch to the canal bridge and we very pleased with the progress . This is looking toward the water tower in the background.

Looking towards OB in the opposite direction. Under this area is where Jim took pictures of the pole and frame section 2 weeks ago. Most of the debris has been removed and they are framing the connection to the canal bridge now. Just another perfect day to ride Gulf Shores Trails.

Thursday, 9 March, a perfect day for a beautiful ride to Fairhope with 32 FOS.

A stop by this quaint shop, The Garage Studio, lured several of our ladies in on the way up to Fairhope, also on the return.

As we returned we captured 19 of the 32 FOS that made the ride today for a group picture. This on the ' ocean walk' behind the Grand Hotel and Marina.

Another shot of FOS trying to be photogenic at the beautiful Utopia Park.

This is the approach to the off road 'ocean walk'. We're just waiting for all to assemble before proceeding on the walkway.

Another fun campfire Saturday Nite on the Middle Lake Campsite. Our snacks menu turns into sufficient food for a full meal. Weather has been perfect for all our campfire events.

Thanks from Jim and Karen for ALL your thankfulness and gifts as we bring to a close a great FOS winter season, lot's of FUN and many great MEMORIES.