tigger92662,
The YouTube video that Randy watched on how to deep fry the rib eye was not half as entertaining as watching our men pull it off. But if Randy can find and post the video link, you might see for yourself.
I did buy some things at the outlet mall this morning and then DW and I headed back to the new Gulf State Park Lodge on the beach that replaced the old original lodge that had been built in the 70s. Frozen in time with 70s furnishings, it was a time capsule of Apollo era interior decorating. But it was blown away in one of the hurricanes in the late 90s IIRC. Anyway we wanted to try the restaurant there and nose around to see what it's like.
The restaurant is the stark minimal look and the space can be converted into less-dining-more-nightclub as the evening hours stack up. The food was only "eh" but the view is still nice.
It is close to the fishing pier. The new lodge includes some convention and trade show space (which the old one did not have and GS/OB really needs but it feels like the whole hotel is given over to that (long term lease for Hilton Hotels to run it, btw although the state still owns it and the property of course). Convention hotels have expensive rooms (cheapest I saw checking around this summer at Gulf Lodge is $275/n) because corporations usually pay for it. The restaurant food can be "eh" and a little expensive because corps pay for it. And the lobby was beautiful though.
There are two boardwalks out to the beach so we made a loop after lunch and walked along the shore. The water was warm and yellow flags were out.
After lunch I read my book outside then went to the seafood store to get some snapper to cook on the grill and it came out pretty good. Fresh and local which was what I wanted.
Tonight the yellow flies weren't bad and it felt a little cooler. PaHunter/Chris and DW came by as did SouthAlabama5er/Randy and DW plus Flametamr/Joe at one point tonight and we talked in the glow of the green Mickey globe.
Only thing I'm planning on tomorrow is more puzzle time in the AM.
Ed
PS - there will be fewer people coming for a Gulf DISMeet 2020 because of the planned Fort Wilderness DISMeet. When we kicked the Fort plans around, we knew it could impact Gulf plans too because people only have so much time off to take and manage around. And the Fort will be a new great opportunity so Gulf is taking a back seat. It is what it is. Right now I plan to be at Gulf in May 2020 but we may not have a big turn-out as in past years. I just want to set expectations with those of you reading at home.
PPS - in a related note, I had mentioned I had news about our next Gulf DISMeet that represented change and opportunity. A long time ago, when the booking window was still two years out, I had reserved site #4 that I am currently on and have been for the Gulf DISMeets (close to comfort station, on Live Oak Road across from lake, some big tree shade on camper from 12p-5p. But a few months later, I noticed that my all-time favorite site at Gulf, #5 right next door, was still open for late May 2020 so I booked it as well (well before the FW DISMeet planning started). So I am sitting on two reservations for Gulf 2020. If anyone wants to use #4 (opportunity) while I use #5 (change), we can make arrangements. Both reservations are for two full weeks at the end of May which includes Memorial Day weekend. Due to the possible low Gulf DISMeet attendance next year (noted above), I may simply cancel #4 ultimately if no one is going to want it.