1st BMW Club Veteran Riders International Campout

March 30-1 April, 2012
Come explore the historic military sites on the Gulf Coast and camp with BMW Club Veteran Riders International at the Historic Civil War Blakeley State Park located at 34745 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort, AL 36577 (www.blakeleypark.org). The fees for camping are $15.00 per night payable to the Blakely State park. Reservations are requested with the campground at (251)-626-5581. There will be a Friday and Saturday night dinner provide for those who are not explore the Gulf coast. For more information contact Michael Johnston at mljohnston1200@gmail.com or at the www.veteranbmwriders.org website.

The Town of Blakeley is the oldest continuous town in Baldwin County and one of the oldest towns in the State of Alabama. Chartered in 1814 by the Mississippi Territory; re-chartered in 1818 by the Alabama Territory; and, chartered once more by the State of Alabama in approximately 1820… this municipality is still in existence today. Blakeley reached its zenith in the 1820’s when its population hovered around 4,000, larger than its competitor city of Mobile across the bay. There were hotels, stores, churches, blacksmith shops, majestic homes, and the first Courthouse of present day Baldwin County settled beautifully down by the Tensaw River…..a bustling seaport town.

Today, the land has been reclaimed by nature. Not a brick, nor plank of wood remains. Not a sign of human habitation. 400 year old oak trees grace the boulevards that used to be. The horned owl hoots through the silence. There is nothing there to indicate that Blakeley was once a major player on the Alabama scene. It is considered by many to be “the South’s loveliest ghost town.”

Settled by Josiah Blakeley and others from New England in 1814, the streets and lots were laid out in such fashion with avenues named after Presidents and streets named fruit trees. The Blakeley Sun, published and printed down in the town, was one of Alabama’s earliest newspapers. Blakeley was a prosperous and thriving entity. However, as often happens, the tide turned and by 1830 Blakeley’s physical status began to ebb. Yellow fever epidemics and rampant land speculation turned the population movement towards Mobile.

With less than one hundred inhabitants Blakeley slowly began to die out. She was temporarily resurrected again during the Civil War years and was transformed into Fort Blakely (spelled this way during the Civil War years) housing an army camp of upwards to 4,000 soldiers. Her last day of the war saw a contingent of 20,000 men fighting the last major battle of the War Between the States. After 1865 Blakeley was no more. The land stood idle for better than 100 years until Historic Blakeley State Park was created in 1981.

In 1995 Blakeley was added to the Civil War Discovery Trail that links more than 300 sites in 16 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America.

National Naval Aviation Museum Ride

Fly high with an adventure at the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, this historic treasure boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft, hands-on exhibits and more than 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Watch the awe-inspiring Blue Angels at practice air shows from March through November, take a ride in a motion-based or Top Gun Air Combat simulator, have fun with the ultimate seven story giant screen movie experience in the IMAX Theatre and dine in the Cubi Bar Café, an exhibit itself. There are plenty of family-friendly ways to get the most out of quality time with the kids. Free admission is an added bonus, as well as free tours inside the Museum and on the flight line
With the Museum being located on a Military Installation expect the strict guidelines for motorcycles requires you be a certified, licensed motorcycle operator, carry insurance and have proof of registration. You must wear a helmet (even though it is not required by State Law), eye protection (also required by State Law), long pants, shirt, and boots (or full shoe - no sandals or bare feet). Depending on current changes to these guidelines a Hy-viz jacket or reflective vest maybe required to enter the installation.

Summary: 58.9 miles (1 hour, 28 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.5 Turn RIGHT (West) onto Patrician Dr (E) 0.5 mi
9:08 AM 3.9 Turn RIGHT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.4 mi
9:09 AM 4.3 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:09 AM 4.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 9.6 mi
9:21 AM 13.9 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-49 [Magnolia St] 0.8 mi
9:24 AM 14.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-49 [S Magnolia St] 0.3 mi
9:24 AM 15.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto CR-64 [W Union Ave] 0.4 mi
9:25 AM 15.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-64 [E Union Ave] 0.4 mi
9:26 AM 15.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-64 4.8 mi
9:33 AM 20.5 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-83 3.5 mi
9:40 AM 24.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-90 [SR-16] 14.5 mi
9:57 AM 38.2 Entering Florida
9:57 AM 38.5 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-10] 2.1 mi
10:00 AM 40.6 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-10A] 6.2 mi
10:07 AM 46.8 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-297 [Millview Rd] 0.5 mi
10:08 AM 47.3 Turn LEFT to stay on CR-297 [Millview Rd] 65 yds
10:08 AM 47.3 Turn RIGHT (South) onto SR-173 [CR-297] 1.6 mi
10:11 AM 49.0 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-173 [N Blue Angel Pky] 4.4 mi
10:18 AM 53.4 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-173 [S Blue Angel Pky] 4.9 mi
10:26 AM 58.3 Road name changes to Radford Blvd 0.6 mi
10:28 AM 58.9 Arrive 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

This Blue Angel Practice Schedule 2012. The perform at 8:30 am, the Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola has a viewing area for visitors to watch the team practice. The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after Wednesday practices.

Blue Angel Practice Schedule

LOCATION Naval Air Station Pensacola
TIME 8:30 AM
MARCH 21*, 27, 28*
APRIL 3, 4*, 5, 6, 10, 11*, 17, 18*, 24, 25*
MAY 1, 2*, 8, 9*, 15, 16*
JUNE 5, 6*, 12, 13*, 19, 20*, 26, 27*
JULY 17, 18*
AUGUST 7*, 8, 9, 14, 15*, 21, 22*
SEPTEMBER 5*, 11, 12*, 18, 19*
OCTOBER 17*, 23, 24*, 30

Here is a dinner that individual does not want to pass up when exploring the Gulf Shore area of Alabama. Where they will throw fresh rolls straight out of the oven at you, and you will not leave there hungry. The Place is called LAMBERT'S CAFE III is located in beautiful Foley, Alabama., eight miles north of Gulf Shores. This cafe is located next to a factory outlet mall and a wide variety of places to visit. One of the greatest attention grabbers at the cafe is the fact that the BEACH is located no more than eight miles away. To see the menu go to: http://www.throwedrolls.com/default.asp The LAMBERT'S CAFE III is just a short ride from Historic Blakeley State Park.
Summary: 34.3 miles (46 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 1.0 mi
9:07 AM 4.2 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:07 AM 4.2 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 0.3 mi
9:07 AM 4.5 Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-10 8.5 mi I-10
9:16 AM 13.1 At exit 44, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.4 mi AL-59 / Loxley / Bay Minette
9:16 AM 13.4 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-59 [Gulf Shores Pky] 1.5 mi AL-59 / Loxley / Gulf Shores-Beaches / Gulf State Park
9:18 AM 14.9 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 5.3 mi
9:25 AM 20.2 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 [Milwaukee St] 11.6 mi
9:42 AM 31.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 [S McKenzie St] 2.5 mi
9:46 AM 34.3 Turn LEFT (East) onto CR-20 [Miflin Rd] 21 yds
9:46 AM 34.3 Arrive 2981 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535

This is a place to explore when you are at the BMW Club Veteran Riders International campout, it is the Battleship Park on Mobile Bay. This is the home of the Battleship USS ALABAMA, and the submarine USS DRUM (SS-228) along with many military aircrafts that range from pre-world II to present day aircrafts. (www.ussalabama.com/ ) The Battleship Park is just 9 miles away from the campout and a person can spend a day exploring park. Admission fees: Age 12 & up: $12.00 Ages 6-11: $6.00 under age 6: plus vehicle parking is $3.00. Hours: Open every day except Christmas Day
Opens - 8:00 a.m. Closes - 4:00 p.m. October-March, 6:00 p.m. April-September
Summary: 9.4 miles (13 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 4.8 mi
9:11 AM 8.1 Turn LEFT (South) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:11 AM 8.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.2 mi
9:11 AM 8.3 Keep RIGHT to stay on US-90 [US-98] 1.2 mi
9:13 AM 9.4 Arrive USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery. Admittance to the Museum is free of charge and the Museum is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Over one million people have now visited and enjoyed this Museum. Numerous significant, military-related ceremonies such as promotions, reenlistments, retirements and meetings occur within the Museum each month. Visits by school, church and veterans groups are now almost daily occurrences and the Armament Museum has become an important educational, cultural and social landmark. (www.afarmamentmuseum.com/ )
With the Museum being located on a Military Installation expect the strict guidelines for motorcycles requires you be a certified, licensed motorcycle operator, carry insurance and have proof of registration. You must wear a helmet (even though it is not required by State Law), eye protection (also required by State Law), long pants, shirt, and boots (or full shoe - no sandals or bare feet). Depending on current changes to these guidelines a Hy-viz jacket or reflective vest maybe required to enter the installation.

Summary: 102.8 miles (1 hour, 55 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 3.4 mi
9:09 AM 6.5 Turn RIGHT (South) onto SR-181 1.0 mi
9:11 AM 7.5 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:11 AM 7.5 Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-10 48.8 mi I-10
9:39 AM 35.2 Entering Florida
10:00 AM 56.4 At exit 22, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.3 mi SR-281 / Avalon Blvd / Milton
10:01 AM 56.7 Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp 76 yds
10:01 AM 56.7 *Toll road* Merge onto SR-281 [Avalon Blvd] 11.0 mi
10:12 AM 67.7 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-98 [Gulf Breeze Pky] 27.5 mi
10:43 AM 95.2 Keep LEFT onto SR-85 [Eglin Pky SE] 5.5 mi
10:50 AM 100.8 Keep LEFT onto SR-189 [SR-397] 0.9 mi
10:51 AM 101.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-397 [John Sims Pky] 1.1 mi
10:55 AM 102.8 Bear RIGHT (East) onto Museum Dr 142 yds
10:55 AM 102.8 Arrive 100 Museum Dr, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542

If you have never been to a Bass Pro Shop store, each store decor is different from each other. The Bass Pro Shop in Spanish Fort, the theme is one that features Alabama Gulf coast outdoors. I have been in this store many different times and I spotted something different or a display that I have missed because there is so much going on. The Bass Pro Shop does have an attached restaurant called World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant. I eaten there many of times and there is no complaints about any meal that was served to me. The Bass Pro Shop can meet you demands from camping needs to getting a bit to eat or just going in sightseeing. The Bass Pro Shop is just located just minutes away from the Historic Blakeley State Park.
Summary: 4.2 miles (7 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.8 mi
9:06 AM 4.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:06 AM 4.0 Turn LEFT (North) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.1 mi
9:07 AM 4.2 Arrive US-98, Daphne, AL 36526

Felix’s Fish Camp Grill is one of the top seafood restaurants in the Mobile and surrounding area located at 1530 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort. The menu consists of fresh seafood from the gulf to sandwiches. For more information on Felix’s visit their website. (www.felixsfishcamp.com/ )
Historic Blakeley State Park
34745 State Hwy 225

1. Head southwest on AL-225 S toward Blakeley Oaks Blvd
4.9 mi
2. Slight right onto Spanish Fort Blvd
0.8 mi
3. Continue onto Battleship Pkwy
4.6 mi
4. Turn left
Destination will be on the left
407 ft
1530 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, AL 36527

BMW Motorcycles of Pensacola

BMW Motorcycles of Pensacola is one of the newest dealership of the BMW family of motorcycles. They are located at 6258 North 'W' ST Pensacola FL 32505, GPS: +30° 28' 39.09", -87° 15' 24.03. They have many different models motorcycles to demo or if you need service for your BMW motorcycles while you are at the campout. This dealership is just 48 miles away.
Historic Blakeley State Park
34745 State Hwy 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(251) 626-0798
1. Head southwest on AL-225 S toward Blakeley Oaks Blvd
4.9 mi
2. Turn left onto Spanish Fort Blvd
3.4 mi
3. Turn right onto AL-181 S
1.0 mi
4. Turn left to merge onto I-10 E
Entering Florida
37.5 mi
5. Take exit 10A for US-29 S toward Pensacola
0.2 mi
6. Turn right onto US-29 S/Pensacola Blvd

1.1 mi
7. Turn right onto N W St
Destination will be on the left
0.7 mi
6258 N W St
Pensacola, FL 32505

The Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath. The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge. After an overwhelming response, the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934.
Throughout the year, this 65 acre Garden Estate is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season.
On your self-guided walking tour, you will enjoy the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the U.S., as awarded by the All-America Rose Selections, experience the Bayou Boardwalk, marvel at Mirror Lake, behold the Great Lawn, view the Asian-American Gardens, stroll through the Butterfly Garden, observe formal garden terraces and more!
Tour the Bellingrath Home, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts. Built in 1935, the 10,500 square foot home was designed by prominent architect, George B. Rogers. The style of the Home was dubbed “English Renaissance” by Rogers. Additionally, take a 45-minute cruise along the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle. As you enjoy your relaxing cruise, learn about birding habits, ecological systems and civil war history of the area. The Southern Belle departs daily from Bellingrath Gardens and Home between March and November.
The Bellingrath Gardens and Home is located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road
Theodore, Alabama 36582 | Theodor
Summary: 34.3 miles (45 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 4.5 mi
9:11 AM 7.8 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-10 14.8 mi I-10
9:26 AM 22.6 At exit 15A, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto US-90 [SR-16] 2.8 mi US-90 / Historic Mobile Pkwy / Theodore
9:29 AM 25.3 Bear LEFT (South) onto CR-59 8.1 mi
9:43 AM 33.5 Turn LEFT (East) onto Bellingrath Gardens Rd [CR-18] 0.8 mi
9:45 AM 34.3 Arrive Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582

Wintzell's Oyster House
Wintzell's Oyster House has been serving seafood dishes to the Gulf Coast for over 70 years. Our famous oysters have earned us praise far and wide. Wintzell's, a landmark on Dauphin Street for decades in Historic Mobile, Alabama. Known far and wide for its "Oyster—fried, stewed or nude," Wintzell's Oyster House was founded in 1938 by Oliver Wintzell. Through economic boom and bust Wintzell's has been continuously at its original location on Lower Dauphin Street. Wintzell's menu is comprised of an extensive selection of regional seafood favorites with our oysters being our trademark item. We pride ourselves on our seafood gumbo which has been recognized as Mobile's best numerous times. We have something for everyone including USDA choice buckehead beef steaks, chicken, fish, and of course those oysters any way you want em.... fried, stewed or nude; and now charbroiled. www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com/
Summary: 12.1 miles (17 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 4.5 mi
9:11 AM 7.8 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-10 2.4 mi I-10
9:13 AM 10.2 At exit 27, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.4 mi US-90 / US-98 / Government St
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep LEFT to stay on Ramp 43 yds
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 1.3 mi
9:16 AM 12.0 Turn RIGHT (North) onto S Washington Ave 174 yds
9:17 AM 12.1 Turn RIGHT (East) onto Dauphin St 87 yds
9:17 AM 12.1 Arrive 605 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602

Delta Explorer
The Delta Explorer is within walking distance to the campground at the Blakeley State park. This an educational and fun boat tour (approximately 2 hours) aboard the "Delta Explorer" . . . combine it with a *guided tour of Historic Blakeley State Park for an outstanding adventure.
• School Field Trips
• Eco Tours in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta
• Available for private charters
• U.S. Coast Guard inspected
• Licensed Captain
• Motor Coach capacity
• Bench seating & restroom
Journey with us by boat through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of Alabama's Ten Natural Wonders. Visit this wilderness eco-system where you will find wetland habitats ranging from marsh to cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwoods. The Delta is also home to the State's largest population of alligators, black bears, the rare red-bellied turtle, osprey bald eagles, water snakes and game fish. Experience this adventure from the comfort of the covered "Delta Explorer" eco-tour boat, complete with bench seating and restroom facility. The boat is also handicapped accessible.
Walk-on Tour Prices: Adults - $25.00. Children (6-12) - $15.00. Under 6 - Free. Reservations Required.
For more information and to purchase tickets for walk-on boat tours call 251-626-5581. For information on charter tours call 251-626-0798. Credit cards accepted.

If anyone has tried to make reservation for camping at the Blakeley State Park and was told that this event was not going to take place. The State Park work miss informed you. The Park does know that this campout out is going to be held and that there is still plenty of campsite available. The fees for camping are $15.00 per night payable to the Blakely State park. Reservations are requested with the campground at (251)-626-5581 so call them and make your reservation for this event.

Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter Annual Gumbo Cook-off



Saturday, March 31, 2012

Location: Bienville Square, Mobile, Alabama
4th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off
Saturday, March 31, 2012
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Bienville Square
Divisions
• Amateur (Any individual or company)
• Professional (Restaurants, chefs, etc.)
Categories
• Seafood
• Chicken & Sausage
All teams are required to prepare and serve 10 gallons of gumbo.
$10.00 per ticket in advance, $12.00 per ticket at the gate. Tickets will be available prior to the event at the branches of an area banking institution.

Bring the Entire Family for Food, Fun and Entertainment!