Misinformation Effect

1) This photo above (actual photo source unknown) along with about a dozen more similar photos were emailed to me by an excited individual who went on to say how sad it was to finally see the Mobile Bay shoreline inundated by the oil spill as evidenced in the photos. Isn't the internet great for witnessing the Misinformation Effect?

2) The first photo above was misinterpreted by someone accidentally or on purpose and passed on via chain email. Now many unsuspecting people viewing the chain email photos believe the dark looking color is actually oil. Not True! Natural tannic waters flowing from acidic wetlands mix with turbid waters of Mobile Bay in stark contrast with each other. This photo taken back in January, shows dark brownish red waters draining from the Bon Secour NWR which is the same color water you see draining from the wetlands in the above left photo. It isn't oil at all.

3) This photo above that I took shows the distinct contrast of darker water flowing out of Dog River mixing with the milky tan waters of Mobile Bay along with some foam spray generated from strong winds and boat propellers.

4) A further example of contrasting waters mixing together was taken back in October 2009 along the Intercoastal Waterway near the Alabama-Florida state line. It is all natural.

Unfortunately, there is sure to be plenty of actual photos of oil on water posted soon as sadly, the winds are starting to blow the oil slicks toward the beaches. Contrary to what Alabama Governor Bob Riley said six weeks ago, I don't think Alabama is in good shape at all to deal with the oil. We do not have enough skimmers to catch all the oil before it reaches the beaches and marshes. Small waves render the oil booms useless. This oil spill reminds me of the Bible. Nothing is new under the sun. History repeats itself. Watch the following video and shake your head in disgust:

10/24/2009 - Ono Island Loop

Launch: Cotton Bayou, Orange Beach
There are a lot of photos from this 6-7 hour trip (about 24 miles). It was beautiful! I've recently added all the Orange Beach Canoe Trail launch sites to the Mobile Area Kayak Launch Sites link. Photo of launch site here: Cotton Bayou.

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1) Got the gumption to see some lights on the water and decided to kayak Cotton Bayou before sunrise. Figured the winds would be calm. The light show was awesome! Then I wanted to kayak around Ono Island and explore the area.

2) The sun started lighting the sky when passing by the Perdido Pass bridge. Be prepared for some current when crossing this area.

3) Never did get to see the sunrise over the water because condos blocked the view - the same fate as most of the residents of Ono Island have.

4) Here comes the welcoming committee. Ono Island is in the background.

5) Osprey Eagle and nest.

6) Even though the temp. was in the 50s and lower 60s today, I was comfortable wearing shorts while pedaling the Hobie Mirage Adventure. Some folks at Tacky Jacks were wearing jackets.

7) First time paddling across the Alabama-Florida state line. Incidentally, for those of you interested in kayaking this area, be advised that currents can be strong. There was a 2-3 mph current in the Intercoastal Canal that I had to negotiate with on the way back.

8) The consequence of mixing a tannin rich stream with clear water.

9) Plenty of buildings to admire in this area.

10) Pelicans.

11) The idiots in the middle east love blowing up their infrastructure and even their own countrymen. If they worked together instead of fighting, they is no telling what they could build and how they could enjoy the fruits of their labor.

12) Someone's nice getaway.

13) The Perdido Pass bridge.

14) Lots of shore birds seen today.

15) Ono Island has several canals in the interior of it to explore. When I exited the canal that comes out on the east side of Bellville Bay, the waters suddenly got rough due to the larger fetch (from Perdido Bay), strong winds from the north, and strong current. It was choppy confused seas for the next 2 miles until reaching Bear Point. Needless to say, it was an exciting ride and I got thoroughly soaked. Didn't risk taking any photos because the waves were too unpredictable.

16) Even thought the sandy environment may be harsh, the beauty of what does grow there is remarkable.

17) The pastel colors of the area are pleasing to the eye.

18) There were a lot of jellyfish in the waters and also along the beaches as shown here. This was one of about nine little islands near Ono Island that you can get out and stretch the legs on.

04/03/2009 - Chickasaw Creek / Pumphouse Canal

Launch: Brooks Park Landing (Tuckers) (US Hwy 43 at Chickasaw Creek – Southwest Corner)
Route: Pumphouse Canal to log jam at RR Track Crossing and back, then up Chickasaw Creek and back.
Weather: Sunny, 70s, very little wind.

1) Sunrise on the Pumphouse Canal.

2) Remains of a fire. Never have been able to find out what this burnt out facility was at one time.

3) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

4) Neck muscles contort as this large heron flies off.

5) Waters in the Pumphouse Canal were moving unusually fast at about 2 mph due to recent heavy rains.

6) Natural waters from the Black Creek and swamp area north of the Pumphouse Canal were mixing with the turbid waters of Chickasaw Creek.

7) Yellow crowned night herons were plentiful along the Pumphouse canal.

8) Yellow crowned night herons were plentiful along the Pumphouse canal.

9) Mountain Laurel was in bloom along the banks of Chickasaw Creek near Chickasabogue Park.

10) Shrubs (yaupons) with small white flowers were in bloom.

11) This snake was moving fast across the water.

12) Masses of small grasshoppers were along the banks.