Wasted day in paradise
Email Bubba at tbubba@tbubba.com

Me and 'Lishous decided to go and ride our motorcycles yesterday. We rode to the end of the "road" towards Navarre, sat and watched the birds and beautiful Gulf water colors. We then rode to the other "end of the road" near Ft. Pickens, sat and watched people fish, children play and the flying rats looking for scraps of food anywhere. As we rode around the island, we saw the changes and the building that is going on. We have come so far in two years! Our neighbors are moving back, the island is becoming a "community" again, and most of the bars have reopened. We rode until we didn't think there was anything left for us to "check out" and then we went to the Paradise Bar for a cold one. My old buddy Freddy, has installed "misters," the kind that you see athletes using on the side lines during really hot games. It sprays a fine mist of water on you from the fans that distribute it all over the bar. It was very very cool, and felt real good! Tim Spencer was singing, people were dropping by talking about how the island was "coming back" and the food was just perfect. I had the prime rib special that is served every Thursday, and let me tell you, it ain't fast food. It is well prepared, tasty and big portions. I was glad I was on my motorcycle, I'd have never made it home walking! I tried out a new beer called Land Shark, it is a fine lager and I think will make the cut with the Islanders.

We watched a sun set over Tim Spencer's bald head. It was one of the most beautiful we had ever seen. Of course, the skin effect from the mister and shadows from Spencer's head added to the total effect. We got back on the bikes, road to the end of the road again and watched the full moon on the now black Gulf waters glimmer in the night, and as the stars popped out one at a time, we held hands and said nothing.

It was not anything I had ever done before, but it sure reminded me of why I came here in the first place. God, we need that feeling in our souls again.

Just thought you'd like to know...