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Adventures In Mobile Alabama

July 30, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

                                                             The Mobile Tensaw River Delta

The amazing Mobile Tensaw River Delta is the largest of several deltas of it’s kind in the State of Alabama USA. Alabama has many wetlands, but this is an area of 266,000 acres. That is the size of some cities, or roughly 40 miles by 10 miles in size, or 400 square miles. It is the second largest wetland in the Contiguous United States Of America. This spectacular wetland is so large that most people will be able to find some place within this breathtaking wetland to enjoy a few hours. Come a long with us as we discover the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, the gateway to Alabama’s greatest wetland.

This is an area where the river converges on the sea. Here is a jungle so dense and vast with rivers that inter weave and cause islands to form, both big and small. These small uninhabited islands are home to some of the largest and most dangerous animals in the world.  Here the bears and alligators run free and wild. Bull sharks rule the sea and Bobcats wait for their next meal in a tree. In this jungle of Alabama you will find feral hogs that are huge and five major poisonous snakes. While it awaits our desire for exploration and adventure, unless you understand the Jungle and it’s inhabitants,  it is best to go with a trained guide who knows the way and life of the jungle.

Here, in this grand delta, you can discover the 300 species of birds that call this magnificent environment home. It is also filled with an unbelievable number of insects, numerous varieties of amphibians and spectacular reptiles. All these find their habitation in an area where all the water from the hills comes rushing down into the sea. This is an area that is constantly flooding, and yet, it has a mysterious side that calls to you. Come, and let’s explore this magical land of the deep South. This is the wilderness land of the Mobile Tensaw River Delta.

This profound and mysterious area is like a big screen drama. Weekly, if not daily, the environment of the delta changes. Fresh water is constantly rushing and prodding it’s way to the sea, and the sea often pushes back. On one occasion the delta may have high levels of salt, thus attracting animals that desire a home with much salt in the water. While others come during the year when the rivers push the hardest into the sea, and the water is fresh. What an amazing theater of nature!

What happens during the spring floods is spooky, mysterious, and can be dangerous. The little creatures of the jungle scamper for the cliffs and bluffs that surround the delta. This is a time when the bushy tail squirrels and rabbits join the big bears in the forests and highlands that surround the delta region. Now that they have scrambled into tall trees and other places of safety, they are able to survive the flooding wetlands. This is not a good time for these land animals in the delta, but those who spend their time in the water arrive to take their place. The Mobile Tensaw River Delta is now muddy and at flood stage.

                                               The Mobile Tensaw River Delta At Flood Stage

This is an area of many amazing trails and marvelous landmarks. But spring is not the season to hike these trails through the woods. Trails that are safe and fun at other times, have become muddy and dangerous, as the flood water rages throughout the delta forest. There is a season for everything in the jungle, and this is the season for fishing for Bream, a challenging and harder to catch angler’s favorite in this Bayou.

As spring floods end and June is on the horizon, you can begin to see and hear thousands of insects buzzing day and night. This might be a good time to apply your mosquito repellent. During this time, when the air is warming up everywhere, this jungle climate becomes warm and muggy. A perfect environment for those pesky mosquitoes has now been created. But for those who come to watch the birds, this is their season. Many species of birds call out to each other as they mate and lay their eggs. Now is the time that bird watchers flood the jungles of the delta wilderness, This is the time that the jungle becomes a bird watchers paradise.

As August arrives, the scene changes yet again and the fishermen wanting to catch the big guys have arrived and others come for the smaller fish of the gulf. The Gulf of Mexico is teaming with Spanish Mackerel, those delightful Tarpon, and giant sharks. It has become the perfect time for Gulf Fishing charters to make their way around the Gulf, and out to sea. During the same period, the rivers of the Delta have higher salt levels as the sea has pushed it’s creatures deep into the rivers. So the fishermen arrive, setting the pots for blue crabs, and looking for Shrimp, Trout, Red Fish, and even the Mangrove Flounder.  Now is the time that the Bayou has plenty of freshwater. This is the fishermen’s time to shine. The Bayou has become a fishermen’s paradise!

The over-story of the jungle is made up of several favorites of the Americas.  You will find  the American Chestnut Tree that is loaded with chestnuts to roast, Southern Oaks, Mountain Laurels, Red Maples, and the Birch trees, all growing tall and strong. Fall is the perfect time of year to discover the amazing Passion flower, and the potato beans that wind their vines up and over the trees of the jungle. This is the perfect time for those who want to discover the flowers, tress, and amazing under-story of the jungle. Cypress Trees, whose oils are precious, grow tall in the jungle swamp. By spring the small yellow flowers of the Saint John’s Wort are blooming. Whereever there are Cypress Trees, you will find Saint John’s Wort winding around their trunks. This is the time of the Medicinal Herbalist and those who hunt the jungles for their healing herbs and trees.

And what can you find in the bogs that are scattered throughout the wilderness surrounding Mobile? This is an area that is always wet and surrounds the wetlands. The bogs are on hillsides and near springs that are constantly wet with flowing water. It is in these super damp areas that herbalists descend upon to gather the Pitcher plants, only one of the re-nouned resident plants and herbs of the bog.

Now that we have explored the delta areas and the bogs, it is time to visit the Port of Alabama. Not a great day for seeing a sunset, but the stormy clouds add character to the port.

                                              Stormy Skies Over Alabama’s Only Deep Water Port

Welcome to the Port of Mobile, Alabama’s only deep water port. This deep and spacious port enables Alabama to service over-sized cargo ships with product for the cities up and down the Inter coastal Waterway. The Port of Alabama is able to serve the Great Lakes Region, The Tennessee River Valley and even way south to the Gulf of Mexico. This port, as of 2014, ranked ninth in the nation for ability to service the largest cargo ships. After unloading these mega ships, there are major railroads and interstates to complete the journey to it’s final destination.

The Port Of Mobile is not limited to the cargo ship industry. Several cruise ships include Mobile in their Port of Call. Mobile is full of cultural opportunities. The city has many suburb historical encounters including Southern Mansions right out of the pages of your favorite historical novel. With many quality restaurants and hotels close to the Port, spending an extra day in Mobile is easier than it ever was.

                                  Fire And Rescue Boat In The Port Of Mobile, Alabama

The fire and rescue boats of the Port Of Mobile, Alabama have seen plenty of action over the years. The rescue boat above is giving a demonstration of the water power that their boats have. The fire boats are indispensable to the Fire and Rescue Department. There are many times that the land trucks can not do the job alone. While they are not used daily, when they are needed, it is a job that only they  can do.

So you have come to find one of the many fish or creatures of the wetlands, you have explored the blogs, and you visited the Port of Mobile, but what about the rest of the day? It must be time to discover some down home Southern cooking! Mobile has some of the best places to taste and see, the delicacies of the South. These Southern eateries are waiting for you to discover what Southern cooking is all about. Welcome to the Deep South where food is “finger licken good.”

                                                         Gumbo Is The Star Of The Deep South

Deep in the South is a hidden gem, a star of the culinary world.  This is a thick soup filled with local Lump Crab, Bay Scrimp, Scallops, Hickory Smocked Conecuh Sauage, and Okra. All this, is served with rice. Welcome to the world of Southern Culinary Delights. The culinary mysteries of Southern cooking await in Mobile, Alabama USA. The weather is turning cold, and as you walk the beaches of Mobile,  you begin to dream of Gumbo. Now is the time, and Mobile the place, for a Gumbo adventure!

There are many varieties of Gumbo in Mobile and the Mobile Seafood Bay shares one of it’s many recipes for those that want to go home and still have a good Alabama Gumbo.

Mobile Bay Seafood Gumbo

Shared from the www.allrecipes.com

  1. Melt the clarified butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the oil will just begin to bubble. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the flour turns the color of melted chocolate, about 45 minutes. Slowly whisk in the water and bring to a simmer. Whisk until no lumps of roux remain; set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, okra, and green bell pepper. Cook and stir until the vegetables have softened and begun to brown, about 30 minutes.
  3. Stir the tomato paste into the okra mixture until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add the tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, seafood seasoning, and roux-thickened water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 hour.
  4. Stir the shrimp, crab, and oysters into the gumbo, recover, and cook 20 minutes longer.


                                                                Moe’s in Mobile, Alabama

If you are wanting to taste some good old Southern BBQ, then it is time to visit Moe’s. Started by three University friends that loved all things Southern, Moe’s is known for it’s fresh meat done daily, and quality beer. When you go to Moe’s, you join the rival for all things Southern. At Moe’s Original BBQ you never get yesterday’s smoked meats, but each days all meat is prepared fresh. You will also find at least eight to ten side dishes, that are all southern. And of course, those southern deserts are straight from paradise. These are the recipes of generations of Alabama’s best southern cooks. So take the next step and join in the rival of Southern Soul Food at Moe’s. The atmosphere is family oriented, relaxed, and filled with that Southern spirit.

Restaurant hours: Sun – Wed: 11 am – 9 pm
Restaurant hours: Thu – Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
The Bar is open Daily: 11am – 2am

                                                                  Hickory Smoked BBQ Steak

Is there any better way to close that perfect day than to dine on Hickory smoked BBQ Steak? In Alabama, it is expected that first your steak is carefully smoked over a bed of Hickory Chips, and then the rub is applied and it is placed on the BBQ grill. It is slowly and perfectly grilled. There is no finer steak, than a Alabama Hickory Smoked BBQ Steak.

Now that you have a taste of what awaits you in Mobile, Alabama, it is time to plan a real Southern adventure, deep in the heart of the Bayou, in Mobile, Alabama USA.

Explore Traveler Logo

The Mobile Alabama area is the real deal with a diverse culture, and long term historical areas to explore. When researching out the area you may need to consider looking at allot of content. Most people stop at Wikipedia but consider going deeper with these additional terms, and search for a extended amount of content.

mobile alabama

history of mobile al

 

Filed Under: Alabama, enviroment, Mobile, North America, travel the world, Travel Tips, USA, World Travel Tagged With: Alabama, Alligators, American Chestnut Tree, Bayou, Bears, Birch Trees, Blue Crab, Bream, Bull Sharks, Cyprus Tree, jungle, Mangrove Flounder, Mobile, Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Passion Flower, Poisonous Snakes, Red Fish, Red Maples, Saint John's Wort, Sharks, shrimp, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Trout, wetlands, wilderness

Tasty West Coast Temptations

July 4, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mexican

             Hungry And Happy In Mexico

Our first stop is Mexico, and we are looking for tasty temptations. We visit an authentic Mexican restaurant for a delightful South of the Border speciality. Authentic Mexican Beef  Arrachera with Guacamole is the perfect dinner after a day of exploring. Arrachera beef is a savory Mexican specialty made from flank steak. The flank steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow. This meat is quite thick and can be a little bit tougher than other cuts, if not prepared correctly. It has a very strong flavor and is quite juicy. The secret of a delightful arrachera is in the marinade.

Beef Arrachera is never served alone on the plate. It will always be served with one or more garnishes. A favorite and maybe the most common is Guacamole. It is also served with grilled spring onions, roasted nopal, mixed salad, quesadillas, refried beans, Mexican rice, or fought chilies. Often onions and chilies are mixed in with the beef and the Guacamole is served on the side.

Throughout Mexico, Beef Arrachera is a favorite to throw on the grill when gathering together with family and friends. On your next trip to Mexico, be sure to sample an authentic and sumptuous  Beef Arrachera. It is delicious!  It will be one of the highlights of any trip, South of the Border.

Crab cakes

            Crab Cakes On The Beach

Traveling north, we find ourselves on the beaches of Southern California.  Almost every fish shack has the most tempting Crab Cakes. Some even serve Kosher Crab Cakes  made from from artificial Crab. These delicious Cakes are made from  fresh fish and certified Kosher. If you eat nothing else from the fish shacks,  you must try the crab cakes.  Once you’ve tried the crab cakes you will want to keep coming back for more. San Diego Crab Cakes are pretty much the most famous in the world. San Diego is notorious  for its crab. These terrific Crab Cakes more than live up to all of their publicity. They are an international favorite. They are fresh. These tasty temptations are delicious!

Treasures of the sea

                   San Diego’s Sea Urchin

Sea Urchins are generally  served fresh and raw on the shell.   They are freshly caught and still moving! They  taste almost like a buttery custard, Most importantly, they are extremely fresh. Visually, this beautiful Sea Urchin can look a bit overwhelming for a novice. It is worth the effort to try this San Diego delicacy.  The flavor is unlike anything else you have ever tasted. It’s nutty, buttery, and salty, all at once. The divers go out each morning to find the very best Sea Urchin. People come from all over the world, to eat the Sea Urchin when in season.

Oysters

           Oysters On The Half Shell

Whether you are at a fish shack on the beach, at the Fish Market, or at a Farmers Market, Oysters are a favorite West Coast delicacy. From the Southern California beaches all the way to Canada, Oysters are a sea food treasure. They are often served raw and to the novice appear a little slimy, but they taste delicious.  If you are  looking for fresh Pacific sea food, oysters are at the head of the line.

By far the raw oysters that are served on the half shell are the greatest all stars. But oysters are served several different ways. Oyster chowder is another star of the menu, especially in the Northwest. It can be called Oyster Stew or Oyster Chowder, but it is delightful on a cold windy day.

Another way to enjoy this fresh Pacific treasure is fried. Fried Oysters served with fresh lemon are another favorite Pacific Northwest treat. Often this is paired with cole slaw and fresh baked french bread.(photos/poppas-fresh-fish-company-san-diego)

bbq

                         Time For BBQ

BBQ is an all time favorite on the West Coast USA. Any reason is good enough to dig out the grill. There is never a wrong time to grill hot dogs with different relishes. Some serve them on a stick and others in a bun, but everyone loves a good grilled hotdog.  Major holidays, like the Fourth of July, are all time favorites for grilling some burgers and hotdogs. Usually they are served with chips, baked beans, and potato salad. Any day is a grilling day on the West Coast USA.

Grilled Shrimp

            Grilled Shrimp In Monterey

On the Monterey Peninsula it is all about shrimp. You will find fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and even coconut shrimp. They love their shrimp in Monterey!

The first Bubba Gump Restaurant opened in Monterey, California. It was the year 1996, just after the successful movie came out titled “Forest Gump.”  The Bubba Gump restaurant is named after the film’s characters  Bubba and Forrest. In the film, Bubba desired to get into the shrimping business.  Forrest carried out his dream after Bubba’s death.

The Bubba Gump Restaurant is a fun place to have lunch or dinner. Taste and see how many different ways you can cook this tasty temptation!

   The Monterey Peninsula

As you travel on North to Oregon and Washington, the weather has changed. Nine months a year can bring cool and rainy days and the nights are quite brisk. Here in the Northwest the need to warm up, makes chowder the star of the menu.

Chowder

          Chowder And Sour Dough Bread

The farther north you go, the more varieties of chowder that appear on the menu. By the time you get to Seattle, you will see them all. Some of the favorites are Clam Chowder, Salmon Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Potato Chowder. On a cold rainy Northwest day, nothing beats a good bowl of Chowder.

A favorite destination in Seattle is Pikes Place Market. Within the market are fish markets, farmers markets , and lots of chowder cafes. Whether you come to the market to get your own makings for your favorite chowder, or drop by for a bowl, you will love the chowder houses throughout the market.

If you are looking for adventure, you need look no farther than your own back door. The coastal communities of the Pacific welcome you to join them for a regional favorite. So grab the family and head for the closest beach. Your lunch is waiting!

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Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: BBQ, Beef Arrachera, California, Chowders, Crab Cakes, Mexico, Monterey, Oregon, Oysters, Pacific Northwest, San Diego, Sea Urchin, Seattle, shrimp, Tijuana, Washington

Asparagus Shrimp Soup Of Taiwan

January 26, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Asparagus and Shrimp soup
Asparagus and Shrimp soup

Asparagus Shrimp Soup Of Taiwan

Asparagus Shrimp Soup is a Taiwanese specialty. Taiwan is a small island and there is no way the Taiwanese could have enough beef and pork to meet their needs. The Taiwanese for centuries have been looking to the sea for its protein. Asparagus Shrimp soup is fantastic!  It is healthy! It is delicious!

The sea provides a steady and  fresh supply of tuna, grouper, sardines, shrimp, anchovies, squid, cuttlefish and more. The Taiwanese fisherman go out daily and return with fresh seafood for the markets and restaurants. What a delight it is, to see your seafood alive until it is time to cook. Many dishes are prepared right at your table. Hot pot is one of those dishes. Everything in Taiwan is fresh! It is amazing!

Asparagus Shrimp Soup is absolutely delicious. I love soups, so I often experiment and change-up things. You can make it with all vegetables! No Shrimp, no problem, just add Sardines or Salmon. It is good to make it the traditional way the first time. The options are many! No matter what fish you add, it will be delicious. It is extremely nutritious! It is fresh…straight from the sea.

For those of you who want to try a little healthy Taiwanese cooking, I have included a simple recipe to get you started. Asparagus Shrimp Soup is easy to make.  It will get your creativity going. It never hurts to delve into the cruise of the country you hope to visit. This recipe comes to us by the Food Network. Enjoy the soup!

Asparagus Shrimp Soup

Recipe Courtesy of �Michelle Urvater
Total Time:
40 min
Cook:
40 min

Yield:4 servings
Level:Easy
Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
6 cups water
Bouquet garni including: the stems and roots of a bunch of cilantro, bay leaf, smashed peeled garlic clove, 2 red chili
peppers
1 pound asparagus, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup canned straw mushrooms or fresh enoki mushrooms or sliced domestic mushroom caps
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (packed) cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Salt and crushed red pepper
Directions

Heat the oil and add the shallots and saute. Add the water, bouquet garni and bring to a boil and simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Add the asparagus and simmer 5 minutes or until tender; add the shrimp and simmer just until the shrimp turn pink. Add the mushrooms, and simmer to heat through (if too much liquid has evaporated, add more to keep level constant).

Remove the soup from the heat, remove the bouquet garni and stir in the lime juice to taste and cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and crushed red pepper.

Recipe Courtesy of �Michelle Urvater

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/asian-shrimp-and-asparagus-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Now, that you have tried your hand at a little Asian cooking, you can add other things. It is quick! It is easy! Now, you are ready to make it your own. Asparagus Shrimp Soup is just the beginning of what you will see in Taiwan. The soups are endless! The variety is unlimited! There seems to be no limit to the vegetables and fruits that grow on the island. They are abundant! They are fresh! It is easy to have a salad with every meal. You will love the freshness of everything. Nothing was prepared yesterday! Make this the year you discover Taiwan. For added tourist information, see our website at:

exploretraveler.com

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Food Travel, Taiwan, World Travel Tagged With: anchovies, Asian cooking, Asparagus and Shrimp Soup, cuttlefish, Fresh Seafood, grouper, sardines, shrimp, squid, Taiwan, Taiwanese cooking, tuna

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