Gulf Shore Trip (DUW)

Hey all! I just got back from a trip to the Gulf. I wanted to share some pictures of what we discovered when we were there. There was definitely tar all over the place. And clean-up boats and protection booms aplenty. This all took place in Alabama and Florida, near Perdido Bay and Orange Beach. Thankfully we did not see any animals that were affected. And although the oil wasn't pouring in like in Louisiana, it was still very saddening to see.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/052.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/065.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/069.jpg

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In Florida, the Coast Guard had just arrived and were watching over the crews that were cleaning up tar balls.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/098.jpg
They rake up all the tar balls and then shovel them into these plastic bags and tie them up.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/105.jpg
I've heard a few rumors of what happens next, (like washing the oil out of the sand balls and replacing sand) but either way, I feel like that's a huge contribution to our land fills.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/166.jpg
This is in Orange Beach where we were staying. A storm the night before brought all of this in. A little storm. This is just unbelievable.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/170.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/185.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/trmb12/173.jpg
As if this beach isn't scarred enough.


Thanks for looking. This isn't the worst of the spill. But it is so much more real when you are actually looking at it, washing tar stains off of your feet because you can't avoid stepping in it.

This trip was eye-opening to say the least.

Horrible!
I applaud you for going down their during such a mess. They still need people to visit for their livelihoods as well.:gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jsh

Horrible!
I applaud you for going down their during such a mess. They still need people to visit for their livelihoods as well.:gj:

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That was probably the best part. People everywhere were so appreciative of the tourists. They were so warm and welcoming.

Thank you for visiting us Christina.... We really do appreciate it and would love for you to come back.

The tar balls won't go to regular land fills. They are hazardous waste.

I heard that they can wash the oil out of them and replace the sand. I don't know how true that is, but I'm thinking of the plastic bags after this supposed procedure.

Either way, it's space we don't need to be filling up with garbage, hazardous or not.