Tips and Tricks

Everyone knows – or can surmise – that a green flag flying at the beach means conditions are favorable for enjoying sand and surf. But do you know what a purple flag means? Or when it is illegal to enter the water on a Gulf Shores city beach? At www.thebeachiscalling.org, a handy chart of beach warning flags is available. From the home page, click on the “Hurricane Gustav” link. From there, follow the “beach warning flags” link for information on what the various colors mean. A double red flag means the water is closed to the public – and, in Gulf Shores, it is illegal to enter the water from a city beach when double red flags are displayed. A purple flag denotes the presence of “dangerous marine life,” while a single red flag denotes highly hazardous conditions such as rip currents. The beaches within Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park have adopted this flag system to alert beachgoers of surf conditions. Flags are posted at all public beach areas and conditions are monitored throughout each day. Keep in mind, though, that conditions can change quickly. One great thing about the Alabama Gulf Coast: If the Gulf isn’t welcoming, the sugary sands are. Unless the green flag is waving, skip the dip and work on your sand castle skills!

It is great to know that something designed for fun, recreation and enjoyment can also serve a greater purpose. The “Travel Tools” section of www.thebeachiscalling.org can do just that in times such as the weekend’s tropical weather outbreak. The “Weather” page has information travelers need to know such as current conditions and weather alerts. There also is a link to the Coastal Marine Forecast, a service of the Coastal Weather Research Center at the University of South Alabama. The special tab set up for Hurricane Gustav information also has weather information and conditions as well as various travel advisories. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of this handy tool.

Is there anything more embarrassing than to be all set for a romantic night and then realize you have dishpan hands, chapped lips and garlic breath? Even if you've been married since the dawn of time, your honey deserves your best effort for a truly romantic evening on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Here's a little secret for skincare: Petroleum jelly. When you step out of the shower, while you're still wet, apply the barest bit of petroleum jelly to your skin (start with those chapped lips). Use the absolute minimum and rub, rub, rub. When you dry off, your skin will feel so smooth and there won't be a fragrance to compete with your favorite smell-good stuff. As for the breath, well, pack lots of mints. P.S. Petroleum jelly also makes an excellent makeup remover and night cream. As always, to avoid a greasy feeling, less is more.

It's the perfect setting: The moon is bright in a cloudless sky, a breeze is stirring in off the Gulf of Mexico, the blanket has not a grain of sand on it. But something is missing. Ah, the tunes. What songs are the perfect “mood music”? It all depends on the couple, of course. Maybe it's something old-school sensual such as Marvin Gaye or Barry White – or even older school, with some torch songs such as “Fever.” Perhaps something more upbeat is in order, such as classic beach tunes from Jimmy Buffett or the Beach Boys. No matter your taste in music, though, be sure to listen to the best sound Gulf Shores or Orange Beach has to offer: Waves crashing on sugary sands.

Is there anything better than dipping your toes in the Gulf of Mexico just as the sun comes up? That quiet time, when just about everyone else is sleeping, is the perfect time to take a blanket and some coffee and just go listen to the waves crash against the sand. A little slice of heaven!