Dauphin Island

We are at Dauphin Island, Alabama. We had a rainy ride to get here, slowed by two flats. We are feeling somewhat mildewed; our wet shoes, in particular, are reeking.

We took a rest day here. This sandy spit of land is the site of Ft. Gaines, which, along with Ft. Morgan across the channel, guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay during the War of Northern Aggression (sometimes called the CivilWar). The channel was limited to a narrow passage by Confederate mines (then called "torpedoes") so that the forts could concentrate their fire on any Union warships which might try to force an entrance to Mobile Bay. Admiral Farragut brought his Union fleet up the channel. The first ship struck a mine and sank in about 30 seconds. The captain of the next ship signaled the admiral for instructions on what to do. The admiral allegedly replied, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" the remaining Confederate mines misfired. The Union fleet then engaged the Confederate ironclad Tennessee. The ships blasted away at each other from as close as three feet. The Tennessee was disabled and eventually surrendered. We toured the fort and watched some re-enactors in period dress fire their weapons and make bread.

We have enjoyed two nights in a comfortable b&b. This will make us go soft. Back on the bikes tomorrow.