PSA: Alabama's beaches are open.

[trof]

Blindingly white sand.
Blue-green surf.
We're open for business.

[WeDidIt]

1. And the views of the sea are STUNNING!

Last time I was there I could see TWO oil rigs from the beach.

[socialist_n_TN]

2. I wonder what they'll be like at the end of July

I'll be headed down that way then

[NC_Nurse]

3. Can you smell the oil and dispersant chemicals yet?

I'll be going to the Panhandle at the end of June. I'm wondering if I even want to go now. Could be very depressing, not
to mention hazardous to my respiratory health. I've been going there for 25 years. It's beautiful now. I hope it stays that way in spite of human stupidity and greed.

[trof]

4. Nope. No odor.

Gulf currents are keeping the gusher off the beaches for now.
40 miles away at last report.

I'm sure there is inestimable damage being done to sea creatures and probably our seafood industry, but so far the beaches are still pristine.

Vacationers I've talked to from Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana say their local media makes it sound like the beaches are inundated with oil.
They're not, but reservations are being canceled everywhere down here.
The tourism industry is taking a heavy hit.