By Christy Emmanuel
The dense, vibrant expanse of soaring and gnarly trees has weathered decades in silent witness to our family’s 80-year history at Innerarity Point. There is something profoundly enchanting about the forested landscape fronting the Intracoastal Waterway that invigorates the senses. The howling winds course through the treetops in the winter. The clamoring birds attract in the springtime. The sun’s rays filter at dawn and at dusk. The motion of shadows they accentuate as broad-winged pelicans, ospreys, and herons fly overhead. The dew their leaves drop like rain on foggy mornings. The aromas they release to please the senses. The life emanating from the majestic oaks, pines, cedars, hickories, and magnolias is utterly captivating.
Nestled between the Intracoastal to the south and Perdido Bay to the north, the Innerarity Point peninsula is protected from the Gulf winds by two barrier islands, Perdido Key and Ono Island. Like the Gulf of Mexico itself, our sanctuary has proven its resiliency time and again. As Ivan-damaged trees have regenerated since 2004, we have delighted in a growing population of ospreys, along with the pelicans, herons, bluebirds, owls, dolphins, mullet, blue crabs, snapper, flounder, tug-pushing barges, luxury boats, sailboats, naval aircraft, and storied Blue Angels that regularly entertain and nurture a sense of belonging.
The night sky twinkles on starry nights and casts ethereal beauty when the shimmering moon shines full and bright. Windows cracked opened in the evenings from Fall through Spring let in the fresh salt air and the melodious sounds of calling birds, crickets, frogs, and diesel-powered tugboats.
There is something about the natural beauty and tranquility of Innerarity Point that is magnetic. Past, present, future – Innerarity Point was, is, and will always be a crown jewel that attracts fascination with its grace and bountiful joy. We fully expect descendants in generations down the line will clamor to this place on the Point we call ‘home’, where towering treetops filter euphoric, perpetual light, and where spirits soar with the living creatures that surround us.