While establishing new lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the authorsof Act II Footprints in Gulf Shores: A Collection of Stories, Memoirs, and Poetry developed a strong friendship after each joined a writers' group as a new pursuit in retirement. The book reveals the making of a lasting friendship and the trust needed to write together, share truths and thoughts, and allow vulnerability. The synergy that resulted is exposed in this anthology. Beach life is described in realistic depictions of what it is like to pull up roots, leave everything known, and begin the next chapter of life in a warmer climate by the Gulf of Mexico. Laughter, tears, shared experiences, and stirred memories will be the result of delving into this collection. Everyone has stories to tell and the authors hope to encourage others to write their stories. Readers who are entering into the world of retirement will find similarities in their own lives.