GULF SHORES, Ala. — With all the negative publicity about Gulf Coast beaches, it's a wonder that you can find anybody enjoying the white sands at Gulf Shores’ beaches at all.

While there is equipment cleaning up the remains of the spring oil spill, beach-goers from northern parts report that the beach is fine for walking with “only a few tarballs,” according to Sis and Cal Prout of Neguanee, Mich.

“We have been coming here for 11 years,” said Sis.

“The beach looks good,” added Cal.

One benefit from fewer visitors — the shells along the low tide line are numerous.

For Rick and Debbie Wagner of Warsaw, Ind., gathering shells and taking a ride along the Blackwater trail was the thing.

“It's beautiful here,” said Debbie.

One visitor from Canada who did not give his name reported that this was his third year coming from Ontario.

“I love the beach,” he said. While the sand was a little too loose for walking close to shore, the view from the boardwalk was wonderful to him.

For Jerry Loftis of Victor, Colo., conditions on the beach are “excellent.”

“I am so surprised,” she said. “They are as clean as ever.”

Media hype didn’t keep Robert and Mary Lou Korb of Traverse City, Mich. away from the Gulf.

“The TV people talk too much,” said Mary Lou.