Tag: Florida

January 14, 2014 Destin FL

Today was an easy day.  We started out by walking down to the old lighthouse in Pensacola.  

The beach was incredibly white and we had it to ourselves.  After a quick stop at the Naval Exchange (Department Store for our non-military friends) we headed east.  We stopped at Naval Oaks National Seashore.  It is a small park.  We learned that it was one of the first nationally controlled forests as it was a source for the wood for the early naval ships of the United States including the famous frigate USS Constitution.  This wood is nearly 30% denser than other wood which made our early men of war very strong. 

On the beach at Naval Oaks National Seashore.

After arriving in Destin we decided to treat ourselves to a nice seafood dinner.  Ton had a great grouper, and Ron had lobster and etoufee, we really enjoyed the meal.

January 13, 2014 Pensacola FL

Today we drove down to the Redneck Riviera as the Florida Panhandle is referred to.  The plan is to write about the sites and scenes we see on the road, but frankly so far South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama are a little underwhelming.  Pine forests and farms, the only break in the monotony are some small towns with nice old houses.

Ton in the cockpit of a Blue Angel.

Today we ran into another monsoon on the last couple of hours of the trip.  Any chance of going out to see anything was lost as it was raining cats and dogs.  When we arrived at Pensacola we visited the Naval Aviation Museum.  If you are an aviation buff and are in the area do not miss the museum.  It is very well done with a great collection of aircraft from all eras.  The museum is free and staffed by volunteers who are often former aviators.  We met a very interesting gentleman who was trained by the Luftwaffe when he was young to fly the ME-262 jet.  It was fascinating to listen to his story and how he came to be a volunteer in Pensacola Florida.