Saturday
This morning we were expecting to see bright sunshine but it was still overcast. There was a three minute hail storm this morning that was quite a surprise.
We went back to the National Aviation Naval Museum and finished our tour in Hangar A. The planes on display did not disappoint and I especially was drawn to the helicopters (always wanted to be a fight nurse) while Ron was impressed with the older military planes and the first German Jet flown in 1944. Thank goodness they didn’t get it flight ready in time to affect the outcome of WWII.
The planes on display were those of the Navy, Marines and National Guard so no Air Force or Army representation.
While at the museum there were hundreds of young men and women in camouflage that attended some type of an official ceremony. They were all so very young; too young looking to be in a uniform and to be willing to sacrifice there lives and well-being.
We didn’t get to the I-Max Theater too see a different show because we wanted to get over to the Pensacola Lighthouse and participate in the tour of Fort Barrancas.
Navy Museum
First Jet Aircraft (German)
Pensacola Lighthouse
The Pensacola Lighthouse has 177 steps, certainly not the tallest lighthouse we have climbed but for some reason it was a difficult climb. The view was worth every step though. The sky had cleared and you could see for 26 miles. We were privileged to be able to get a great view of the jets taking off from the base. I don’t think I mentioned that the lighthouse, fort and museum all are within the boundaries of the Pensacola Naval Air Station Base. It is a huge place and it is unusual to have tourist attractions on a military base.
Coming down
Fort Barrancas
The tour at Fort Barrancas located on a bluff overlooking the Pensacola Bay was incredible. Amanda, the Park Ranger gave such a great presentation that she brought the history of the Fort alive. We were amazed at her knowledge and her enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. This women would have been a great history teacher. She was so involved and everyone was so fascinated that the tour lasted well over one hour.
Originally, the fort was built by the British with the construction of the Royal Navy Redoubt in1763. The Spanish made improvements in 1797. Later, an American engineer replaced the fort with the current fort built between 1839 and 1844 by 60 salves laying over one million bricks in those five years. There are five forts in the Pensacola area alone.
We then stopped at another Fort called Advanced Redoubt.The Redoubt was constructed to work in conjunction with Fort Barrancas to defend the tip of the Pensacola peninsula and the Pensacola Navy Yard from attack by land. We missed the tour so walked around the outside perimeter of the fort.
While there we noticed a man and his teenage son trying to find a way into the fort. Eventually the teenager climbed the brick wall using toe holes made by cannon fire and got into the fort. Not a bright idea since this is federal land. We didn’t wait around to see if he got down safely or got arrested.
Sunset on Pensacola Beach, FL
The day had cleared nicely but the temps never got above 48. Crisp and cool but beautiful. We stopped to get a shot of the sunset over the water. The area that has been deemed federal land is spectacular and pristine. No high rise buildings, condos or people . Just beautiful white sands and aqua colored water. We stood in awe at the sunset and felt like we were in a dream – too beautiful to be true. Pictures do not do the view justice but Ron did try to capture the beauty.
The sun is suppose to shine tomorrow so we plan to visit Fort Pickens and hopefully get some time on the beach.
No comments:
Post a Comment