Pensacola - Days Two and Three

Sunday we took a nice ride along the water's edge. We stopped at the base beach that asked us to just leave footprints, nothing else. 

We rode past many buildings that brought back memories from the time that Mike was studying here. This chimney is all that is left of the ships carpenters' shop, from the ship building days before it became an air base. I had forgotten it, but it is still impressive. 

Today we drove to the historic downtown area of Pensacola. We thought we would visit some of the museums, but most were not open on Mondays. Much of the architecture of old Pensacola reminds us of New Orleans. The difference is that the streets here are much wider than those in New Orleans. 

We ate at The Fish House on the waterfront and had a nice view, a great meal, and some local Pensacola beer. 

After lunch we did some more walking and found some neat Pelicans. We have seen lots of Pelicans on this trip, but none like these. 

We also drove over the bridge to Pensacola Beach. We used to go there with our friends those many years ago. Of course, then it was summer and there were lots of people on the beach. It was a bit different today. 

Tomorrow we start our trek back north. 

Pensacola - Naval Aviation Museum

Mike reminded me that he had gone to AOCS (Aviation Officer Candidate School) here in Pensacola 46 years ago. He said he still remembered some of it. He did well - was even the Regimental Commander for his class.  I said, "that means you were the best." He explained that no, he wasn't the top graduate; those were the ones who excelled in academics, physical fitness, and military bearing. He only got a top in Military. So I asked him, how did he end up as the Regimental Commander? He said his peers chose him. The drill sergeants were surprised, as usually only those who got a top in all three were chosen. But I am not surprised. My spouse is a reasonable, capable, and likable person. 

One of his requests in traveling to Florida this winter was to come to Pensacola to see the National Naval Air Museum, so here we are. I spent part of Saturday at the museum with him and then went back to the campground. As the campground is only about a half a mile from the museum it worked well. He got to spend most of the day there. 

I only wanted to see the Cubi Bar. 

During the 70s and later, when the squadrons would be in the Philippines, it was tradition to place a squadron plaque in the Officer's Club bar. It became a contest as to which squadron could come up with the biggest and best plaque. But when Mike was there it wasn't that way. I found his squadron's plaque after a bit of a search. His name is the first one in the second row. Our friend Dan is on the plaque, too. 

Here is a just slightly over the top one from the 80's. There were many others, too! 

And here is Mike in front of one of the planes he flew, the EA 6-B. 

I think he had a great time at the museum! Today it will be laundry, bicycling, and steaks on the grill. 

Orlando

We spent Monday through Wednesday with our friends Dan and Yvonne. Wednesday evening we went to see Cirque du Soleil. The show was fantastic!

 

We ate at the House of Blues before the show, and had a beer, too. 

Tuesday Yvonne took me to her local community center's tea and fashion show for my birthday gift. What a treat! Yvonne even wore a hat. 

The guys went flying, but did not take photos. Can you imagine that?! 

We also got in a bit of exercise as we walked their neighborhood on Wednesday morning. We had to walk, Yvonne fed us too well! 

Today we head north toward Pensacola. We will be staying in a state park on our way and at the naval base when we get there. 

Florida, Visiting with many friends

From Thursday the 11th through the 15th, we have had the pleasure to spend time with different friends of many years. We spent Thursday and Friday with Dick and Maggi Harding and their cool poodles at Rodman Campground near the Ocala National Forest. We had terrific meals and lots of time around the campfire! S'mores never tasted so good! 

We saw lots of wildlife too. These birds were at the dam we visited.

On Saturday we drove to Orlando to visit with Gary and Maria. We had dinner at Canvas, a new restaurant in the neighborhood. Definitely a must visit again place! 

Maria prepared a lovely brunch on Sunday for us and invited more old friends. I forgot to get a photo,we were having such a good time reminiscing, as we spent the afternoon around their beautiful koi pond. 

Monday we moved on to visit our friends Dan and Yvonne. They took us to the new brewery near them, Crooked Can Brewing Company. Mike had a flight of beer while the rest of us settled for just one. 

Sarasota

We have been in the  Sarasota area this week. We went to a Superbowl party at Diane and Jim Allen's place on Sunday. Everyone there was very nice! Many of them were from Minnesota, so I guess that helped. 

Monday was our day to ride the bike and enjoy the birds on the lagoon where we parked the van. Pelicans, ducks, cranes, and egrets were just a few of the birds we have as neighbors while we are camping. 

Tuesday it was a bit cold and blustery, so we decided to spend the day at the Ringling Museums. The Circus Museum has a detailed miniature of a full circus set up. It is fascinating. 

We also took a self guided tour of         Ca' d'zan, the summer home of John and Mabel Ringling. It was more interesting on the outside than inside. I am not sure I liked the furnishings. Here is Mike next to one of what I think of as throne chairs - and they had a few of those. 

Here is a photo from the terrace. Ornate, but not like the inside. 

Today we had lunch with Diane and Jim Allen at a terrific place, the Sandbar, on Anna Maria Island. It was still windy, you can see that with my hair, but the sun was warm and we had a delectable lunch and fun conversation. 

Tomorrow we head off again. 

Venice, Florida

Here we are at breakfast with DruAnne and Dave at the terrific Croissant & Co. in downtown Venice. We lingered a couple of days visiting them in their lovely new home. Even got a walk in with Druanne's new walking group. 

On Friday we all spent most of the day visiting the Edison and Ford Museum in the Ft. Myers area. It is a fascinating place. This is Mike and DruAnne in front of Edison's "cottage."  Our tour guide was terrific! I had not known of the Edison - Ford connection. Ford started as a mechanic for Edison Illumination and Edison encouraged him to start his manufacturing of motor vehicles. I loved Edison's light switch - which, by the way, still works perfectly after all these years. 

We probably needed to spend more time there. It is definitely a must visit place! 

We had a late lunch in the Nauti Parrot, a casual but nice tiki lounge. The parrot there loves to pose! 

On Saturday we went to the great French bakery. To accommodate me, we visited the "airing of the Quilts," of the Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild. There were too many lovely quilts to show you all of them, but here are a couple of my favorites. 

We are now in the Sarasota area. There is still much to see in Florida. 

 

Savannah

We left the thirty inches of snow in Maryland and headed south. Our first stop was to visit with old friends Jean and Paul in North Carolina. We had a great shrimp pasta dinner and a lovely visit. 

On Monday we walked the historic areas of Savannah. I think we managed to walk through most of the squares of the city, about five miles worth. There were many live oak trees and beautiful homes. 

We visited City Market and River Street plus the beautiful old cemetery in the center of the district. We asked a local for a lunch recommendation and found the Crystal Bar, in a neighborhood area off the beaten path.  It was a terrific place, with the best peach cobbler I have had in a long time. It was a pleasure to be away from the tourist traps. Plus, they had twenty-six beers on tap for Mike to choose from, including many outstanding local brews. 

After lunch we went to find the Mercer Williams house, from my long ago reading of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." The house takes up a full block! Pretty impressive. 

Tuesday we stayed in the state park we camped at - Skidaway Island State Park. We spent the day riding the tandem and hiking the park. One trail was supposedly a bike path. It had so many tree roots we mostly walked it! 

Today we visited the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island. Mike says he plans on more air museums. That is okay, as he also stops at quilt shops for me. 

Tomorrow we head off to see our friends in Florida!