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.