Sat. & Sun., Oct. 21 & 22 - Pensacola, Florida

We left Orange Beach Marina on a windy day as you can see by the waves on the Gulf of Mexico 

(this is cruising by the Gulf pass that I shared on my last post).

 Along the way we see many more beautiful homes like this one that is still very secure after Hurricane Irma and Nate,

 as well as these very colorful townhomes.

Soon we are officially in beautiful Florida!!!🌞

 Here we are approaching Pensacola Bay.

It is a VERY large body of water!

At the very beginning of the Bay to our starboard side, we notice an anchorage that is a nice protection from the wind.  Many boats are tucked in enjoying their weekend!

A little further along, we see Perdido Key State Park . . . beautiful white sand dunes.

We pass by a tugboat towing a barge (there are no towboats along the Gulf, as the barges would break apart from the towboat with the very large waves, therefore a tugboat is used).

 Just after that this unique plane flies right over the top of our boat.

 To our port we see this massive freighter and signs that say No Trespassing.  A little investigating and we realize we are passing the Naval Air Station of Pensacola.  We have heard they have a great museum and are excited to visit.

So, that's what we did on Sunday; a VERY impressive and FREE museum!

 Check out who's plane that was!

 What a find in the gift shop!  On display was the bell from a ship that Dave's dad, Cliff, was on during WWII!  What are the chances?!

 The U.S.S. Saratoga

So many great planes with so much wonderful history!

 Let's not forget the women pilots!😁

We got to check out both the inside and outside of Marine One!

As we left, we were treated with quite the air show as the Blue Angels were practicing!!!

We ended the night with a trip to get fresh shrimp at Joe Patti's; WOW . . . what an operation!!!

I leave you with this photo: Dave diving to check out our props.  Is there a rope around one or is it something else?  Tune into Monday's blog to hear the rest of the story!😉