Heading east from Louisiana, we spent a few days at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, Florida before heading to our current location in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hiking trails and boardwalks brought us to the quiet lagoon where alligator sightings were possible,
... but it was much more likely that a stately Blue Heron,
or beautiful Egret would greet us.
The beautiful views of the lagoon made us excited to realize that maybe, just maybe we have escaped "winter".
Hoping to walk the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, we drove five miles down the road to Johnson Beach Road. Gulf Islands National Seashore provided miles of white sand beach walking,
... as well as the sighting of dolphins eating, playing and just enjoying the open sea. We were reveling in the peaceful beauty when the roar of jet engines interrupted the quiet. Looking up, we realized that we were near the the Naval Air Base in Pensacola, home of the US Naval Demonstration Squadron ... more commonly known as the ...
Checking their website, we realized that we could see their midweek practices practically in our backyard and also drive down the road to visit the FREE Naval Aviation Museum (retirees like FREE).
Our first show location came as a result of the recommendation of a local resident. He swears that the nearby Walmart parking lot is the best viewing location. Lounging in the sun in Walmart's lot definitely gave us some great views as well as a good reason to get out the sunscreen in November!
We got just enough of an adrenaline rush to want to see them up close and personal. Time to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum!
There is an amazing amount of aircraft in the museum, so the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to get in on one of the many tours that take place throughout the day. These tours are often led by retired Navy pilots who share their passion for these special flying beauties.
One favorite story is about a lead pilot's reaction when he first saw the Blue Angel Aircraft hanging in diamond formation from the museum's ceiling. These aircrafts were supposedly spaced the same distance apart as they are when in the tight diamond formation in the air. "Pretty good," he said, "but you have them spaced too far apart. We are flying much closer than that when we are performing."
Other museum exhibits celebrated the military service of many of our brave citizens ... a few who went on to serve the country in other ways.
The exhibit on military life reflected some of the hardships these vets endured both in the air and on the ground. These shower rules in a southeast Asia camp may sound familiar to any RVer who has spent any length of time without full hookups!
The day we came to the airbase to see the show, the bleacher viewing area was closed off, but we enjoyed the show from the museum's parking area.
Seeing these majestic planes climb, dive, roll, and fly upside down thrilled us, but the biggest thrill was being surrounded by active military as well as proud Veterans ... men and women who served and sacrificed to protect our freedom.
Until next time ... thank those who soar to great heights to protect us ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!
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