Pensacola
October 17, 2013 02:44 PM
I mentioned some time ago that if we go silent, it means we’re either bored or having too much fun to stop and talk about it. The latter explains our absence of late. I started the post below over a month ago, shortly after arriving in Pensacola, but never stopped long enough to finish it. Given the fact that I’m playing catchup with this post, I’ll be brief and just hit the high points.
On a cold gray day in mid-January, 1968, I left Oklahoma, headed for Pensacola, FL, and a new life. I’d recently graduated from college, upon which I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and given orders to report to Pensacola, FL, for flight training. Flying was a dream I’d had since childhood, and now it was becoming real. I remember the excitement of seeing my first palm trees, my first beach, and my first glimpse of the Gulf of Mexico. Everything was so new and different from anything I’d ever experienced. I remember my first training flight and my first solo. I remember my first carrier landing. I have many great memories of Pensacola.
Now, forty-five years later, I find myself once again on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, parked at the FamCamp (family campground) across the street from the field I once flew from. The airplanes are different but they’re doing the same thing I once did. There are new buildings on base, but most of the ones I knew remain. The jet noise still sounds like “the sound of freedom” and JP-5 fumes from the tailpipes of the jets still smells just as sweet. The sand is still white and powdery and the water is still a beautiful blue. The weather is still nice, warm days and cool nights, and the town of Pensacola is still the same little coastal town with a heavy military influence. All in all, I feel almost like I’ve returned home.
The FamCamp is located in a grove of Live Oak trees next to the beach on the western end of Pensacola Bay. The sand is the color and consistency of fine-grained sugar. The water is blue with modest surf. Given Ann and Muffin’s love of the beach, you can guess where they spent a lot of their time. Access to the amenities of military bases is one of the benefits that comes with military retirement, and nowhere is it more of a benefit than at Pensacola.
Three major attractions of the area are located on the Naval Air Station. First, the National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the best aviation museums in the world. It’s of special interest to me, as I’ve flown several of the aircraft on display. If you ever find yourself near Pensacola, be certain to visit the museum. Second is the Pensacola LIghthouse, constructed in 1858 and still in use today. The 177 steps to the top don’t sound like much, but you’ll find yourself ready to be at the top long before you get there. The lighthouse, by the way, is the best place to watch the Blue Angels, stationed at Pensacola, do their practice shows. The top of the lighthouse is 150 feet, which means you’ll find yourself looking down at the Blues as they zoom past. Finally, Fort Barrancas, now operated by the National Park Service, is built on the site of the original Spanish fort which dates to 1698. The site of several battles, the fort is worth a visit.
We also spent a lot of time in the old town part of Pensacola. Pensacola is called “The City of Five Flags,” having been under the control of the Spanish, French, British, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. Many of the streets are named for Spaniards who fought and governed in the area. The remains of Spanish forts and other buildings dot the area. Despite all the hurricanes that have battered the coast over the years, many of the homes were constructed in the 1800’s. All this, mixed with the beautiful waterfront and marina area, make it an interesting and beautiful downtown. Oh, and it’s also home to the Pensacola Bay Brewing Company, producer of a number of fine beers.
We also enjoyed three special events during our stay. The first was a quick trip to San Antonio, TX for a reunion of my old Marine Corps squadron, VMA-331. In 1970, as young men, we flew our A-4 Skyhawks aboard the USS Independence and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. We crossed the Atlantic and spent several months patrolling the Mediterranean. It was a life-changing experience, and those of us who shared it meet every couple of years to reminisce and tell tall tales. We had a great time.
The second event was a chance to meet up with three very good friends from the Denver area. Heather, Katy, and Chris were vacationing in Destin, FL, for a few days. We drove down and hung out with them one day and then met Heather for lunch as she headed for the airport. It’s always great to see old friends.
The third, a very special one, was a Thanksgiving visit by my three sons and daughter-in-law-to-be. My son Mark drove his motorhome down and parked in the spot next to us. My sons Mike and John, and John’s fiancee, Cynthia, stayed in a cabin about 200 feet from our motorhomes. We had the traditional turkey dinner, toured the base and town, and generally enjoyed our time together. It was a great time, one I’ll remember forever.
I could go on with tons of details, but I can summarize by simply saying that we stayed very busy, had lots of fun, and look forward to returning next spring as we pass through on our way north.
We left Pensacola last Sunday, overnighted in Chiefland, FL, with great friends, Mac and Karen MacFeggan, and arrived in Dunedin, FL, on Tuesday. I’ll do a post soon about Dunedin, but here’s a teaser: We Love It!
Of course, no post would be complete without a picture of Muffin the Wonder Dog. Here she is, enjoying a last fix of beach.
Alan
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