Blue Angeles perform today, plus a surprise.

Today we saw the Blue Angels and the French Version of this the Patrouille Acrobatique de France fly there performances from Fort Pickens, as the airport runway is just across the water, and we had a fantastic view.

We had never been to Fort Pickens so decided to go today before the Blue Angeles practice, which we knew was at 11:30am. We brought Bosco thinking he may be able to walk around this area some, but first thing we see is “No Dog’s” at the entrance. We went into the visitors entrance, and asked for a tour map, and were told the French Version of the Blue Angeles were to perform with the Blue Angeles today at 10:00am, it was 9:30, so I took Bosco back and got some chairs. Polly found a high spot by the huge cannon at the fort to watch the French pilots perform, and we had a good view with many others, the French with coloured smoke from their Jets. Blue, White and Red was streaked all around the sky, sure looked beautiful, and they were fast. Performance lasted about 45 mins, then as we were farther from the performance that we wanted, went to the wall on the edge of the ocean between the island and mainland to watch the Blue Angeles.

Both were fantastic performances, just the Blue Angeles were louder, and seemed faster as we were closer to there performance. The French had colour, which did make it more beautiful.

I got some beauty pics, was hard to keep them in focus when close as moving at extreme speed. Was fun sitting in our chairs on a wall about 5 feet high and 5 feet wide, above the ground, with the ocean and the beach in front of us, and the mainland across the water. Nice way to start or day here in Florida.

Smoke on the runway as they take off

After the performance we went home, 5 mins away, lunch and a snooze was on my docket. Then later in the afternoon we went to the neighbours across the rd. for a visit. Funny how what starts out as a short visit turns into a little longer, 7pm we get back in and say, wow dinner now, that went by fast. We now know another couple, Al grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Robbie from Catskill mountains, New York. Much to talk about, where we were going to, and where they had been, and how they decided to full time it, and when. Was an interesting evening, and we got along well. They have a dog Fred, and he liked Bosco, just a little too much, so Bosco and him were separated, but happy.

That night when we went for a walk after dinner, we saw the full moon, and I got a few good pick, while Polly held Bosco, was a beauty night. We hear birds here all the time, and to learn who is who, I get info from others we meet on our walks. Another couple we meet tell us the bird we hear is a Whippoorwill. Sounds good, till I realize they whooo wahoo all night, even when I wanna sleep, and can’t... WaaHoooo.... Not so beautiful at 3am, over and over again, LOL

Wednesday we go back to Fort Pickens and do the walking tour on our own, going from the front entrance all the way around and reading about the history of when it was built, and who built it. Slaves built it in five years 1829-1834 with supervision of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Link here for more info, sure was an interesting look around, especially to see that Geronimo was imprisoned here for 2 years with 15 of his men and family's.

In the distance you can see the Gulf Shores we left last week

As we make our way to the big cannon I ask another couple to take our picture, and after we start talking about cameras as she wants to get a good one, and after I give her my best info, we all talk for gee so long, and keep talking about future plans as he is about 3 years away form his retirement. I find out again Medical is the restriction, as huge expense here if you are under 65, a change that came to being a few years ago. They were from Oklahoma, Never met anyone from Oklahoma before I say, and we talk some more. Sure is fun meeting new people, and travelling with there information to where they say we should see.

We make our way back home, quick lunch, and off to the beach for a little swim, and some sun for our white body's. The neighbours are on there way too, and we join up and yak some more, and they had a new to us umbrella they let us use, with a screw in bottom stake that holds in the sand good. Gotta get one. As we talk the Blue Angeles go by, and one french Jet as well, practice together over the ocean? They head out to see, and we don’t see them for another 2 hrs.

I go for a swim in the rough waters, nice

Water is rough again, but went in anyway, and did a couple cool down, and got our share of sun, good for a few days now.

The sky’s start to darken and Al says time to go as the thunder rolls in the east, and we have to go. Bosco was happy to see us as per usual, but not too jumpy this time, may be getting used to being left behind.

The other neighbours across the road come home from fishing, and Polly asks “Catch any?” Yes they say, so I go over for a look, and yep 2 beauty Pompano were revealed. The woman Petra asks if we want one for supper, shocked I sputter for about a second, and Yes I say, and wow we get fresh fish for dinner. Hmmm, never been more surprised for awhile. Gee every where we go people so friendly, and generous. I went and watched as Diemar cleaned the fish, and asked if he would like a picture, so I go get the camera and take a picture of him cleaning and of him with one of his bigger fish. I find out there is a size limit, can’t keep them if too big, or too small. We exchange cards and I say will send to the pics to them e-mail, and Polly starts to prepare after awhile, and we get ready for dinner. As the dinner is cooking on the BBQ the rains start and Polly has to use an umbrella to finish the cooking under the front of the trailer, wow rains come fast here, and quit fast too.

Dinner was very good, fish was a little like sole we are used to, very tender, and tasty. I make a point of thanking them later after the rain quits and I take Bosco for a walk.

Nice way to end another day in Paradise,

Sure lovin it here in Florida...