28,297 miles 9:30AM 70°F
In less than half an hour we were at the Pensacola Naval Air Station gate. Stating our intention and showing our drivers licenses to the guard, we were quickly waved through to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum. This free museum blew us away. We ended up spending five hours wandering the excellent indoor exhibits. Many of them are presented in context with artifacts and short videos explaining the history of each plane.
We started with a docent tour led by a retired helicopter test pilot. We highly recommend taking this type of tour in any museum as the personal stories bring history to life. Following that tour, we took a bus tour to the restoration hanger and outdoor storage areas.
If you can be here on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the Blue Angels practice field is right next door. Viewing is up close and free. Check the museum web site for more information.
Halloween proved to be a uncrowded day to visit as there were no school groups. We had no trouble finding a shaded spot to park.
Our docent explaining how important the technology was that prevented machine guns from shooting off their propellers.
First airplane to cross the Atlantic. One of three that attempted it at the same time. One crashed and aborted, this one made it in the air, and a third landed mid-atlantic and finished the crossing as a boat.
Ford Tri-Motor
My initials are on the tail of this Constellation. I laughed when we saw the name on the nose, as it was named for hurricane Brenda, which just happens to be my sister’s name.
Flying boat on the tarmac.
Two more are on display indoors. One is a cut-away of the fuselage, set-up with a crew as if they were on a mission.
Beth emerging from a former presidential helicopter.
The last “flying boat” used by the US Navy.
Several airplane cockpits are available climb in. Had to try this one as it is my birthday number.
Lots of modern jets are in the newest hanger. This one is displayed with the refueling wand deployed.
Several jets have engine examples alongside. Cutaway displays are great for future aviation engineers.
Several planes are displayed on, and over, the deck of a WWII aircraft carrier.
Portions of the second floor recreate the feeling of being on an aircraft carrier. I had to capture a photo of the photography quarters.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this museum. Our only regret is not staying another day to see the Blue Angels practice.
28,373 miles 5:14PM 81°F
Here’s the view behind our bed at site #35 at the RV Resort in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. We border a small pond with the swimming pool beyond. At $46.62 for the night, it is the most expensive State campsite we’ve found.
A tram takes visitors to the beach. We hurried to see if we could catch the sunset.
Just a few minutes too late, there was still a little color in the sky.