Saturday, February 27, 2010

Naval Aviation Museum

The Naval Aviation Museum is located on The Pensacola (FL) Naval Air Station. It is about a two and a half hour drive from Panama City Beach depending on the route that you take. Access to the Navy base only requires a valid drivers license. Admission to the museum is free. This area and the Navy base sustained substantial damage from hurricane Ivan. All of the aviation "A" schools are located on this base. When I was in the Navy, the "A" schools were located on a landlocked Navy base in Millington, TN near Memphis. The "A" schools were shut down due the damage for a period of time. This did cause some problems in the fleet as the pipeline of qualified sailors was disrupted. The Pensacola Lighthouse is located on the base along with Fort Barrancas both of which can be visited. There is ample parking and the museum does attract a large number of visitors.

This Navy jet fighter is just outside the main entrance. Bronze statues of a plane director are part of the display.










Just inside the main entrance is an A4 Skyhawk. This is a later version of the aircraft that was in my squadron when I was a plane captain. This is also the type of plane that Senator John McCain was flying when he was shot down over Viet Nam.








Another view of this aircraft.
















This is the cockpit of the Skyhawk. The real seat has been removed. Originally it had a RAPEC seat which was a rocket assisted personnel ejection control. The picture does accurately depict the size of the cockpit. I spent many a cold night sitting in the plane waiting for the flight deck crew to finally spot the plane after flight ops were over for the night. I still believe part of my knee problems were caused by the cramped position in the cold. I was on two winter med cruises.


This is a cut a way of the Pratt & Whitney J-65 jet engine. This was the engine I was specifically trained on in "B" school which was in Jacksonville, FL. I actually spent more time as a plane captain than I did working in the jet engine shop. I was always happier working the line crew as we were called.








These are two views of the main floor taken from the balcony.











There are quite a number of Naval aircraft from the early days to present.








The Navy Blue Angels team flew a version of the A4 Skyhawk for a number of years and these planes are suspended from the overhead in formation.













Throughout the museum there are many items of Navy memorabilia. One room is dedicated to painting of Naval aircraft and carriers throughout the years from WW I to present. Carol and I took a "simulator" of an actual carrier takeoff and a mission flown in Desert Storm culminating in a carrier landing. This was our third visit. The first when we were dating. The second on our honeymoon when we were unable to enjoy the entire museum because the King and Queen of Spain were coming. There is a wonderful and very colorful cafe inside the museum. The walls are filled with plaques of Navy squadrons from all time with the mascots. We were the "Roadrunners" Naturally we finished our visit in the gift shop.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Topsail Hill State Park

I purchased a year pass good for all of the Florida state parks. While we go to St. Andrews State park 4 or 5 times a week, we occasionally visit other parks. We recently went to Topsail Hill State Park. It is noted for its 3.2 miles of secluded pristine white sand beach's with majestic dunes over 25 feet high. There are three rare coastal dune lakes that provide excellent freshwater fishing. The parking lot is about a mile from the sandy beach. A pram is available or you can bicycle or walk a well paved trail. Carol and I chose to walk.




As we got closer to the beach we were treated to the outstanding dunes on both sides of the trail. A system of elevated boardwalks were built traversing over the dunes.



The red caution flag was flying the day we visited as the waves were higher than the normally calmer Gulf. The sun shining on the sea and the virtually deserted beach created such a peaceful setting. Carol and I lingered along the beach for awhile before beginning the walk back to the parking lot.

As we slowly ambled back along the trail, Carol spotted a white tail deer in the sand dunes. We watched the deer bounce along the dunes.


It was an excellent way to spend part of the day. The beaches along the Florida Panhandle are so pristine and beautiful. I am thankful that so much of the natural beauty is being preserved.


Friday, February 12, 2010

Biloxi Lighthouse


The Biloxi Lighthouse was completed in 1848. It was the first lighthouse in the south to have iron plates bolted together around forming a outer skin surrounding a brick core. The construction proved its mettle by surviving numerous hurricanes. Originally the lighthouse was 29 feet off the shore. Today the lighthouse stands in the median strip of rout 90. This is the result of shifting sand and mankind reclaiming land from the sea. The American flag has flown on the tower since hurricane Katrina symbolizing the spirit of the citizens.

Saturday, February 06, 2010

One big step

I have been mulling over a decision to sell my home in Rhode Island over this fall and winter. Prior to leaving last September I talked to several real estate agents. I decided on one and told him we would talk in February. This is the home that Marie and I had built. Our styles were included in the design and decor. We moved into this home in November 1968. Our second and third children were born while we lived here. It is a great neighborhood. The school system was more than adequate. All three went on to college. I have been blessed with great neighbors. This is the home where I became a care giver as Marie fought her unsuccessful battle with cancer.

My life has taken a new turn. I am remarried to another wonderful gal and I am spending more and more time in the home that Carol and I bought together in Florida. I feel it is a shame for such a nice home in a good neighborhood to be vacant. In the back of my mind I am always wondering if the heat is working, is the house safe?

A few days ago I spoke to the realtor and I agreed that the house would be listed. Today I took the big step and signed all the papers. They will be in the mail Monday. I know its a tight market, but I am optimistic. I don't need to sell so I can endure the long haul. I will still spend time in New England. My three children and eight grandchildren live there.