Rob and I decided to go for a bike ride instead of running.
There is a region on this barrier island called Gulf Islands National Seashore. At the end of this particular bit of land is Fort Pickens.
The map shows just how narrow the National Seashore is. Our campground is located just beyond the right boundary (west) of the photo. Fort Pickens is located to the very left (west) bit of land. Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay are to the north(top) and the Gulf of Mexico is to the south(bottom) This area is accessible by car. It is a 10 mile ride one way and it is flat and the road is great for riding. We had a pretty stiff headwind going out but we got a nice little push from the tail wind coming back. The roads advertise rapidly changing conditions like road flooding. Camping is available and the camp is run by the National Park Service. Admission to the National Seashore is $15 per car or $7 per person for walkers or bikers. We purchased our NPS annual pass last year and we have more than paid for it.
We rode steady until we reached Fort Pickens.
We found a place to park our bikes and took a break to enjoy the lunch I packed. After lunch, we did a bit of exploring.
Fort Pickens is the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay, Florida, and its navy yard. The fort was begun in 1829, completed in 1834, and was named in honor of Major General Andrew Pickens of the South Carolina militia, who fought with distinction in several Revolutionary War battles including Cowpens and the Siege of Ninety-six.
Fort Pickens was one of only four forts in the South that was never occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War, thanks to a heroic stand by Lieutenant Adam Slemmer with one company of artillery and a few sailors, aided by one U.S. Navy ship, the Wyandotte. Fort Pickens was as important as Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C. during the crisis between Abraham Lincoln's election in November, 1860 and the firing on Fort Sumter on April 12. 1861. The fort was reinforced the day after Fort Sumter surrendered, preventing the Confederates from controlling Pensacola Bay and using the Pensacola Navy Yard.
After a good look around, we decided to head back to the RV. We took a few minutes to watch the Pelicans do a bit of fishing. They fly low, circle an area of interest and then dive bomb. I have heard that this method of fishing ultimately impairs their vision. I can see where a head first, eyes open approach into salt water could take its toll.
Our ride back was much quicker and the girls were happy to see us. We grabbed a cold drink, set up the chairs and we all sat outside to soak up some sun.
Annie Belle catching some rays but being a bit camera shy.
We finished off our day with dinner at Flounder's Chowder House. We both had great seafood and topped it off with a huge piece of Key Lime Pie. We definitely took a bit of this home.
Three layer Key Lime Pie
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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