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Day 48- Pensacola FL

 The sunset at Dauphin Island was spectacular. Deep oranges and yellows filled the sky. It was just magical.


We had a late start this morning because we needed to take the Mobile Bay ferry across to Fort Morgan rather than ride back around. This gave me time to go down the street and explore fort Gain, a Civil War era fort important in the battle of Mobile Bay and the birthplace of the phrase “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!“ They also have a piece of a shipwreck from the 1800s that finally washed ashore during Hurricane George in 1998.




I was also intrigued by the gas drilling platforms that populate the bay. It’s the largest national gas field on the continent and there are 50 rigs out in the water.



We board at the ferry at 9:30 for the short trip across to Fort Morgan. It was sunny and warm and we enjoyed watching pelicans and dolphins.

When we reached Fort Morgan we found flat smooth roads, and, for the first time, tail wins! This made for quick riding and we reached a good lunch stop easily. 


From here we followed a bike path for several miles and then got back on the main road for a short time before heading along the Gulf State Park Road.

This park is a gym and I’d like to go back and visit it.It did have one weird feature. The speed limit on the park road was 26 mph. Not 25, not 30, but specifically 26. As usual I have a lot of questions. 

The Park Road put us back on the coastal connector and we rode through Orange Beach and Persido along the coast line. And then there it was: the Welcome to Florida sign. I got goosebumps despite the 78° heat.

Our destination was Pensacola, and as we neared it we heard the roar of jets overjhead. I don’t always bike into Pensacola, but when I do,  the Blue Angels buzz my route. We stopped outside the gates of the Naval Air Station to gawk. At one point the planes  flew so low above us I think the pilot winked at us!


We came upon Jack and Carl just as Carl was finishing up a flat repair. We all rode in together to the First United Methodist Church. We are staying in the Youth Ministries building which used to be a funeral home.

We got in too late to cook, and downtown Pensacola is right around the corner so we got our “dinner allowance“ and headed out.



Pensacola was all lit up for the night. Music poured out of the restaurants and there were plenty of breweries for us to explore. Good food, good fun, and now it’s time for some sleep.

Things I learned today:

  • Seeing butterflies in November is a treat.
  • Coastal Alabama is a well-kept secret.
  • Fun fact: My dad was stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 12, 2022 at 4:37 PM

    Wow. I can’t believe you are in Florida!!!!! I am so happy for you and glad you had such a great welcome. You are amazing. Debbie

    ReplyDelete

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