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Day 115, Camp 27 - Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola, FL
Posted 03-12-2009 at 07:44 PM by Phantom
2009/03/06 (3 nights @ $16 per nite)
Day 115, Camp 27
Big Lagoon State Park
Pensacola, FL
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We pulled West along Hwy 98, about 120 miles to Big Lagoon State Park, about 15 miles West of Pensacola. Pulled into our reserved site, #25, which happened to be among dead trees by a marsh. Lasting evidence of the violent storms that regularly wrack this coast. The campground was fairly nice. Most sites were somewhat wooded and semi-private. There were several trails to tromp. Pine woods, marshes, ponds and bays, access to nice beaches looking out to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. We drove over the nearby bridge onto Perdido Key, another State Park which has no camping.. but a beautiful beach and dunes along the open Gulf. Unfortunately, looking north or south, one sees the ubiquitous condos rising into the sky. We also drove out onto the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In this area, it is a long, narrow sand spit, running to the East 3 to 5 miles, protecting 'Big Lagoon' from the Gulf. The narrow road was broken up by Katrina, but was been re-built, giving access to the coast and bay waters for fishermen, kayakers, hikers, etc. It was obvious that the road needed persistent bull-dozing to keep the sand dunes from covering it repeatedly.
We hiked all the trials around the pond, lagoon and beaches. We were out about 3 hours, 75º in the sun... no hat. It was my birthday and I burned my face... not too bad
We saw a large flock, of what appeared by be Blue-winged Teals, circling the lagoon in fast flight, wings beating impossibly fast... only to land, then soon to re-launch again... in what appeared to be simply a joyous tour around their bay. Hard to photograph as they passed quickly, nearly overhead.
On Sunday we drove a short ways to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. Visited Fort Barrancas which protects Pensacola Bay... very interesting history going back to the original British fort in 1767!. Their was also a Barrancas National Cemetery, with so many graves stretching to infinity, it seemed impossible to put a number on them. Apparently the number is 36,000+. By comparison, Arlington is over 290,000!
We toured the Naval Air Museum and it is quite amazing. Though I'm not a military history buff, it was incredible to get some sense of the history. I cannot even begin to remember the names of the planes or their stories. Some of you will know them. It was very well worth the visit... and free! The Blue Angels are stationed here. Unfortunately, they were not 'in town' during our visit. They can be seen practicing on a regular basis when they're in town. A schedule is available.
We had a nice dinner out at the Fish House on the harbor for our anniversary. It was very good. I had Ginger Chicken.
We enjoyed this camp... the trails beach and the area. Even though there is a lot of jet traffic all along this stretch of the coast. Remember Miramar in 'Top Gun'?... right next door to Pensacola. Lots of Navy jets.
Day 115, Camp 27
Big Lagoon State Park
Pensacola, FL
ALL PHOTOS RELATED TO THIS BLOG
ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEW AT:
Picasa Web Albums - Phantom
We pulled West along Hwy 98, about 120 miles to Big Lagoon State Park, about 15 miles West of Pensacola. Pulled into our reserved site, #25, which happened to be among dead trees by a marsh. Lasting evidence of the violent storms that regularly wrack this coast. The campground was fairly nice. Most sites were somewhat wooded and semi-private. There were several trails to tromp. Pine woods, marshes, ponds and bays, access to nice beaches looking out to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. We drove over the nearby bridge onto Perdido Key, another State Park which has no camping.. but a beautiful beach and dunes along the open Gulf. Unfortunately, looking north or south, one sees the ubiquitous condos rising into the sky. We also drove out onto the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In this area, it is a long, narrow sand spit, running to the East 3 to 5 miles, protecting 'Big Lagoon' from the Gulf. The narrow road was broken up by Katrina, but was been re-built, giving access to the coast and bay waters for fishermen, kayakers, hikers, etc. It was obvious that the road needed persistent bull-dozing to keep the sand dunes from covering it repeatedly.
We hiked all the trials around the pond, lagoon and beaches. We were out about 3 hours, 75º in the sun... no hat. It was my birthday and I burned my face... not too bad
We saw a large flock, of what appeared by be Blue-winged Teals, circling the lagoon in fast flight, wings beating impossibly fast... only to land, then soon to re-launch again... in what appeared to be simply a joyous tour around their bay. Hard to photograph as they passed quickly, nearly overhead.On Sunday we drove a short ways to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. Visited Fort Barrancas which protects Pensacola Bay... very interesting history going back to the original British fort in 1767!. Their was also a Barrancas National Cemetery, with so many graves stretching to infinity, it seemed impossible to put a number on them. Apparently the number is 36,000+. By comparison, Arlington is over 290,000!
We toured the Naval Air Museum and it is quite amazing. Though I'm not a military history buff, it was incredible to get some sense of the history. I cannot even begin to remember the names of the planes or their stories. Some of you will know them. It was very well worth the visit... and free! The Blue Angels are stationed here. Unfortunately, they were not 'in town' during our visit. They can be seen practicing on a regular basis when they're in town. A schedule is available.
We had a nice dinner out at the Fish House on the harbor for our anniversary. It was very good. I had Ginger Chicken.
We enjoyed this camp... the trails beach and the area. Even though there is a lot of jet traffic all along this stretch of the coast. Remember Miramar in 'Top Gun'?... right next door to Pensacola. Lots of Navy jets.
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