What a beautiful area!  Easy access to 7 plus miles of remote, white sand beaches located near Pensacola Beach.  This was my third visit to the area and I will return again.  Camping is available with electric / water hookups as well as showers / laundry facilities.

Along with the beach, the roads / trails offer cycling and hiking opportunities.  At the end of the island is Fort Pickens which was used / upgraded from before the Revolutionary War through WWII.  Free tours are available at the Fort Pickens Visitor Center and provide an in-depth history of the fort.

One of my brothers introduced me (on-line) to a previous co-worker (Charlene). She and her husband now live on Pensacola Beach.  They invited me to join them for the local Mardis Gras parade.  I rode my bike in and met them at the Paradise Bar for the parade and pre / post parade beverages.  A major storm was set to roll through the area, so I pedaled back to camp before things got too crazy (celebration or weather wise).  What a neat couple.  During my visit, they invited me to their house for drinks, we went out for dinner one night, and breakfast the morning of my departure.

Some pics from the Mardi Gras parade:

Charlene and I at the parade:

A couple of stories:

Charlene and her husband took me to one of their favorite local bars one night.  I had a draft beer and was talking to others.  My beer never seemed to empty.  I turned one time and “caught” the bartender refilling my glass.  We both smiled.  The next time I turned around there were two glasses of beer.  Fun night.

On my way back from the Mardi Gras parade, I had no where to store the beads from the parade.  So, I wore them during the ride back to camp.  There is a Ranger Station as you enter the National Park.  The ranger got a real kick out of my “look”.  Normally when entering the park, you need to show your pass and ID.  For the rest of my visit, the ranger would just smile and wave me through.  I stopped one time to say hi and said  “I guess you remember me riding through after the Mardi Gras parade”.  He said, “Oh, Yea”.

Some pics from Fort Pickens:

 

At one time, Geronimo was imprisoned at Fort Pickens, sad story.

Various cycling pics:

 

During each of my visits to Fort Pickens, it was recommended that I visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation located at the Pensacola Air Force Base.  The Base is also home to the Blue Angels.  I am told it is worth scheduling a visit during their training times.  A ranger at Fort Pickens noted that the fort is perfect for watching.

I recommend joining one of the free indoor tours.  The guides are former military pilots and very knowledgeable.  There is also a tour bus for the outdoor planes, also recommend.

Near the museum is the Pensacola lighthouse.  Pretty cool:

One final story:  There is a beach house within the National Park that is used for campground registration.  During various cycling ventures, I had noticed that a pair of Osprey had built a nest in the chimney of the building.  During one of my rides, I noticed that the female was at the nest, standing proud.

I was looking for the male and found him on a small pole away from the house.  He seemed to have his head down.

Now, I do not know much about bird psychology but it did seem like Mr. Bird was on the “dog-pole” for some reason.

 

Various Pics:

Off to Austin for South by Southwest!