We Become Tourists - Day 4

It is so nice to not be on a schedule. We slept in today - until 7AM! What a life!

Bonnie and I walked on the mulch covered walking paths to the Pensacola Lighthouse. This base has miles of walking paths that are not on the roads so that runners/walkers and cars do not mix. Anyway, the Pensacola Lighthouse is an operational lighthouse. Construction of the edifice started in 1856 and was completed in 1858. The lamp was lit in 1859. The structure is 191 feet tall allowing the beam of light to be seen by sailors 27 miles to sea. It was the first lighthouse on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The lighthouse was not open for tours today. The camp host thinks tours start in March but even then there is no consistent schedule. It is a shame we couldn't tour the facility. There is a fee of $5 for adults, $3.50 for seniors (65+) and $3 for children under 12. There is an interesting rule for tours...No flip flops but you can go barefoot? Good luck on your tour...and don't look down.

Although this is a military base and access is limited, the non-military visitor has access through the main gate to the Ft. Barrancas National Cemetery, the National Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, Ft. Barrancas and its Redoubts and a limited number of very old buildings. If you are in the area a stop here would be worth it.

I asked about access to the runways to watch takeoffs and landings. The Blue Angel Squadron, when in town, practices on Tuesday and/or Wednesday. Turns out the best place to watch is the National Aviation Museum. The runways are directly behind the building and they have erected a 4,000 seat viewing area. Some here think it is better to bring your own lawn chairs though.

Bonnie and I plan to visit the Aviation Museum tomorrow so I should have more info then.

For you military camping aficionados here is the latest info on the Oak Grove Park and Jackson Court camping facilities. In Oak Grove there are 51 sites with full hookups. Sites 1-45 are considered "long stay" sites. You can stay here for up to 3 months. Sites 46-51 are "short stay" and the limit here is 2 weeks.

Depending on availability you could move from ST site to ST site and stay for up to 3 months. Oh yeah...the ST sites are the waterfront sites and have the best view of the Bay/Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico. There are also 8 tent sites with no hookups.

Jackson Court Overflow is just that, an overflow for Oak Grove Park. There are only 3 sites with full hookups and 20 "dry camping" sites. Dry camping means no electric, water or sewer. Again the maximum stay here is 3 months. In either case after staying for 3 months you are required to depart the camp for 2 weeks.
You can make reservations by calling 850-452-2535. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful. And, the rest rooms are immaculate!