If you can read the sign it says there are luxury apartments for rent here, newly done and commercial space as well. Lots more of this sort of view in New Orleans than our visit some years ago.
Pretty in Pink /
This is the Malus-Beauregard House on the battle site, Chalmette, of the final battle of the War of 1812 that occurred in 1815. The Americans had an overwhelming victory here against the British. The treaty for the war's end had been negotiated but not signed when the battle occurred so it was not technically after the wars end. The large field is boarded by a National Cemetery and then industrial plants.
Round & Round /
On the way to the top of the lighthouse; only 177 steps to the top light deck. These stairs were really narrow at this point, with the end toward the center being only a few inches wide. The light keeper had to make this trip four times a day often with a load of supplies. Of course he did not need a gym membership, so there is that perk! His wife was required to do so if he were ill.
Stand Up Straight! /
The Pensacola Lighthouse was completed in 1858 and the first light was lit on New Year's Day of 1859. It stands 159 feet high and provides a great view of both the Pensacola NAS and the Gulf and bay. It is still in use.
One More Street Band /
This one was not as accomplished as the last one I posted but they tried to make up for that with enthusiasm. Did not really succeed for me to listen too long. But still fun.
Glow /
This pond is right beside the first bridge about 100 yards from the beginning for the Florida Trail. It was shot late afternoon.
Sentinel of a Different Kind /
Also along the bay side of the Gulf Island National Seashore is the start of the Florida Trail, a trail that ends in the Everglades and covers over 1300 miles. At this end is a heron rookery where I found this stately example of a Great Blue Heron high in a pine tree.
"From there it hunts its prey, keeping watch with piercing eyes." Job 39:29 NLT
Jackson Square NO /
This is the heart of the French Quarter and the epicenter of New Orleans. This is taken from a levee. You can see church and state here, centers of power in the age. The square is full of artists, homeless, tourists and lots of people living to a different drumbeat who are not in the mainstream of society.
Coastal Defense /
Staying with our WWII theme from the last two days, this is a portion of the coastal defense along the Gulf. We are at the Gulf Island National Seashore where toward the Fort Pickens end where there are several of these defensive emplacements. Some are larger than this one but it is so cool to actually see a gun still in place. The bunker is under a dune. It appears that there were two guns, both still here and three anti-aircraft guns (not here) to protect them. I saw four separate batteries and I am sure there were many more. The Gulf was awash with German U-Boats.
These are what they flew /
The P-17 (two wings) was an advanced trainer. It was forgiving, to a point, allowing for more combat moves. The yellow Curtis below was a first plane for most pilots regardless of their service. This is the same type of plane George Bush learned it. We were able to see his at the Naval Air Museum in Florida.
Training WWII Style (2 photos) /
We visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, Alabama. If you are tracking that is #192 out of 417 sites. The buildings are pretty original and have not been added to, the area looks pretty much as it did the 1942. There were no barracks on site, the airmen bunked at Tuskegee College. The site was isolated for both good and bad reasons, privacy was good, segregation was not. These men not only had to learn to fly, learn combat techniques but also overcome the beliefs that they were not capable of doing either well. Their war record disproved both aspects. The one hanger is kept open and like it appeared, the other is a nice museum. Inspirational site, go see it, read a book, see the movie.
Cultural Reflection /
Coke's new digs at Disney Springs.
Rivers of Light /
Another Disney show, this one at Animal Kingdom. Lots of colors and drums and the sounds of animals. There were four of these floating lotus flowers that opened and changed colors while shooting water high into the night sky.
Spires /
The remarkable formations at Bryce Canyon National Park.
"When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies." Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
Purple Disney Night /
Fireworks seem to be a trademark at Disney now. These we watched were at the Magic Kingdom. We were on the sand at the beach in the Fort Wilderness Campground. They even broadcast the music at the beach. Nice touch.
High Atop Sand Dunes /
Great view of the pastoral country along Michigan's western shore. This is from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Monument. Many of these dunes are tree covered like this one and those on the left of the photo.
Saltwater Pond Sunrise /
Morning sun over a saltwater pond at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.
Its a Stretch but... /
Sometimes in traveling you have limited time to post (find a good signal, etc) and limited options from the photos because Minion #31 (Recall his recent demotion see last Wednesday) forgot to bring the photo hard drive. He is now Ex-minion. Job opening will be posted soon.
So, the stretch, this is Valentines Day and my post is the uncommon Reddish Egret seen at Canaveral National Seashore in Florida. Note the color corresponds to the traditional colors of the celebration. Also note that my wife who does not mind seeing birds - as long as they are not too close - spent a day with me watching and photographing birds at CNS. Love is patient says Paul.
Remember the old "Love is ..." series. And love is being with the one you want to spend time with - even if it is watching birds --- or shopping for shoes.
Happy Valentines Day.
Training (three photos) /
From the top of the old (1859) lighthouse (coming later this week) we were able to watch the pilots in jet aircraft training at Pensacola Navel Air Station. The more traditional looking jet in the first photo was doing touch and goes, the other plane is an initial training jet. At least that is what the volunteer at the top of the lighthouse said! I was impressed with both and with the men and women who fly them, kudos.
Welcome to Monday /
Sunrise at Gulf Islands National Seashore. The gulf was teeming with birds just as the sun rose. Nice morning.
