Day 229: - In Pensacola, FL
Day 229: Sunday, December 11th: This morning the crews of all but one boat split two cabs and went to the National Museum of Naval Aviation on the grounds of the Pensacola Naval Air Station. This is an extremely excellent museum. It is free admission and open seven days. We took the free guided tour with "Ron" as our starting guide. Ron is a retired Naval Aviator, and full of personality. Here he is waxing forth for us in front of one of the earlier planes on display:
The museum sports a Sopwith Camel - the very one that shot down the Red Baron - piloted by the flying ace, Snoopy!
This three-engine floatplane was the first airplane to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, this very airplane.
Of a more current theme, there is a static display of the Navy's Blue Angels.
There is a Ford Tri-motor plane on display. This airplane was the first reliable "airliner."
Part way through the tour, this fellow took over. He is a retired jet fighter pilot and also just completed cruising The Great Loop!
All in all, there were dozens of airplanes and other items on display. From the restored antiques…:
There were other displays also. This one honored Bob Hope for his 60-plus years of service to servicemen:
And an adventure like this deserves a group photo. We won't bore you with all the names:
Position tonight: N30 24.177 W087 12.822
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