Pensacola

It is now Fri. the 16th.  Don got up early as he does every morning and went for a walk, but like the great guy he is, he put on a pot of coffee for me.  I have been getting up by 7:00ish which is early for me.  I would just like to sleep in till 8:00ish but can't.  Linda had emailed me with the great Tap restaurant she had recommended the nite before.  She was able to get us reservations but the only time in the whole nite that was open was 6:00PM.  Wow a little early for us by it's okay were are retired and time is irrelevant.  Since there was no courtesy car we took an expensive  cab to the National Naval Aviation Museum.  And it was worth every  penny.  The museum is free to the public, but you do need to take passports with you because you are going on an active naval base. The museum is massive with multiple areas to see.  We have been to see other in the past but none like this.  We could not believe how many plane and helicopters there were.  The museum is almost all volunteer's.  And the extensive restoration of the planes is unbelievable.  They took us by one outside to show us what they look like when they get them and then the restored plane.  Just amazing and the generosity of all the companies that supply products and parts to the restoration of these lanes.  There were just so many things to see and it was so well put together I rated it a 11 out of 10...  We both are feeling effects of a bad colds so we were glad to be back on the boat.  The weather had turned very cold and since we both were in shorts a nice warm boat felt good.  Back at the boat we had enough time for a glass of wine before we met Larry and Linda for dinner.  They have been here many times and recommended the Global Grill Tapas Bar and Restaurant.  It had a very trendy interior and a small jazz duo playing music and it was packed.  The menu had so many items to choose from and about 8 specials.  Between the wine and the superb food ( all very reasonable ) and our new friends it was an evening to remember. Pensacola had a downtown merchant arts and wine festival, sort of like "the first Friday's" that are in many cities.  Our waiter asked if we want to take a drink with us as we walked down the streets.  It was like walking down a street in New Orleans.  Music and wine and lots and loots of people.  As we walked down little side streets there were countless vendors selling everything, and always lots of wine at every store or booth.  We headed back the boat around 10:30ish.  It had been a great day, especially when you meet new friends...

Don & Freya ~ Linda & Larry

When we got back to the boat I took a picture of the new stadium all lit up at nite.  Quite nice and very impressive....