Savannah and Charleston (Along the Way--Ft. Pickens)

Spring 2013

Fort Pickens Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore
Santa Rosa Island, Florida
(Yes, this lovely, quiet place actually shares the island with Pensacola.)

Making our way along the Gulf coast, we at last got to see the place I had been reading and rereading about during the winter months: Gulf Islands National Seashore--Ft. Pickens FL. The description notes on the website tell of the isolation of this place and of the mercy a traveler may have to submit to if a storm washes over the only access road to this pristine area. Most uncharacteristically of me, I left all concerns aside. I rode out to the end of Santa Rosa Island and stood with Ft. Pickens at the end of the road, knowing mercy was surely on my side.

Entering the Gate.

The first walk across the dunes. 

One postcard picture after another.

Me and my dog. Max and I share the same hair color and style.

Magnificent Ospreys. There were numerous nests around our campground. I was very careful with Max, in case they wanted a change from eating fish day after day.

Home Sweet Home in the RV park.

Desert Blooms-I

Desert Blooms-II

Desert Blooms-III

Easy-to-walk trail through the windswept trees and brush.

I just can't help feeling these trees are second-lining, hands raised, singing Hallelujah.

Sunrise from our bedroom window.

Max just knows he could get me out of bed if only he could lick my foot. 

The three of us on the beach.

This view goes on for miles. Now you can see how the road
would get washed over by waves during a storm.

Now we are talking diamonds!

This bird should be in show business.
 He/she sat quietly for  20 minutes while Harvey took way too many photos of him/her.

This is the wall surrounding Fort Pickens at the end of Santa Rosa Island. It is about 8 feet high and four feet wide. We walked around the fort on top of the wall...there are strategically placed stairs on the inside.

And here is a picture of the fort.