Day 152: Walk on the Beach at Fort McRee

Day 152: December 17: We listened to the marine forecast again; Winds were starting to diminish but still not enough for us to want to get UW. Even though we will be traveling the Gulf Intracoastal, waves can kick up; we have seen white caps and about 4 footers already. While that doesn't seem too bad, I am reminded we are supposed to be "pleasure" boating and enjoying the ride, not racing to a destination. With that in mind we made the decision to remain in this well protected anchorage for today. Expectations are that the winds will subside greatly for tomorrow's travels. 

We rode the dinghy to shore to explore the ruins of what was once Fort McRee. Located on the eastern tip of Perdido Key, the fort was one of three major fortifications built by the U.S. to protect Pensacola Bay following the War of 1812. It was a three-tiered fort and a detached water battery close to sea level. The fort, combined with Fort Pickens located across Pensacola Bay on Santa Rosa Island and Fort Barrancas, located on the site of what is now the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola offered a defense of the area. It was once used by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War; it was eventually abandoned and has disappeared into the water over time. 

It was windy and chilly but nice to be off the boats and stretching our legs. Any beach walk is good for the mind, body and soul and it was fun to just explore the area as well as catch a glimpse of the Gulf in the distance. We spotted a couple of geological survey markers embedded into the concrete. Aside from the message about being fined if you destroy it, we couldn't find any other information on them. 


Buoys are important; No wake signs are important, Idle speed signs are important: but on a beach? 

We watched the shore birds flying around and feeding along the shore. There was also some beautiful marble that must have been brought in to be used as some sort of barrier. I would have loved to ship it home! And dredging operation was ever present.


It was a lovely day despite the weather. We will be moving on tomorrow. 












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