On the Florida Gulf coast are some great beaches, like Siesta Key. In fact, the welcome sign says it’s “The Number One Beach.” We saw the sunset from Nokomis Beach.
National Museum of the Pacific War
The Nimitz displays are interesting but the real worthy exhibits are in the 30,000-square foot George H. W. Bush Gallery. The history of World War II in the Pacific is traced chronologically. It actually has a brief prolog revealing the events that set the stage for the war. Events at the war’s end were surprising.
Fort McKavett
In my quest to visit the frontier forts of Texas, I visited Fort McKavett. The sprawling grounds encompass ruins and original buildings. Like all the forts visited, this one has no palisade (unlike Western movie forts). Other forts visited include Fort Davis, Fort Lancaster, and Fort Stockton. Many more to go.
USS Orleck Revisited
The retired USS Orleck is at sea!
Ok, it’s being towed by tug to its new home in Jacksonville, Florida. It will feature a unique look at the Navy during the Cold War and Vietnam. It’s journey was required when the Lake Charles museum non-profit owners lost their lease of the dock. Fortunately Jacksonville was looking for a ship to make into a museum in downtown.
Celery Hill
Sarasota, Florida has a man-made hill “towering” 75 feet above the former celery fields below. A short, moderate hike to the top provides a panoramic view and some birding opportunities.
Myakka Alligators
In Florida, every body of water larger than a puddle has at least one alligator in it. This is especially true of Myakka Lake. It also has plenty of birds and wild pigs.
Christmas Rum
In Florida we took a sightseeing trips to the Siesta Key Rum. The tour was perfect for engineer and non-engineer alike. The tour and tasting were free; escaping without a couple bottles of rum was not possible.
Interactive Aquarium
Doing an Internet search for the Houston Aquarium I accidentally discovered the Interactive Aquarium. I was really looking for the big aquarium in downtown Houston, but discovered this one just a couple miles from home. It really provides opportunities to interact with the animals.
New Zoo
Our new local zoo is the Houston Zoo. We got discounted tickets because we are seniors now and we got credit for our Phoenix Zoo membership. Tickets have to be purchase online and are good only for a specific half hour entry window.
Garden Visit
Our Phoenix visit included returning to the Desert Botanical Garden before our annual passes expire. We’ve been here a lot. Sometimes just to enjoy a walk, other times to immerse ourselves in the flora (and occasional fauna).