Fort-Weary McClearys [Pensacola]

More coastal forts. Fort Pickens, built by slaves and, briefly, prison-home to the Apache chief, Geronimo. Ft McRee, which we fortunately didn't have to see because it was swept into the ocean decades ago. Fort Barrancas, which seems to have been occupied and modified by everyone from the Spanish in 1800 through little kids in the 1950s. [We joke about the slew of forts but we were lucky to have a personal tour of Ft Barrancas by a very knowledgeable volunteer tour guide.]

Also got in a couple good bike rides, including one on the Blackwater Heritage State rail-trail. Sixteen miles through semi-rural Florida. And a shorter one on Perdido Key, summer nesting refuge to many sea turtles and winter home of some yellow rumped warblers.Read more