11-13-16 Snake Phobia Tested Today

2 Comments

There were quite a few Dolphins entertaining us. Well that’s what we thought, they were just having dinner.

11-13-16  Snake Phobia Tested Today

We are in Florida! Pensacola area. We only traveled a short distance to Fort McCree Anchorage.  We wanted some time to do exploring and it paid off.

img_1903

 

When we arrived, we were shocked at the 35 boats anchored here.

This is just some of the boats in the anchorage.
This is just some of the boats in the anchorage.

The spot was big and we found a place to anchor. By night, there were only nine of us left. With all those boats, it wasn’t crowded on shore.  There was a big group that helped keep the people in one place so we had the rest to ourselves.

We went ashore on nice white sand beach.  We could see the Gulf for the first time.

Our first glimpse of the Gulf in the distance.
Our first glimpse of the Gulf in the distance.

img_1919

We took the trails to see the Fort McCree ruins from WWII.

Brief history of Fort McCree.
Brief history of Fort McCree.

There is a bunker underground that we heard about from a guy at the Marina.  He said, “but watch out for the snakes.” I am snake phobic.  Just stepping foot on the ground, I was looking for them.  After some hiking we found the entrance to the underground (snake infested) bunker.  There was a Mom holding a baby and a “tweener” at the entrance. They didn’t have a flashlight and we heard the youngster say she wanted to go in, so we invited her to join us. Her Mom said “be careful of the snakes.”  That just about did me in, I wasn’t sure I could go in there. If I saw a snake, I would probably lose it.  But this young lady showed me up and walked in right after Scott.  With a queasiness in my stomach I BRAVELY stepped toward the door. Then took a deep breath, put on my big-girl-panties  and came through the door.  I couldn’t let the “youngin” show me up.  Once inside I was enthralled.  There were rooms, some quite large, there were long hallways and rusted-out doors.  I still was watching every step for the snakes, with visions of the scene from Indiana Jones where the cave was filled with snakes, went through my head. I am so glad I overcame my fears (unspoken peer pressure helped). It was one of the coolest experiences I have had. Oh and we never saw ANY snakes all day.  I wish I wasn’t snake phobic it ruins perfectly good experiences.

This is the first door we found, but it was welded shut,
This is the first door we found, but it was welded shut,
But never fear, we found the open door down a narrow path.
But never fear, we found the open door down a narrow path.
Scott and the Youngin who showed me up.
Scott and the Youngin who showed me up.
One of the dark hallways.
One of the dark hallways.
One of the rooms. It was hard to take pictures because it was so dark the camera wouldn't focus.
One of the rooms. It was hard to take pictures because it was so dark the camera wouldn’t focus.
Scott and I in the bunker. I could actually muster up a smile despite the potential of finding a snake.
Scott and I in the bunker. I could actually muster up a smile despite the potential of finding a snake.

 

We walked the beach and saw a lot of new birds.  I have my homework cut out for me to identify them all.  I will share what I have learned and let you figure the rest out for yourself.  But if you identify one, will you please let me know.

My favorite picture! These are Royal Tern
My favorite picture! These are Royal Terns

img_1953 img_1950 img_1939 img_1938

We talked to a “local” who was fishing on the shore form flounder.  We plugged him for info on how to catch them, only to find out later he was from Indiana.  Neither of us caught anything.

img_1981

We saw jelly fish, big purplish/pink ones and small white ones.  There was a warning on the beach about them, sharks and stingrays.  No swimming here for us.

 

The Dolphins put on a sunset show for us.  They were feeding and jumping out of the water. Unfortunately, they were a little far away, but I got a few not great pics.

There were quite a few Dolphins entertaining us. Well that's what we thought, they were just having dinner.

They were jumping right out of the water.
They were jumping right out of the water.
We weren't the only ones who enjoyed the show.
We weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the show.
My best Picture. Sure wish they were closer so I could get a clearer shot.
My best Picture. Sure wish they were closer so I could get a clearer shot.

Another favorite anchorage.  We are glad we are staying out of marinas. We are enjoying the nature!

Thanks for reading,

Karen and Scott

Unique Random Picture of the day:

There were these piles of sand that looked like it was squirted out of a tube. There is also a inverted cones that obviously has something living under it. The local Sea Tow driver didn't know what they were. He said the are not always there.
There were these piles of sand that looked like it was squirted out of a tube (one on the left) There is also a inverted cones that obviously has something living under it. (right)The local Sea Tow driver didn’t know what they were. He said the are not always there.

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “11-13-16 Snake Phobia Tested Today”

    1. Hi Thressa
      Glad you are enjoying the blog. There is so much to write about everyday. I bought a new camera in St. Louis because my phone just wasn’t going to cut it. Steve Lasher helped me pick it out. It’s not as good as his but I am really happy with the quality of the pictures I am taking. It is so much fun to capture the moments. We think of you often fellow Looper.

Comments are closed.