Friday, November 06, 2015

Blue Angels homecoming air show

Paula and both awoke at 0100 for some reason. We lay there chatting hoping to drift back to sleep. No such luck. So, at 0300, we decided we may as well get up and get something accomplished. I had some work to do in the engine room; Paula was still trying to get all of the stuff we brought aboard stashed somewhere.

One of the things we chatted about was whether to stay here for another day, or move on to Pensacola to watch the Blue Angels homecoming air show. This is a whopper of an air show, and is the last one of the Blue Angels season. We had talked for years about bringing the boat over for this event, but it never happened. So here was our chance, as it was on our way, and only a couple of hours away.

One of the issues of attending the show in a boat is that LOTS of people like to do this. The best spots are taken early, and the anchorages can get crowded. We figured since we were up so early why not leave at daybreak and get there before everyone else. Good plan, right?

We were ready to go by sunrise. However, within just a matter of minutes, thick fog rolled in. We debated on waiting for the fog to lift, then decided to proceed. There would little boat traffic this morning, and we did have radar. So anchor up by 0600 and underway. The fog turned out to be a non-issue. As soon as pulled out of Ingram Bayou there was no fog, just a bright, sunny morning.

We had an easy two hour ride to Big Lagoon. I fixed breakfast while Paula handled the piloting duties. Upon arrival at our anchorage site we did find a few boats already there. But our most favorite spot was still available. We got the anchor down and settled in for a fun day of watching the show. The weather was near perfect, with clear skies over the coast. There were clouds over the field, though, so sometimes we would lose sight of the planes that only flew directly over the runway. By the time the Blue Angels flew that afternoon, the weather was picture perfect. In addition. their flight path took them directly over the boat many times. It was an ear-splitting blast!!

One of the unique features of this air show is the inclusion of night flying displays and a big fireworks display to end the show. I had never seen, or even heard of, a night air show. I was really looking forward to it, but did not know what to expect. It turned out to be a real treat. Even Paula was ooh-ing and ahh-ing.  Several planes did aerobatics while spewing sparklers and ejecting fireworks. It was amazing. Unfortunately, I was so focused on watching them I completely forgot about shooting video. I did get video of the fireworks finale, though. I will upload the videos when I get a better internet connection.

All in all, today was the best day of our trip so far. The air show continues tomorrow, but we are ready to move on to our next anchorage. The weather is supposed to get nasty tomorrow night and I want to be someplace secure for the expected high winds. We'll head out first thing in the morning.

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