A Change of Scenery
We had a great tour of the USS Alabama in Mobile and I enjoyed my last muffaletta of the trip. From there we completed our relocation to Panama City, where the sun, sand and a beautiful condo were waiting for us!
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Southeast to Sunshine
Moving Day with a Great Stop
Although we had lots of fun in New Orleans, it was time to move on – to keep this vacation under the category of a “Road Trip”. We’ve been trying to secure a stay at any one of the three timeshares in Gulf Shores for years without success. With every attempt, Jim has had his eye on a day trip to visit the USS Alabama.
Two years ago we drove right by, but that was nearing the end of an eight-week trip and Jim decided we should skip it. At historic (especially military) places like this, he doesn’t want to be rushed. He reads as much as he can of the information that’s available – like most history buffs would – and this place had LOTS of information!
A stop worked out perfectly today. By adding an almost three-hour stop at the battleship to the almost three-hour drive, we arrived right at checkin time in Panama City, FL. Maybe on our next pass thru we can see some of the other things on our list for this area.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Over the years we’ve toured submarines, and we’ve seen huge displays of aircraft – like Hangar C at Cape Canaveral. Rather than spread himself thin, Jim wanted to concentrate on the ALABAMA. I can see another stop in our future for the USS DRUM, Aircraft Pavilion (pictured below with the flag), Tanks & Artillery, and MORE (yes, there’s more!).
Also pictured below: “The newest addition to our park is a statue called The Recruit. This bronze sculpture represents all those who have taken the oath of enlistment when joining military service. Dedicated on July 2, 2016, the unveiling began a new tradition at Battleship Memorial Park, which will carry forward every year – a community-wide Oath of Enlistment Ceremony.” ~ READ MORE
Very Impressive
A great 360° panoramic Virtual Tour gives a better idea of how big this thing is! Nicknamed the “Mighty A”, the USS ALABAMA earned nine Battlestars which were awarded to U.S. Navy ships that participated in battles. Both the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM were at the island of Majuro in the South Pacific in June 1944 being refitted for continued combat. This was the only time they were in close proximity during WWII.
The interior was very impressive, with a section for every need that could arise on the ship. I’m not sure I could be so disciplined and confined for such a long time. Now you know why Battleship Memorial Park was founded – as a memorial park that honors all veterans of all wars. And why the United States of America is “The Land of the Free Because of the Brave”.
“From its humble beginnings on February 1, 1940 as the keel was laid at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) has had a remarkable career. She began her World War II adventures in the North Atlantic in 1943, then later that year, went to the South Pacific seas. She ended up in Mobile, Alabama as a National Historic Landmark and memorial to millions.
Home to a crew of 2,500 courageous Americans, this 45,000 ton war machine’s WWII adventure culminated with BB-60 leading the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay on September 5, 1945. Nine Battle Stars for meritorious service were awarded the “Mighty A” during her brief three year tenure as the “Heroine of the Pacific”.
Most American warships end their useful life after wartime, but ALABAMA was destined to live another day. In May 1962, the Federal Government announced that BB-60 and others would be scrapped, but a forward-looking group of Mobilians and other Alabamians saw a bright future in the aging warship. They envisioned the ALABAMA as the anchor attraction of a Veterans Memorial Park to be located in Mobile. That impossible dream came true on January 9, 1965 when USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park opened to the public.” ~ READ MORE
Our Arrival at the Bayside
We stopped by Publix for a few staples and something easy for dinner so we could continue the unloading process and get settled in. We were thrilled with our two-bedroom, two-bath unit at Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Panama City, FL. Although the laundry was onsite (and not in-unit like most of our condos), it was complementary and very close by, with timers to eliminate any guesswork.
On previous trips, we’ve stayed in Panama City Beach and while our view of the ocean was fantastic, we tired of the less-than-stellar accommodations and the touristy feel of that area. After we unloaded the car and checked out this place, we gave it two thumbs up! When we were ready for a break, we enjoyed a beer on one (of two) patios that were accessible from the bedrooms. Cheers to this new experience in the panhandle!
The master bedroom had the more private patio, especially with no neighbors enjoying theirs. “The only Nicklaus Design golf course found in NW Florida” was just to the right of the units in the first picture below. I wondered if a rookie like me would have had anything to do with our patio door’s major crack, but Jim laughed that it would have been a helluva slice if that were the case!
There are some gorgeous, more aerial shots at the Bluegreen link above.
We’re Ready for another Warm-up!
Although New Orleans weather was an upgrade from Wisconsin’s, our weather app suggested another improvement was on the way. At home I don’t usually worry much about pedis until Memorial Day, but spring arrives a little earlier down south. My sandals were already out and with a spa located just across the parking lot, a pedicure was in order! With a name like the Serenity Spa, it was truly a lovely experience in beautiful surroundings. Write this down: Next time – a massage!
One day we took a walk on the boardwalk out to the Bay. Although it was quite a hike, there was plenty to look at with railings to pause and gaze out at the beauty. The water was so clear, we could see small fish swimming and several crabs scurrying around on this beautiful day. An osprey was perched high on a dead tree and wasn’t too worried about me taking his picture. The water was a bit chilly for our liking, so we stayed on the sand.
If either venue for a beverage or snack had been open, we would’ve stayed a little longer, but we decided to head on back for a round of mini golf and a beer on the other patio. Dat Cajun Place was fantastic for dinner, and is already on our list for next time!
Two Thumbs Up!
It looks like it’s going to be a fun four days! I can’t wait to do a little more sightseeing!
Next up: Historic Panama City
Happy trails,
Barb
