Fort Pickens Campground

This morning we could fairly leisurely get ourselves ready for church, Faith Assembly, which was right across the parking lot from our campsite at Geronimo RV Resort. We got all hooked up and moved over to park in a grassy field so we could vacate our campsite in time and walked into the service. The little boys both decided that they wanted to go to children's church. The music/worship at this church was so unexpected and fun. It was very lively and the musicians were all very talented. It sounded like New Orleans Jazz/blues/gospel all rolled into one. It didn't really feel like any worship service we've been in before. It really felt more like we were spectators at a concert with really amazing instrumental and vocal solos. It was a privilege to get to hear. It took a little effort to try to make it personal between me and God though. The pastor seemed a very sincere and loving man. I think I saw he and his wife have been pastoring there since the church opened its doors in 1980. He did a little dancing before the Lord that the whole congregation seemed to enjoy, kind of like a happy shuffle, bluesy jig. LOL His message was one of trusting God and loving people more than things.

We pulled out when service was over and drove through several small communities heading towards Pensacola and our campground at Fort Pickens. We saw some breathtakingly turquoise waters, teeming with dolphins while we were crossing a bridge. It was so exciting!

It was only about an hour and a half and we were at Fort Pickens. There is a $1 toll on the bridge that crosses the bay to get here so I think we should've probably stocked up on groceries, but we didn't, so I'm thinking we'll be heading back into town tomorrow. One of the concerns about this campground is the access road into it is right at sea level and so it can sometimes flood. We saw a ton of hotels and condos on the way in, so I'm sure we could find a back up accomodation in an emergency situation if it became necessary. All the park information says they can usually predict and give some advance warning if it's going to be an issue.

We used our National Park Pass to get access into the park for free. We drove down the extremely narrow and beautiful road to the campground registration building. Turns out we need to complete registration tomorrow because the ranger was just closing, but we already had our reservation so we could just go ahead and get into our campsite.

Doesn't it look like plowed snow?

There's water on both sides of the road.

We passed the store and laundry area on the way in and drove right around into our loop. The road is a little tight especially since some tow vehicles were sticking out a little into the roadway, but it was fine taking it slow. We also saw close restrooms/showers which is a big bonus since we will be without a sewer hookup all week. We got all set up and had a quick snacky lunch and headed for the beach here to check it out.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Drumming with bamboo sticks

Oh NO! We are starting to unintentionally dress alike. 

Trying to sneak up on me! LOL

Looking to the left of me - gorgeous deserted beach

Looking to the right of me - more gorgeous deserted beach

I was amazed at how empty the beaches were. It was a windy day and the high was only about 62 and by the time we were able to get to the beach, I'm guess it was only in the upper 50's, but it was so sunny and beautiful and the sand is so sugary...it is flabbergasting that there weren't more people. Makes me want to go back tomorrow.