Gulf Islands Seashore Boasts Many Attractions

Among attractions at Gulf Islands Seashore are a number of old historic forts that were once used for national defense. Follow J. Earl Bowden Way on Santa Rosa Island to travel the seashore. It has been reopened and the speed limit is now 35 mph.

Ft. Pickens is open for public visits daily. They ask that all visitors heed and obey all posted traffic regulations. There are numerous wildlife families there that include bird hatchings and also turtle hatchings at certain times. The oil clean-up crews go out almost daily.

Fort Barrancas, located at Pensacola Naval Air Station has Ranger guided tours daily at 2pm. Be sure to check this one out and get a few pics.

Some of the favorite activities at the Gulf Islands National Seashore are fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, birding, and camping. Walking along the beach is popular also.

Climate is usually sunny and warm with afternoon thunder storms present during summer months. Be sure to pack the rain gear along with rods and reels. Also pack some hiking boots to see the views.

I've inclded a few pictures from the Naval Live Oaks Park. The first is a view of the woods around the Welcome Center.

This next picture is the entrance to the Brackenridge Nature Trail. The trail consists of a "figure 8" path with an observation deck at the far end. Fallen trees are the result of Hurricane Ivan. Exhibits on the trail identify plants and describe how live oaks were used in shipbuilding. This trail is 0.8 mile.

The final picture is a display inside the Welcome Center. These are some of the saws used to cut the oak timbers to make the woodwn ships. The Welcome Center has many such displays for viewing.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore has been affected by the oil spill crisis. There have been crews of clean-up workers there daily to remove the damage. However, you shouldn't cancel your plans to visit as the seashore is in very good shape.

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