Pensacola 2014: Angels in the Sky

Most of our vacation was spent playing. Playing in the sand, playing in the water, playing on the outside decks, playing inside. Lots and lots of playing. Oh, and eating lots of snacks.

However, all playing came to a screeching halt early Wednesday morning when something very loud streaked through the sky overhead. Actually, what really happened was that Riley didn’t even blink, Kate freaked out and jumped into her mother’s lap, and all of the adults looked up to see what was going on.

This is what we saw.

The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Blue Angels, are based in Pensacola, and they performed in a huge air show the day we departed. (Y’all should have seen the traffic attempting to get into the city when we left that morning. Unreal.) Because of budget cuts, the Angels’ season was cancelled for a year, so this was their first big performance since 2012. Naturally, the crowds came out in full force.

And because we were there the week before the show, we got to see them practice. Three days in a row.

 

 

They flew early on Wednesday, so the kids got to see them. Riley was not nearly as taken with them as I thought he’d be. It was kind of a disappointing reaction, actually. And Kate was just plain scared. They were really loud, especially considering they flew directly over our house.

Their flight paths made for incredible pictures, but I was worried about the noise. They didn’t come out until mid-afternoon on Thursday and Friday, right during the kids’ naps. However, all three of them slept through every second of the Angels’ practice. Both days. Unbelievable.

We also saw a number of civilian planes practicing for the air show as well, flying in formation and drawing smoke pictures in the sky.

By Friday, there were loads more people in Pensacola Beach than there were when we arrived the Saturday before. It was very evident looking across the sound towards the bridge. So. Many. Boats.

All in all, we got to see the Angels run through their routine twice, and they were nothing short of impressive. We mostly saw 2 or 4 planes flying together, but we did see 5 and 6 for a bit one day. It is absolutely amazing how well those guys can handle those planes.

I loved that we were treated to this kind of lagniappe on our trip this year. And I love even more that we didn’t choose the next week to begin our vacation.

Sitting in that traffic would have SUCKED. It was reported that tens of thousands of people came out to see the show. Wow.

Last beach vacation post is up next. Are you tired of it all yet?