By: Luke Baum
Above: The Blue Angels performing an aerial stunt above Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
Behold the blue skies of Pensacola: the home of the Blue Angels. Where else would the base of the US Navy's Elite Aviators be but the sunniest place in the country? Hayley's family moved to Pensacola in June 2023 mere days after we got off the PCT, so I was bound to run into this squad eventually.
Above: Accompanying stuntmen to the Blue Angels above Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt
The perfect time to visit Hayley was a couple weeks after their move during the 4th of July! I was so happy to see Hayley again. Even though it had only been two weeks, that was the longest we had spent apart in over two years at the time. I missed my best friend and wanted to live it up on Pensacola Beach together. A special attraction was the Blue Angels airshow on Independence Day!
Above: Turning onto Pensacola Beach Road from Gulf Breeze, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
We made sure to arrive at Pensacola Beach bright and early on the 4th of July. It was so busy, but luckily we got the perfect spots.
Above: Me enjoying a frozen drink at Crabs along Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
What proper beach is complete without a bar? The beaches that stretch along Pensacola have many found on the entire length of the narrow island. One of the more popular bars along Pensacola Beach is Crabs. Hayley and I indulged in several drinks there on the 4th.
Above: The Blue Angels preparing a stunt above Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt
The airshow lasted for over an hour. The pilots flew around all of Pensacola and gave everyone who could look up a view of their masterful flying skills. The crowd's cheers followed every roar of these jets' engines as they rocketed along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Above: The Blue Angels flying by Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
Hayley and I had a blast on the beach. We watched the planes fly by as we jumped in the waves for hours. We body surfed, searched for shells, suntanned, and walked for miles along the ocean shore. I suppose our hiker endurance was still alive and roaring.
Above: Sunset on Independence Day on Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
As the sun set on a blessed Independence Day with Hayley, the anticipation for the fireworks grew. God bless America.
Above: 4th of July fireworks from Pensacola Beach, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
Afterwards
Above: Retired Blue Angels jet hanging in the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. 2023 by Luke Baum
I couldn't get enough of the Blue Angels, so I had to check out the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Hayley took me there a couple days after the 4th, and my interest in aviation was officially piqued. Following this trip, I would eventually come back to the Naval Aviation Museum once again in 2024.
I am so thankful to the Babbitt family for their display of hospitality and welcoming to stay in their home. No matter where life has taken me, I feel blessed to be able to share these memories with you all.
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