BLUE SKY AHEAD: March 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

Apalachicola Historic Homes

Apalachicola has over 900 historic homes and buildings listed in its extensive National Register District and it was selected as one of the nation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2008 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This unique city is noted for having some of the finest oysters, its bay oysters having a pure, mild, briny flavor that has been recognized by top chefs throughout the country. Apalachicola harvests over 90% of the oysters sold in Florida and 10% of the nationwide supply.

The Flavors of Apalachicola Florida

Traveling westward on Rt. 98 from Carrabelle Florida, you cross the causeway, and you are in Apalachicola.

Established in 1831, it was once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico.

Apalachicola’s vibrant history and rich maritime culture can still be seen on its working waterfront. Buildings that once served as19th century ship’s chandleries, old net factories and a sponge warehouse now house a mix of eclectic and trendy shops, restaurants, galleries and meticulously restored hotels and B & B’s.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Camp Gordon Johnston Days Are Here!

Camp Gordon Johnston opened in 1942 for the sole purpose of training amphibious soldiers and their support groups, this camp trained a quarter of a million men, closing in June of 1946.

Held the 2nd weekend in March every year, the festivities begins Thursday, March 8th, 2013 with an open house as veterans check in to their accommodations.

On Friday, the 9th, veterans and their families register at the Camp gordon Johnston Museum at the Carrabelle City Complex. Friday evening American Legion Post 82, Camp Gordon Johnston host a free southern seafood buffet. At that time active duty troops are welcomed. They and WWII veterans are served first.

Saturday the 10th, breakfast at the Masonic Lodge in Carrabelle. Later a parade is held on Hwy 98 featuring vintage WWII vehicles and tanks as well as modern military vehicles. There will be marching bands, civic groups, and a possible re-enactment of the Normandy beach landing at old Carrabelle Beach, 1/8 mile west of Carrabelle on Hwy 98.
Saturday evening features a dinner and dance at the Municipal Complex auditorium. Prizes and awards are given. The public is cordially welcome at all events during Camp Gordon Johnston Days.

The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum is located at
1001 Gray Ave., Carrabelle, Fl 32322
(850) 697 8575
http://www.campgordonjohnston.com/museum.htm

Nationally honored by the Smithsonian Magazine for three straight years. Our new facilities, located within the Carrabelle City Complex, house over 5,000 square feet of artifacts, vehicles, photos, memorabilia and memories of the soldiers, sailors and other military as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked here during the WWII years. Three Infantry division and two Special Brigades left here after training to confront tyranny both in Europe and the Pacific. Learn about their dedication, fears and heroism at our museum.

We attended and participated in the Parade today, in the float for Carrabelle Beach RV Resort.
Here are some pictures of one of the floats in the parade. I sat in the back of this and threw beads out to the crowd:

Also, I want to add this from the Camp Gordon Johnston Association web page:

Camp Gordon Johnston Museum

to provide space for Tallahassee Vet Center

On Wednesday, April 18^th, the Tallahassee Vet Center will be at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum located in the Carrabelle Municipal Complex to provide veterans the following services: