Fort Pierce, Florida

Our morning coffee - watching the sun rise (kind of). There were lots of dark clouds and we could see the rain in the distance. Already temps were in the low 80s but with the very strong ocean breeze - very nice!

Despite the imminent threat of rain there were dedicated fishermen and dog walkers on the pier and through the jetty park. We managed a mile before the deluge began and we returned dripping wet to the room.

Our destination today - The National Navy UDT-Seal Museum. Even though the reviews were all positive, I was unsure if I would enjoy military history. As soon as I saw Frogman - I was hooked! (I think this is the guy the kids and I saw years ago in the west coast swamps of Florida!)

The museum was well staffed with knowledgeable, friendly people. The layout from present day to the 1940s was well designed and with REAL artifacts and memorabilia fascinating. (The REAL part was stressed by the docents and they are proud of it!)

Navy Seals in the land, air and sea all described in detail

with varying equipment for each role and differing by each war/confrontation.

So many weapons displayed through the years and all REAL.

And the vehicles were plentiful and Paul was even able to crawl into the infamous helicopter from Black Hawk Down and the same one responsible for saving hostages in Somalia.

The actual lifeboat from the Somali hostage situation with Captain Phillips.

A piece of the Berlin Wall.

REAL shrimp cocktail from Apollo 13.

(I would not have eaten it either!)

Outdoor memorials were also plentiful.

The outdoor grounds had memorials to each and every Seal along with boats, demolition capsules and beach barricades from WW2. We managed to see some of the outside exhibits before succumbing to the now intense heat and high humidity.

After a picnic lunch in the air conditioned car where we also rehydrated, we headed to Pepper Park.

Very pretty, few people and really soft sand. But with high tide in progress we were forced to walk on angled deep sand. After 1/4 mile we were sweaty and without bathing suits we decided to head back. We were ready for some quiet time!