Wednesday, December 9, 2015

We visited a few more batteries on the island today, around Fort Pickens (Gulf Coast National Seashore, FL). Sure, we could have seen them all in one day, but then what fun would that have been? Each gun battery has a name except for Battery 234. Looking at the map, I suspect it was named for its heading which looks to be about south-west. It included two 5 inch guns above ground that were probably standard issue guns found on navy destroyers.

Battery Cooper, a few hundred yards away, facing roughly the same direction had much more impressive "disappearing" guns.  I believe they fired ten-inch shells.  I would have liked to tour the bunkers, but everything was locked.

On the other side of the island, looking on the inland waterway was Battery Worth. All of its guns had been removed, but we could climb the tower for a really nice view.

The iron rings below had developed a very interesting patina. Note how the rings had worn away the concrete wall behind them.  Every now and then I have to post a few abstract artsy shots.