I had been looking at Pensacola Beach for some time because it was about equal and reasonably reachable driving distance from both New Orleans (Anne and Rusty) and Lanett, Alabama (Robert and Natalie and boys). The best place I could find was the Holiday inn Resort Pensacola Beach, that advertised a (heated) lazy river, two jacuzzis, and an indoor pool. I though that if the weather was cold we could still have some beach fun.

It turned out that I was right. Our rooms (after a room change) were up on the tenth floor and looked out over the resort's pool complex and into the Gulf of Mexico.

Yes, the weather was a bit windy and cool, but not always, and we made the best of it. Anne and I took a self-guided tour that included traveling across most of the island, plus we visited the MargaritaVille Hotel, the boardwalk area, and some potential eating places while Rusty finshed a school paper. While out we happened upon a dead beak whale being pulled off ther beach. Interesting. At night we played Oh Heck and Three-Handed Gin. I think Anne won the Oh Heck and I won the Gin; I was supposed to win everything. We also ate subs by the pool, floated in the lazy river, and soaked off our cares in the Jacuzzis. I was the only one crazy enough to get my feet wet in the Gulf.