Saying Goodbye To The Pensacola Beach Observation Wheel

This was all that was left of the Pensacola Beach Observation Wheel a few days ago. It is being disassembled and moved to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. We never even got to ride in it. I guess many people didn't ride in it because lack of interest seems to be the reason it is moving. I also read that the owners were going to have to change out the lights because it was disrupting the nesting sea turtles. 

Guess they thought moving it would be wiser than changing out all the lights. I don't really understand why the sea turtles are attracted to the lights anyway. Seems like they would want more privacy as they lay their eggs. Or maybe it's the baby turtles who see the lights and want to go to the lights instead of the ocean because ferris wheels are just as much fun as swimming.

Does anybody really know?

I have to admit I have gotten use to seeing the wheel and I think it has been a great and unique attraction for Pensacola Beach. I sure hate to see it go!

What The F#@K! Or The Boy's Fav New Word...

Last week we headed south to Pensacola Beach to spend a few days since the condo wasn't rented.  The Boy doesn't have classes on Fridays, so I went over and picked him up from his apartment on Thursday and brought him back to Pensacola Beach.  I didn't realize how long it's been since The Boy's been to the beach.  The first thing he said as we we crossed the bridge coming onto the island is "What the F@#K!  There's a FERRIS wheel here now??  What the F#@K is that thing doing here??"

Yes, he's learned some new words in college.  Okay, he already knew that word, but it didn't come out of his mouth in every sentence pre-college.   Don't worry though.  I quickly pointed out that it was NOT a "ferris" wheel, but an "observation" wheel.

The difference?  I'm not so sure, except maybe it has something to do with the temperature controlled, enclosed compartments instead of dangling your feet in the open air several stories high.

No, we didn't take a ride on it, but we did eat huge burgers at McGuire's Irish Pub before we crossed the bridges and then whipped into Starbucks for a vanilla bean frappuccino (The Boy) and a caramel apple spice (Me).

It's all good!

Sunset over Mobile Bay