Full Time Nomads in Florida: Pensacola (Part One)

Pensacola, Florida, holds a special place in our hearts as RV travelers. It's a destination that welcomes us back time and again, offering not only breathtaking landscapes and endless adventures but also meaningful connections and cherished memories.

Did you know Pensacola is actually the oldest European settlement in the United States, even older than St. Augustine? Its Spanish influence is everywhere, from the buildings to the culture.

While it might not be as well known as other Florida spots, Pensacola has become really popular recently, and we totally get why.

Annual Traditions at Blue Angel Park

Our yearly meet-ups with friends at Blue Angel Recreational Park have become a cherished tradition, enriching our experiences in Pensacola. The vast property provides the perfect backdrop for our kids to roam freely from dawn until dusk, creating lasting memories and fostering deep friendships that transcend miles and seasons.

Blue Angel Park holds a special place in our hearts for numerous reasons:

1. Versatile Hookup Options: Whether you prefer full hookups at Battleship Row or water and electric setups at Anchor Cove, Blue Angel Park caters to various camping preferences. We opted for Anchor Cove, which offered a comfortable stay at just $21 per night.

• A running joke here is that Battleship Row is the “Officer” side, whereas Anchor Cove is the “Enlisted” side. We like to joke that we fit in better on the enlisted side with the hillbillies and raccoons.

2. Scenic Camping Spots: With the option to camp right on the water's edge or nestled amidst the trees, the campground's layout provides picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.

• Although sites on the water are beautiful and sought after, they are more exposed to the wind and can get quite chilly, moving just one row back offers relief from both along with bigger sites- site 12 is our favorite.

Accommodating for Visitors: When our family came to visit, Blue Angel Park made it easy with available cabins, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. The cabins were clean and comfortable with a porch and fire pit included.

• The cabins are mobile homes tucked in between the beautiful oak trees, about .5 miles from the RV section. Visitors can spot plenty of deer from the front porch every morning and evening, which is a special treat.

Abundant Wildlife: Our daily encounters with deer, so many birds, dolphins, turtles, jumping fish, and stingrays added a touch of wonder to our stay, reminding us of the natural beauty that surrounds us.

We would either walk ( 5 miles) or paddleboard (2.5 miles) to the point, daily. It was an amazing opportunity to paddle alongside dolphins, we were so close we could touch them.

Convenient Amenities: From single-stall bathrooms and showers to multiple laundry facilities, the campground ensures that all our needs are met during our stay.

• The laundry was super cheap at $2 a full load. We learned to go around 7:00 at night so we could have the laundry room to ourselves and be done with a week’s worth by 9:00.

Endless Activities: With amenities like paintball, disc golf, walking and biking trails, boat ramps, parks with pavilions, and even a marina, there's no shortage of entertainment options. Plus, its proximity to Alabama adds to its allure.

• We felt like we were empty nesters here. We only saw our kids when they were hungry or ready for bed. It filled our hearts to watch their friendships form, and to see kids being kids. 

Nearby Activities in Alabama

1. Gulf State Park- Enjoy the many trails and beaches on foot or on your bike.

2. OWA- Ride the coasters or shop the shops

3. Lamberts Cafe- experience the "Home of the Throwed Rolls", my daughter’s favorite

4. Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market- the place to go for fresh meat, sourdough, treats, and produce

5.Foley Railroad Museum- A must for train enthusiasts

6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo- A fun outing with family and friends, we even saw a kangaroo

7. FLORA-BAMA- Enjoy music on the beach, they even have church on Sundays

Overall Experience

Our journey at Pensacola has been about more than just sightseeing and adventure—it's been about forming deep connections, nurturing friendships, and finding fulfillment in community.

Although living a nomadic lifestyle can create worries about a lack of community and friendship, my hope is not in a certain lifestyle, but in God. He created us to be relational, and He will meet all our needs including the needs of friendship and community. God is faithful, and He has proven it time and time again. 

I have learned that when we relinquish our will to His, take leaps of faith, and embrace His guidance over our own comforts, we find fulfillment as He consistently meets our needs.

God has used our time at Blue Angel Park to fill our hearts with joy, our souls with gratitude, and our camper with sand, making it a place we'll always hold dear.

Bible Verse

Romans 15:13 (NLT): "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Reflection

Quoting a pastoral friend's wisdom: 

"Remember that without Jesus, hope is just a feeling of expectation or a desire for something to happen. It’s like a wish or longing for a positive outcome.

 But with Jesus, hope goes beyond mere desire. It’s an expectation with certainty that God will fulfill His promises.

When you have biblical hope, you’re not just wishing; you’re confidently anticipating that God will do what He has said."

We should ask ourselves:

1. How does my understanding of hope shift when I consider the difference between secular hope and biblical hope?

2. Do I find myself leaning on my own understanding and abilities for hope, or do I surrender to God's sovereignty and trust in His promises?

3. In what areas of my life do I need to realign my hopes and expectations with God's Word and His promises?

4. How can I share the transformative power of biblical hope with others who may be searching for meaning and assurance in their own lives?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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