Pensacola 99 Fly-In

We are going to have to change the name to "Chow Hounds Delight". Jimmie and Sandy Baker have located some great places to eat and in deference to Jimmie they are all you can eat places.

We had five Grummans fly in:

Guy Warner & Jerry Door-Florida
Harley & Valerie Meiroff-Florida
John & Karen Creedon-Georgia
Michael & Sarah Sherer-Florida
Joe Reed-Georgia

Driving In:
Andy Thomas, Alexander, AL
Bengie & Sarah Phillips, Columbus, GA
Hal & Cindy Beauchesne, Enterprise, AL

Local:
Bob Barbanes Jim & Sandy Baker

The weather flying in was fine coming from the north. The Florida contingent came in IFR. I guess the weather in Florida reduced our attendance this year. Jimmie Baker was Johnny on the spot with his van and took us over to his home on the runway where Sandy had baked goodies for us. We sat under a large tree, snacked and talked airplanes. Jimmie took us on a tour of his hangar and one thing we all noticed was his Traveler resting on WALL TO WALL carpeting. (Wonder if the house was carpeted first)?
We then went to the hotel for check-in. We stayed at Cottage on the Green, a golf country club. The accommodations were great. Each large cottage contains four hotel rooms connected to a common living area. The living area contained a stove, fridge, microwave, and patio with BBQ and tables. It couldn't have been more perfect.
After everyone unpacked and relaxed we headed for "The Boarding House" restaurant for dinner. They seated us at two large round tables already loaded down with platters of chicken and every side dish you could name. I will have to say that we acquitted ourselves well in this "all you can eat" environment. Say what you will about Grumman drivers; they can put away the groceries.
After dinner it was back to the hotel to relax and babble some more about airplanes. Guy Warner and Mike Sherer planned to fly from Pensacola to the AYA convention in Minden so lots of discussion about routes, weather the like.
Saturday morning it rained on the way to breakfast but the rain did not last long. We had breakfast with the local EAA chapter that is held in a hangar next door to Jimmie Baker's hangar. Boy, what a spread. It was the best pancake breakfast ever. They had everything from fresh blueberry pancakes, sausage, ham, bacon, eggs, pork chops, hash browns and I don't know what all. Once again the Grumman bunch showed them how to put away the chow. From there we headed for the Naval Air Museum
We had a great day at the museum looking at airplanes, seeing the IMAX film about the Blue Angels, and having lunch at the museum's Cibi Bar. Then it was back to the hotel to loosen our belts and relax.
Prior to dinner we gathered in the living area and held our drawing fro door prizes. The most sought after item among the prizes was a custom made sign donated by Benjie Phillips of Speedmaster Signs. A picture of the sign can be seen below. Benjie also donated to large AYA decals that really looked sharp. Ttime for dinner.
We loaded up and headed for "Montana's". This is another great "all you can eat" place. They had ribs, beef, ham, boiled shrimp, and all the fixin's . Once again the Grumman bunch showed them how it was done.

Jmmie and Sandy were at the hotel bright and early to pick us up and take us to the airport. Everyone wanted to get an early start before the thunderboomers cranked up. This is the second fly-in to Pensacola hosted by Jimmie and Sandy and if possible it was even better than lat year. Thanks a lot you guys, we had a great time.

Some of the gang at "The Boarding House" for the Friday night feast.

Saturday morning at the EAA Chapter breakfast

At he Naval Air Museum Saturday morning.

Still more at the museum.

And more yet

The star in this picture is the Grumman Widgeon

The hit of the prizes was this sign donated by Bengie Phillips of Speedmaster Signs. I am working to make them available for purchase.