One last visit to Pensacola Beach before the oil spill arrives

[Barrett808]

Several people visited Pensacola Beach this morning to get one last look before it could fall victim to the massive oil spill looming off the Gulf Coast.

At approximately 10 a.m. there were no signs of tar balls in the sand and no oily sheen on the surface of the Gulf, but as the wind picked up there was a smell of oil in the air.

“I think what we’re getting today is people who want to get here one more time before the oil comes,” said Tim Ristow, kitchen manager for the restaurant on the beach fishing pier.

The most notable difference in the beach today is the odd lack of fish around the pier.

One last visit to Pensacola Beach before the oil spill arrives

[mike_c]

1. oh bloody hell-- I used to live in Pensacola....

:cry:

[SpiralHawk]

2. Many is the time I body surfed in the sea by the gleaming white sands

Pre-BP glee.

[jdlh8894]

5. That's about all you can do is bodysurf

Waves ain't big enough for a board!LOL

[liberal N proud]

3. Pensacola and the barrier islands were the most beautiful beaches

They were pristine, white sand with those emerald waters.

:cry:

[Frances]

4. I am fortunate to remember

Pensacola beaches back when the only dwellings, square concrete block cottages painted flamenco pink or turquoise, were set way back from the water. The grains of sand were as fine as grains of sugar and just as white.

[liberal N proud]

6. Before all the mega hotels

Yes.

[jdlh8894]

7. "emerald waters"?

Please don't make me buy a new keyboard!Do you have any idea how much jet fuel is dumped within 10 miles of Pensacola? Good Lord,those are some of the worst waters in the entire world!

[liberal N proud]

9. Don't they call from there to Panama the Emerald Coast?

Isn't it because of the water?

[underseasurveyor]

8. It's like waiting for death

Not to sound overly dramatic but it's like visiting a loved one for the last time and saying goodbye before they pass into another realm.

Sad:cry:

Edit: Spelling, the 'F' key on this old keyboard doesn't always work

[Barrett808]

10. "The odd lack of fish around the pier"

I don't know what about this situation is "odd" -- of course the fish are gone, either fled or dead.

[cbdo2007]

11. Very sad. My favorite was the beach near Navarre.

I've never seen such clear, beautiful water anywhere in the continental US that I've visited. It was almost like a dream.