FTJ, Entry 56: History, by Accident

So who knew? We saw a sign here at Carrabelle Beach that explained this location was a training ground for amphibious landings during World War II. Beau was of course fascinated, as was I.

Apparently Carrabelle and Dog Island (off the coast here) -- while they were a part of Camp Gordon Johnston -- were used by the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division to train for the Normandy Invasion on D-Day (June 6, 1944). The amphibious training on Carrabelle and Dog Island was the last stop before shipping out to England for the invasion.

What's more, Carrabelle has a World War II Museum, a wonderful small exhibit of all kinds of 1940s memorabilia related to the war years and what happened not just in Carrabelle, but also throughout Florida -- which was a very important strategic location during WWII.

So how cool is this? Beau on a "duck," an amphibious vehicle that brought in
supplies and troops and took out wounded during landings.

We were very lucky that two terrific volunteers were at the museum. 

Linda, below, is extremely knowledgeable about the war years and what happened at Carrabelle during that time.

Linda had so many wonderful stories of the training at Carrabelle -- the museum is lucky to have her. Thank you, Linda!  We so appreciate your taking the time to talk with us and show us the museum's vehicles as well.

 

Mary, another volunteer, served as a Navy nurse during WWII. She was stationed at San Diego, where she cared for soldiers returning from the Pacific theater. Thank you for your service, Mary!

Both women were extremely gracious and kind to us during our visit. Again, we marvel at all the interesting and hospitable people we are meeting on this trip.

The Gorrie Truth

More history: Do you know who obtained the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration? Aha! We shall tell you.  Dr. John Gorrie, who lived in Apalachicola. Check out this sign that explains his significant place in history.

An important inventor motivated by the scourge of yellow fever back in the day!
Now when you get ice from your freezer, say "Thank you, John Gorrie!"

There are streets named for him on St. George Island, and there is a statue honoring him in Apalachicola.

See, this trip is fun AND educational!

We will close out this entry with some pretty photos. Sunrises, weird beach sand patterns, pelicans...and check out the fog. We had an entire day of a cool, wet fog here at Carrabelle. Weird and eerie.

Love how these birds are in formation.

This fog was like pea soup and lasted all day long.

 

Tanks, Panky