Chapter 54

Thursday, April 15, 2004

0930 EST

Pensacola, Florida

At breakfast, AJ was poring over the local paper to see what was happening, and looking for them to do that day. "Sarah, do you remember seeing a place called the Gulfarium?" asked AJ.

Putting jelly on her toast, Sarah replied, "No, I don't think I've seen a place with that name, why?" she asked taking a bite.

"It has local sea life and offers a live show. It might be an interesting way to kill the day," said AJ. "Plus, they sell junk food, which should just make your day perfect."

Cocking her head to one side, Mac fired back, "Don't you ever enjoy some delicious junk food like a hotdog smothered in everything? Or maybe funnel cakes covered with powdered sugar?" asked Sarah. With that thought running through her head, she went back to the breakfast bar for something sweet…she thought she remembered seeing donuts…

"Sarah, I do enjoy pizza and popcorn. Unlike you, I would look like a tub of lard if I ate the things you mentioned," smiled AJ. "How you do it, still amaze me-as well as our waiter, who just happens to be standing over by the bar with his mouth open."

"Then don't give him a big tip," remarked Sarah. "Would serve him right. Watch a lady while she eats."

Laughing, he said, "Yes, Sarah. No big tip for him today. Can't have him gaping at my lady as she eats."

"So, are we going to the Gulfarium today?" asked Sarah finishing her third donut.

"I think we shall, my love. Whenever you're ready," smiled AJ reaching over with his napkin and wiping away some powdered sugar.

"I'm ready, let's go," she smiled.

They drove to the Gulfarium, getting there about fifteen minutes before the first group was allowed inside. As they went in, the first thing they saw was a large gift shop. Almost all their merchandise was of sea creatures in various positions. There were colored buckets and shovels for children to play with in the sand. There were rubber alligators for the little ones along with beach balls of different sizes and funny shaped blocks to help make sand castles. Then Sarah found something indeed strange. "Look, AJ, do you think we'll see one of these in there?" she grinned. "If we do, can we take Bud back one?"

Turning to see what she had in her hand, he laughed at the little brown alien doll with oblong blue eyes. "If they had one, Sarah, I doubt they'd be willing to sell it. Good thing we brought the camera along, though. Bud's been searching for proof that they exist for years," said AJ, holding the camera up to take her picture with the doll, then glancing down to be sure they had plenty of film.

The gentleman in a safari outfit took their tickets and handed them a program with the time of each event. That allowed them to wander around and view the animals first seeing them in their natural habitat. Later, they could go back and ask questions to the guides with the ones they were interested in.

Through the gate and to the left were two large alligators and a small one. There was a sign next to them telling all about the temperature they needed and what they ate. Also, it asked visitors not to feed Fred and Wilma, but that you could watch their feeding at 1:00 PM.

"Fred and Wilma? I wonder if the baby's name is Pebbles?" giggled Sarah.

Taking a picture with Sarah next to them, he said, "Don't know, Darlin', maybe when we come back for their feeding the guide will tell us."

"It's hot in here, AJ," said Sarah, fanning herself with her small purse.

"It'll be cooler inside with the sea life. Now come on and quit dragging your feet, Marine," he teased.

Giving him a dirty look, she followed him inside and saw two tanks full of sea life. There were a couple of sea turtles in one.

Sarah grabbed AJ's arm. "Quick-can you take big boy's picture before he gets away?" she asked pointing to the huge turtle.

"If I don't make it this time around, then I'll get him on his next trip, so calm down, Sarah," he smiled, tenderly watching her enjoy the simple pleasure.

Once 'Super turtle', as Mac called him, had his picture taken, there was a stingray that drifted by. She chased him half way around the tank, before AJ stopped her and got the picture. She did well with the groupers and snappers and what she called 'the pretty colored fish'.

To be continued….