07AUG07

I'm not sure if I've actually explained why I'm in Pensacola but I'm here as the construction manager for a project for 18 months. The project is an expansion of the Barrancas National Cemetary at NAS Pensacola. So far, this has been interesting and exciting already and I count myself blessed to be a part of this undertaking. The national cemetary program was established in 1865 by President Lincoln in order "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." It's amazing to speak with folks here and as a result of the press this project has received, almost everyone I speak with knows about it and speaks highly of it's importance.

I wish I could tell you all there is to know about Barrancas but I'm still learning it. All the details can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/barrancas.asp.

So I figure that while I'm here in the flatlands I might as well make the most of it for my sporting life. There's a triathlon coming up on 06OCT that I'm going to race in. It's the Santa Rosa Tri and the distances are 500m ocean swim, 18 mile bike, 5K run. I'm not worried about the bike or run but I did a swim workout tonight and I'm really worried about that! I know I can get back into swim shape quickly but WOW it kicked my butt tonight!! I found an outdoor pool with lane swimming open each night and the water felt so nice. Hopefully if I do three (3) swim workouts a week I can be ready for the race. I'll keep ya posted on the progress and the race results, obviously.

I want to get some pictures of the area and the cemetary to you and hopefully you can understand the greatness of this project. Have a great week!