St. Augustine, Florida

 

Monday, December 15:  Stage Coach RV Park, St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida has been one of our stops many times over the years.  Friends Mark and Charmaine retired and "abandoned" Northern NY.  Charmaine taught with me at Potsdam High School.  We usually stay at this park because it is small, quiet and quite easy to get to.  The main hassle coming from the north on I-95 is the traffic in and around Jacksonville.  But, every year traffic keeps getting heavier in this area, making the trip a little less fun.  In fact, just across the street from the campground developers are building a huge apartment complex, leveling what used to be forest.

We booked a 7 night stay here so we have time to visit with Mark and Charmaine, as well as some personal RR with the pups.  This warmer winter weather is really starting to grow on us.  

On Wednesday the 17th Mark and Charmaine picked us up and took us to a Farmers Market/Craft Show at the St. Augustine Beach.  What an assortment of products we got to see and shop from.

We even spent a little time on the beach.  Although it wasn't really beach weather, any time near the ocean is a treat for us landlubbers.  

The next day, Judy's sister and her friend Larry came up from Sebring, where they live, and we went out for dinner.  It was fun catching up with Dianne since we don't get to see her very often.

Friday was a "chore" day.  Along with dog walks and laundry, Judy cooked a vegetable we had never seen or heard of, Romanesco Cauliflower.  We discovered it at the Farmers Market on Wednesday.  After some Google research, Judy cooked it just like broccoli, and it turned out great!  We also put up Christmas decorations for the first time ever in a RV.

Saturday we went to the Farmers market at Anastasia State Park, and it was HUGE.  There were vendors for crafts and food, as well as live music.  One vendor was even selling pure maple syrup from Vermont.

We ended the day with a late lunch on the roof top deck at The Ice House.

Sadly, our week in St. Augustine is ending.  Monday the 22nd we move on to Coastline RV resort on the Florida panhandle for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

Stay tuned.

Savannah, Georgia

 Friday December12:  Red Gate Farms Campground, Savannah, Georgia

Formally the oldest Jersey dairy farm in Georgia, Red Gate Farms is now an equestrian and event center that includes a small RV Park.  Red Gate has a rich history which you can read more about HERE.  It is a quiet and very relaxing park yet close to Savannah's sights and shopping.  Savannah is the retirement home of very good friends Charlotte and Robert.  Char taught with me at Potsdam HS and we have maintained our connection even after they "abandoned" the north country for warmer climes.  When we travel south, we always try to catch up with them, and they are great hosts showing us around the vibrant and historic Savannah.

We crammed so many activities over the 3 days, where do I begin?   We went shopping at the Forsyth Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday all year round. We had never been before, and it was an amazing display of food and craft vendors.  

Robert took us to a local shrimper friend where we bought some fresh shrimp.

We picked fresh lemons from Robert and Char's back yard, and then had a late lunch at the fabulous  and historic Pirate’s House. The Pirate House Restaurant dates back to 1753.  Their WEBPAGE has a great history of the building.  

We spent another afternoon along River Street in Savannah's Historic District . 

We became friends with our next door campers, Bob and Karen who are from Gulfport, Mississippi.

And then we finished the weekend with a locally sourced grouper seafood dinner at the camper.   It was a wonderful weekend in Savannah spending time with Robert and Char.

And not to forget Maggie and Parker, they are LOVING their back porch and the warmer weather.

Next stop, St. Augustine, Florida for a week to catch up with more retired friends, Mark and Charmaine.