Greetings faithful friends and followers,
Today, we departed Panama City, FL, early this morning planning on having some breakfast in about an hour. We followed the coastal route Hwy. 98/318 past some beautiful beach homes until it turned inland toward Tallahassee. We soon learned that apparently retired Florida residents who inhabit the nice vacation homes along the coast don't go out to breakfast on Saturday mornings. Everything was closed. Two and a half hours later we finally found an open Waffle House and had breakfast.
Upon entering Tallahhassee, we picked up our old friend and traveling companion, Interstate 10. Interstate 10 will take you great distances at very reasonable speeds, but will not allow you to see a darn thing en route except for the bordering trees, the highway and an occasional cellphone tower. We also had some encounters on the Florida freeway with some very rude, bordering on dangerous, automobile drivers. It would appear that they have some kind of whoever gets there first wins attitude.
Approaching Jacksonville, FL we followed the beltloop south avoiding the city and intersected Interstate 95 to St. Augustine, FL, our destination for the evening. St Augustine is reported to be the oldest city in the United States, not counting San Juan, PR. St. Augustine's Old Town a is quaint touristy village with horse-drawn carriages, numerous restaurants, drinking establishments and shops. It dates back to the 1740's when it was a Spanish outpost. The fort, Castillo de Marcos, is imposing with a moat and cannons overlooking the bay. It has been used by a variety of occupying nations over the years including Spain, England and the US.
We received a supper recommendation to eat at Harry's Seafood Grille and we were not disappointed. We highly recommend it. They mix some wicked drinks there too, if you are so inclined. The town seemed to have an inordinate number of young ladies wandering about the shopping areas and restaurants. When we inquired, we were told that Flagler College is located in St. Augustine and their student enrollment is 75 percent female. It's a target-rich environment for young men in the area. I'm only speculating and I offer my apologies to anyone who may find my speculation sexist, but Flagler College is associated with Flagler Hospital and I suspect they offer a well-attended nursing program. Just a guess.
After a late supper, we wandered among the many stores still open past 10:00 p.m. and finally rode back to our hotel and called it an evening. Tomorrow, we're headed north to see a retired friend in Hardeeville, SC.
So, that's all for now folks. Hope you enjoy the pictures. It's all right here in the diaries, mostly true, most of the time.
No comments:
Post a Comment