ON THE BOARDER....Georgia and Florida Coast

We first saw Fort Clinch State Park at Fernandina, Florida last year for a day and decided we needed to return this year.  Most of our schedule was built around availability of a beach camp site here at the State Park.

We have been able to enjoy 4 days of visiting downtown Fernandina, touring the pre Civil War fort and soaking up the sun.
  Fort Clinch, like Fort Pulaski on Tybee Island, was built around the same time to protect the nation from coastal attacks after the War of 1812.  However, all these southern forts along the coast saw action in the Civil War and even up to WWII as observation locations.  Ft. Clinch is situated on the St. Mary's River and directly across you can see Georgia and Cumberland Island, famous for its wild horses.  Next year our plan is to go to Cumberland Island for the day.

Fort Clinch

                     Downtown Fernandina                                              

Cumberland Island and Coast                                                             Guard boats

Wild storm clouds heading out to sea from our camp site

We enjoy this area so much.  St. Marys, GA is right across the river (another beautiful small town) which houses a major US submarine station.  A park ranger told us last year that before a submarine comes into their home port, family members arrive at Fort Clinch to watch it enter.  Arrival times are never posted for security purposes but the families are notified.  Seeing a sub traveling up the river would be a great sight for sure.



                                                         ON TO ST. AUGUSTINE

We are camping at Anastasia State Park, 2 miles from downtown St. Augustine and easily accessible by bike.  The historic area is fun to tour with Fort Castillo de San Marcos being the main attraction.  This was a Spanish fort when construction started in 1672.  It then went to the British, back to Spain, and finally to the United States in 1821.  It is a National Park with dozens of well versed volunteers willing to share their knowledge.

Look out all invaders!

Fort Mantanzas protected St. Augustine from invasion from the south.  It too is a National Park, but very small.  Thirty men would rotate spending a month at a time just watching the river.  The Park Service ferries people on a large pontoon boat for their visit.

                                                                  Fort Mantanzas

  The beach and State Parks here are just wonderful.  I first questioned our decision to stay for 2 weeks, but it is so relaxing and enjoyable  There are a few visits to be made while we are here, but then we are north bound for a week in the mountains of North Carolina.

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Where the roads are straight and the adventures are above average.

We left Lafayette, LA with the Silver Egg in tow making our way back to the east coast and taking several days to do it.  There are several Plantations in the New Orleans area and we wanted to see at least one.  We choose OAK ALLEY which has such a memorable view which many will recognize. This, however, is not from Gone With the Wind.                                        

Live Oaks sheltering the walkway to the Plantation as seen from the Mississippi River.  These trees are several hundred
years old.

Oak Alley is on the banks of the River and this is the view you see today due to the necessary dikes to hold back the water.  A tug boat is passing by and these strangers were kind enough to pose for me.

After our afternoon visit, we were on the march again heading for Savannah, GA to move into our 5 day condo rental on Tybee Island.  Our location on the south end was perfect for walking since every piece of grass has a parking meter perched on it. We were able to walk to the Tybee lighthouse, Savannah River and the beach.  I was really surprised to see all the ocean traffic in and out of Savannah.  Several times a day we could view the ocean freighters.  The tide is very extreme at Tybee and these ships kick up such a wake that surfers like to catch their waves.  The average tide varies 7 feet but in this area, it is closer to 9 feet.

  And of course what area doesn't honor General Polaski, usually with  drinking celebrations.  But on Tybee, a pre Civil War fort was named in his honor, and a fine example of a fort it is.

Here you can see how close these ships are traveling up the Savannah River to unload.

Here is a rare picture of Denny just to prove that he is on this adventure with me.

ON TO SAVANNAH 

the "Disney World" of HISTORY 

and just as expensive

FORSYTH PARK 

Not only is this beautiful fountain located there, but we saw at lease 20 baby strollers lined up facing in one direction watching Mommy Boot Camp.

There are historic homes everywhere with many open to tour (for a price).

Cemeteries are historic places too which offer tours.  This is Bonaventure Cemetery with lovely plots and statues and famous people laying around.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A HISTORY MAJOR? (LIKE MINE)

One of many who portrayed people in the past at Bonaventure Cemetery.

There are many character actors who have majored in history like this man. He graduated from Georgia State and knows everything about this area and and thoroughly loves telling you about it.

I can't end without a few animal pictures, so....

Plantation cat attending an outdoor wedding at Oak Alley.

Dog friendly Savannah.

Chickens who live at an RV park, lay eggs and are supervised by a black cat with white paws named BOOTS.