Our Last Days in Florida

Howdy!

Getting ready for my bike ride with dad! We crossed over to the gulf side of Florida to spend two days in Crystal River.  We had a nice spot right near  an inlet. We really liked the gulf side, far less hectic!

Dad is worried that our motorhome is growing longer, 

but I assured  him that it was just the picture..

I was out for a walk one morning and looked up to see a huge osprey

and then he looked down and saw me!

I think he might have been big enough to carry me away, so I didn't waste anytime getting out of there. Mom was good about applying lots of bug spray while we were there.

Too bad dad did't as the notorious "no see ums" almost ate him alive. He had a severe allergic reaction to the bites about a week later, that fortunately responded to a regime of steroids.

Our next stop was Jacksonville, Florida. We stayed at the Cumins facility, while our motorhome was being serviced by them.

One day we visited  St. Augustine. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers it is our nation's oldest city. There are many historic sites and lots of charming old buildings.

including the oldest schoolhouse in the USA.

Here are the original walls of the city.

The highlight was our visit to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. 

It was the focal point of the city, built by the Spaniards in 1695. The fort was used as a prison in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

While we were there we saw a special demonstration by the park rangers and volunteers  in period dress 

They gave a demonstration of shooting their muskets

Ready....

Aim....

Fire!











Then they fired the cannon

Even they had to hold their ears when that went off.

While we were in Jacksonville we were able to visit mom's Aunt Marie and John who winter each year in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.  They had a beautiful condo right on the beach. It was so good to see them!

That's all for now!
Adios.
Yuki