Shared Illusions

That’s Jacksonville, FL. We arrived late yesterday afternoon to cooler than expected temps. 70 degrees here and 70 degrees in Albuquerque are quite different – especially in the shade. That is to say, cooler, and still very comfortable.

Our cuarto for 3 nights is compact and comfortable. The yard is private and perfect with tiki torches for nighttime ambiance. We sat outside around the gas fire pit with our host, David tonight drinking wine and swapping stories. He’s a gem. This morning we had breakfast outside in the sun.

Last night, after the requisite grocery run we had dinner at Carmine’s Pie House, recommended by friends who had lived in the area. Wonderfully quirky local pizza joint with craft tap beers. The decor included a mounted cow head. We shared a Chicago style deep dish – the Isabella Rossellini. Creamy red sauce, bacon, tomato, onion. Oh so tasty. Good enough to have the leftover for breakfast!

We noticed driving in the neighborhood has quite an eclectic variety of homes and so went for a walk, the better to view them. And to peer within for many don’t have window coverings. My favorite! The St. John river is nearby and we found ourselves by it. Million dollar homes on the waterfront are separated by pocket parks allowing access to us lowlifes.

Spanish Moss

Here is a link to 10 facts you want to know about it: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/67807/10-things-you-should-know-about-spanish-moss

Today we went to Fort Clinch which was built for the Civil War. There was a small museum with artifacts from the era and a most informative and at times amusing video about life in the fort. Nature and history mingle here, where visitors can explore miles of beaches and trails as well as a Civil War fort on beautiful Amelia Island.

I appreciated the natural state of linens, but in truth wanted to take everything for a good laundering.

Prior to Fort Clinch (named for Duncan Lamont Clinch who fought in the second Seminole Indian war) we stopped by Driftwood Beach. But before I post that photo, something about wealthy officers back in the day. They didn’t shirk their wartime duty, as so many of our own do today.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures…