Vacation Day Three

Started day 3 with the discovery I had a sunburn! The weather has been so perfect along the southeast coast the last few days that I didn't even feel the sunburn coming on.

We ate our breakfast at 9am and left St. Augustine.

First stop, after gas and a car wash, was to see the lighthouse at St. Simon Island in Georgia. Wow - that St. Simon Island is sooooo beautiful!

I got a pretty good photo of the lighthouse - at least for me :) This lighthouse isn't as tall as the one in St. Augustine and it wasn't as busy so I thought I would give it a go at climbing it with Jerry. Didn't happen. I got half way and had to turn around. Not because I was winded from the climb but because as it narrowed I felt too closed in. Plus, it's isn't an open spiral staircase - the landings block off the view making me claustophobic.

Luckily Jerry climbed it and took photos. He is the better photographer anyway.

There was a beautiful gazebo, very nice museum & visitor's center, and all on the water. Did you know they held the G8 conference on St. Simon Island in 2004? Wow, small place, big event. We couldn't even imagine how they handled the security there.

Jerry demonstrating the width of the lighthouse.

Then we went to a restaurant that someone recommended called the Crab Shack. This was the view from our table. Click on the image to really see it ;)

OK, the food was probably pretty good, and it certainly was interesting, but I have to admit that I was a little turned off by the garage cans under the tables. Everything is served in disposable containers (not very green) and you just throw it away.

This is a cropped, zoomed in photo so it's grainy but it is of the old non-functioning lighthouse off Tybee Island. I believe it is called the Cockspur Island lighthouse. Obviously, it is only accessible by water. There is a marine tour boat that leaves from near the lighthouse but he was out when we were there.

But, fear not. We did get to see a lighthouse on Tybee Island!

Sent hubby up for photos again.

Now, is my husband a good photographer or what?!?!?!?!

Us at the lighkeepers quarters.

Finally, Savannah. Here's our hotel.

And our room.

We went on a stroll and found the "lighthouse" in Emmit park. It looks like a street light but don't be fooled, this thing is huge. Click to read details.

Vietnam War memorial.

Click for larger view to read inscription of monument. The City is filled with parks which are filled with monuments.

Jerry was convinced it was supposed to turn cold. It was hot and humid and we were getting uncomfortable before we found a place to eat dinner.

We ended up sharing a platter of shrimp and grits (local favorite I'm told), seared scallops (so good), and a crab cake sandwiched between two fried green tomatoes. It was sooo good that we ordered a dessert to share - a praline basket filled with ice cream and topped with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and mangos. Sorry no photos of these lovely presentation. I think Jerry is tiring of me taking photos of dinner, lol. Until tomorrow!

Vacation Day Two

We were up and atom at the crack of 9am this morning. This is the dining room set for breakfast.

But we chose to eat on the varanda because it was a BEAUTIFUL day.

Our first stop was the cemetery two doors down.

This is the view just outside our room in the hallway. The sideboard contains games & puzzles and stuff to keep one occupied.

This is the beautiful light fixture in the same hallway.

Photos I took on our walk to the marina.

We went out on this boat for a short tour of the area. It was special because the captain of the boat is a 4th generation boat captain in this area. His great grandfather ran a boat from Anastasia Island to St. Augustine many years ago and his grandfather took over the business. Eventually a bridge was built and the economy changed and his dad changed the boat business from hauling to tourism. He was well versed in local birds so I enjoyed that part ;)

Next we went to a nearby restaurant for a coke and a snack. The appatizer was so-so but tghe entertainment was awesome.

The window ledge next to the table had little trap doors.


They also bring you a basket of bread that is for feedingthe fish! You drop bread down the trap door and can watch the fish eat the bread. We attracted cat fish. Could even see those whiskers!

We went to a little museum. Lots of history here including prirates raiding the town.

We went on a trolly sightseeing tour where you could get off and on or just ride it around. The driver's narrated with the local history and interesting facts.

Next we went to the fort built but the Spanish in the 1500's.

Barracks

Prison

Excellent orator telling the story of the Spanish occupation and fights with the French and British (Catholic versus protestant).

The walls are made from coquina which is kinda like petrified shells and sand. It was cut out in blocks from Anastasia Island (where the lighthouse is located) and taken across the harbor to build the fort. It's sorta like a natural cement block except it can fall apart so they ask you not to touch the walls
Photos of the B&B neighborhood on our walk to dinner tonight.

America's oldest street (according to the story people in Philadelphia think their is older)

Tomorrow - a few lighthouses and Savannah!