1318 November 16, 2025 Rural Georgia

I walked by the lake this morning.  It was so beautiful and peaceful.

We left Waycross today and traveled further north.  On our way we passed a large lumber mill.  We knew there had to be one nearby.  We had seen so many trucks filled with tall pine logs.

We continued on 121N.  This was really pretty country.  We have not spent too much time in rural Georgia.  We passed blueberry farms and orchards and drove through lots of forest.  There were more deciduous trees mixed among the pines.  It was gradually less green and more brown with some autumn colors and falling leaves. 

There were deer stands and logging sites.  There were hayfields and soybean fields and fields and fields of snowy cotton.

There were a few small towns defined only by a church or two, a Dollar General, and a singular gas station.  Every gas station had a sign for beer, ice, and bait.  Deer corn was for sale everywhere.

We followed the Woodpecker Trail though we saw no woodpeckers; there were certainly plenty of trees.

We passed cows and barns and unassuming humble homes, set back from the road and on scattered patches of land.  We also passed some grand houses with imposing entrances.  We passed a vineyard and a brickyard.

It was a good road and a nice ride.  We felt like we were seeing more of the “real Georgia.”  This state, like Maryland, has a huge diversity of landscape from the shore to the mountains and lots in between. 

In Metter, we found a town square where we could park the RV.  We ate lunch and then walked around the square.  This is a cute little town!

We arrived at George Smith State Park in early afternoon. 

We both took bike rides later in the day.  This is another scenic park.  The lake is dotted with cypress trees.

There is a syrup shed.

Sasquatch lurks in the trees.

There is a covered bridge that serves as a history museum for the sawmill and gristmill that once operated here.

It was pleasant enough that we watched football on the outside TV.  Tim started a fire.  We grilled steaks and onions and had dinner with a view of the lake.

1317 November 15, 2025 Waycross and Motor Speedway

When Tim got up, it was still dark out.  I could see stars in the sky.  I rolled over and went back to sleep.  When I woke up, he was already out and on a walk.  He walked around the lake and there was a pretty layer of mist on the water.

I decided to take the Nature Trail as well.

We took the Jeep with our bikes and drove to Historic Downtown Waycross, Georgia. 

We found a Farmers Market and we had to stop and see what we could find.  Unfortunately, the produce season is at its end.  There was just one huge truck filled with collard greens.  Most of the other vendors had yard sale items although Tim did find a gentleman selling his wife’s baked goods.  The banana nut bread was still warm!

As we were parking, a guy in a Jeep pulled in to the parking lot.  He was from Waycross.  He was warm and welcoming, with old fashioned southern hospitality.  He asked us if we liked to take the Jeep out and he gave us some trail suggestions.  He even offered to guide us if we were interested.  He recommended restaurants in town.  What a nice man!

We biked through town, meandering up and down the streets.  Waycross is a little bit woebegone.  Many businesses were shuttered with boards on glass storefronts. The sidewalks were wonky and there were lots of places where there was no ramp, making biking difficult.  Tim bounced down several curbs but I got off each time and then got back on to resume my ride.  It is a quaint town with lots of potential but it could use some love. 

We went to a five-star Mexican restaurant and had a delicious lunch.

We took the advice of the Waycross neighbor.  We left town and decided to find Swamp Road and see “the real Georgia” and the Dixon State Forest and the Okefenokee Swamp.   Unfortunately, the dirt road we took was blocked by a gate and a sign…closed for hunting!

We tried several other access roads but we never did find the swamp.  We did see acres of blueberry bushes.

We saw miles of pine trees.  The air smelled so fresh and clean.  A truckload of timber sat ready for hauling.

We saw a few hawks and one wild turkey and several areas where it looked like feral pigs might have been rooting.

We returned to the campground for a short rest.

This evening, we went to the Waycross Motor Speedway to watch the Southern Clash at the dirt track.  The air was filled with the smell of BBQ and red Georgia dust and racing fuel. It was loud and fun!

Tim took a video.

1316 November 14, 2025 Laura Walker State Park

I walked loops again in the campground.  We packed the RV and prepared to leave.  For the past 7 weeks we have slowly made our way down the east coast.  Today we veered away from the shore.  Our route took us to 95N and the around Jacksonville on 295.  We took Route 1N over the Saint Mary’s River and into Georgia.   Can anyone guess where we are going?

We found a park In Folkston, Georgia where we could stop and have a snack and take a break.  Tim napped and I walked. 

We saw a bunch of people standing by their cars.  A sheriff’s car pulled in and the officer talked with some of the bystanders.  Suddenly, 3 busses full of high school students; football players, cheerleaders, and marching band members pulled through the gate on their way to a playoff game in Macon County.   The sheriff’s car was in the lead.  All of the people lining the curb got out their phones and they were cheering and blowing their horns and we could see that they were holding signs for their team; the Indians.  Friday night lights!!!

The stadium was named for Champ Bailey.  He went to school here and became a famous NFL player for the Broncos.  He is in the Football Hall of Fame and is recognized as one of the best cornerbacks in the history of professional football.

We settled for the night at Laura Walker State Park.  We are nestled among so many tall pines.  The park sits beside a lake.  It is lovely here.  The weather was perfect.

We took our bikes out this afternoon.  We passed through the front entrance and stopped to take pictures of the cleaver display.  The characters all have faces made with gourds.

Tall pines.

We tried pedaling on the sandy side roads but the sand was too deep and we were fishtailing when we hit soft spots.  We rode for a couple of miles and then turned back and rode through the park.

This evening, we grilled some chicken and made some salads and took our dinner to eat at a picnic table by the lake.

The alligator sign was posted near the swimming area…maybe the alligators know to stay on the other side of the swim area boundaries…maybe…

We went for a Jeep ride on the sandy back roads; just wandering.  We passed through more miles of tall pines all planted for harvesting.

We passed soybean and cotton fields.  Tim drove until dark and then we headed home.

1315 November 13, 2025 Palatka Bike Trail

I walked loops in the campground while talking to my mom on the phone.  The time passed quickly.

We needed a few groceries and we decided to go to the grand opening of the newly rebuilt Publix store.  It is a beautiful new space.  There were hundreds of employees available to help.  The apples were carefully lined placed.  Each time a shopper put something into their cart, there was a staff member there to replace the item or line things perfectly on the shelves.  There were free samples and giveaways.  It was pretty impressive. 

One of the things that I like about traveling is going to a new place and visiting a new grocery store…maybe finding something we have not tried before.  It brings me joy!

Later, we took the Jeep to Palatka. We had to stop and wait for a drawbridge at the Matanzas River.

We took our bikes for a ride on the paved trail. We started at the River Center Park and then took the boardwalk under the Saint John’s River Bridge.  From there, we were able to access the bike lane on the bridge…that big and steep bridge…

Tim was able to pedal all the way to the apex.  I worked hard and then had to get off and push my bike.  I never mind having to get off and push…I’m still moving!

We biked almost 5 miles on the trail before turning around to go back to town.

We went to Velchoff’s Corner for lunch.  It was a beautiful day and we were able to sit outside.  Tim had really good shrimp and grits.  I chose avocado toast with blackened shrimp and bacon and it was delicious.  I am going to try to make some!

We walked along the riverfront.

This evening, we walked down to the pier at the campground to watch the sunset over the marsh.

1314 November 12, 2025 Trolley Tour

Another chilly morning but without yesterday’s wind, the sun warmed us nicely.  I walked from the campground and along A1A until I found a beach access road.  I wandered down to the water and stood, basking in sunlight.

On the way back, I stopped for coffee at Kookaburra’s.

We ate lunch and then went back into Saint Augustine.  We took the Trolley Tour today.  It was informative and it enabled us to see more than we did on foot. It was amazing to see how Henry Flagler had so many ventures and buildings here. He had hotels and administrative building for the railroad and a hospital and medical facility for his employees. He bought and developed properties. He had a vision to make the city a destination and his legacy lives on.

“Ok folks, no more on, no more off. Trolley in motion!”

We started at the Senator.  This tree is more than 600 years old and the trunk has a 13-foot diameter.  Legend states that if you kiss beneath the branches, your love will last forever.

We passed the Fountain of Youth and drove along Magnolia Street.  This is touted as one of the most beautiful streets in America flanked by ancient live oaks, draped with Spanish moss, and forming an exquisite arch.

We drove through the center of the city learning about many of the sites we saw yesterday as we walked. 

We also saw lots of stuff that we missed!  The Memorial Presbyterian Church was built by Henry Flagler in memory of his daughter and later, he was buried here as well. 

The tour took us through Lincolnville.  This neighborhood is “rich with the history of the Black experience.”  After the Civil War, freed slaves came to settle here.  This was an important site for civil rights and Dr. Martin Luthrt King, Jr. spent time here. 

The oldest house in Saint Augustine.

Starting on Saturday, Nights of Light begins.  The city is decorating for Christmas and will be dazzled with millions of little white lights.  It is apparently spectacular!

We left Saint Augustine and drove to Anastasia State Park. We walked out to the beach.

1313 November 11, 2025 Historic Saint Augustine

It was 34 degrees this morning in sunny Florida!  I wasn’t in a big hurry to get out and walk.  It was windy and it felt rather wintery.  I stripped the bed and gathered all the laundry.  I bundled up and went to the campground laundromat.  I walked after getting the washers started and then again while everything was drying. 

By 10:30 everything was clean and put away.

At around noon it was 50 degrees.  We took the Jeep and drove to Historic Saint Augustine.  We entered the city on the Bridge of Lions.

Saint Augustine is the oldest European settlement int the contiguous United States.  It was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers.

We found parking at the Castillo de San Marcos or The Fort.  Built in the late 1600’s, this masonry edifice protected the port of Saint Augustine for more than one hundred years.  It is a National Monument and because of the government shutdown, it was closed to the public.  We were able to walk the perimeter of the fort.

We saw dolphins jumping in Matanzas Bay.

We walked to the city gates.

Saint George Street is open to pedestrian traffic only.  There were lots of shops and cafes and historic buildings. 

The oldest schoolhouse in America.

We wandered to Grace United Methodist Church.  Built in Colonial Spanish style the church was gorgeous with detailed terracotta arches, a round window, and belltower.

We found Cuban Café for lunch where we enjoyed very good Cuban sandwiches.

We walked on to the waterfront and down to the Bridge of Lions.

Ponce de Leon.

The Cathedral of Saint Augustine.

The Lightner Museum.

Flagler College was once the Ponce de Leon Hotel.  The building design is extremely intricate and the craftsmanship is excellent. 

Henry Flagler was an entrepreneur and industrialist who was a key figure in the development of the City of Saint Augustine.  He was responsible for building several hotels and was instrumental in the development of the Florida East Coast Railway. 

1312 November10, 2025 Saint Augustine

After morning stretching and walking were complete, we decided that we were ready to move on.  We packed the bikes and the RV and headed south on 95, around Jacksonville on 295 and toward Saint Augustine. 

We found a nice campground along the San Juan Creek; Ocean Grove RV Resort.

We both took short bike rides this afternoon.

We went out to eat at Mango Mangoes, a boldly painted fun place with great Caribbean vibes and good food. 

After dinner, we drove through town.  We stopped to walk at a fishing pier. 

David called then and so we chatted for a while.

1311 November 9, 2025 Rest Day

Tim took did some stretching and took a ride on his bike.  He saw this turtle.

I rode my bike in lieu of a morning walk.  We extended our stay here for another night.

We had a very quiet day.  I did a bunch of reading.  We didn’t go anywhere…no adventures today.  There was football to watch all afternoon.

We are very close to the Jacksonville International Airport.  The planes were landing every three minutes or so this evening.

I grilled chicken and we ate outside.  It was a very pleasant weather day.

1310 November 8, 2025 Little Talbot Island State Park

Tim did some morning stretching.  He’s doing oaky.

I took a walk through the campground.  This place is large and it is a mile from the road to the back of the resort.  This guy was moving fast!

We have an agreement with the really nice lady in the office to extend our reservation a day at a time.  We decided that we would stay again tonight.

On Saturday and Sunday there is a huge flea market on the property next door.  I walked over to browse.  There were lots of collectibles and casserole dishes and glassware and silver and books and DVD’s and kid stuff.  The place smelled like old things.  It was crowded with people looking for bargains.  I made a loop through without buying anything.

We drove to Little Talbot State Park and took a gentle bike ride on the paved path.

We walked on the boardwalk to see the ocean.  We didn’t want to walk too much and we definitely didn’t want to walk in soft sand. 

Picnic lunch!

We rested this afternoon and then I went to get a few groceries.

We grilled tuna and made a salad for our dinner.

It was a quiet day and it was a good day.

1309 November 7, 2025 Jacksonville Mayo Clinic

We got back last night and got ready for bed.  Tim’s hips were really bothering him and he was not able to get comfortable.  At around 10pm, we decided that we should go and get some medical help.  We had talked with our son, David, earlier in the day and he had recommended that we go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville if we felt like Tim needed to be seen.  We arrived at the emergency room at 10:40pm.  The waiting room looked pretty quiet and we were hopeful that we would get in to see the doctor fairly quickly. 

We did not realize that this was a 65 bed ER.  After 3 hours, they took us back to a bed…hallway bed #32.  All of the other treatment rooms were full.  We were seen by a doctor who did an evaluation.  After lots of questions and the exam, he thought that the hip pain was a result of some issue in Tim’s back.  Lab work, x-rays, and a CT scan were ordered.  In the meantime, medications were given; a muscle relaxant, steroids, and, an IV NSAID.

Test results showed some arthritis in his hips and lumbar spine, some herniated disks, and most importantly, some narrowing that was causing some nerve impingement which was the source of the pain.  None of this was a surprise after 40 years of what he did for a living.  We left the hospital at 5:30am.  The sky was just beginning to lighten. 

Even though we were in a hallway/makeshift treatment area and we were there for about 7 hours, we had excellent care.  We also were able to rule out lots of nasty things and we had a clear diagnosis.  I am so glad that we went.  The best news was that Tim was actually able to walk, albeit gingerly, from the ER out to the curb, where I was waiting to pick him up.  The medications worked to help to get him moving a little better.

We got back to the RV at about 6am.  Reluctantly, we texted Curtis to cancel our lunch plans and we fell into bed.

Tim got up first.  What a relief to see him up and moving around!  He was able to do some stretching and icing.

I went to pick up prescriptions and a few groceries and I may have found a place to get a pedicure!

Tim did some walking in the campground and even did some pedaling on his bike.

We both had solid naps this afternoon.

We are so grateful that we were in a place where we had access to an amazing medical facility and that things are moving in a positive direction!