Our Florida trip went from March 6 to March 16, 2013. We had a fantastic time. We started off by spending the night with Aunt Betty on Edisto Beach. From there we went to Jacksonville for a visit with Jeff and family. They were all well. Jan got sick with a "bug" and spent Saturday in bed. But by Sunday she was ready to go - though at a slower pace.
We had lunch with Rick's two girls on Sunday. They are Jada (9) and Layla (12). Rick was in Orlando doing Spring Training with the Atlanta Braves.
The girls are doing well in school and are taking gymnastics.
Their mom, Rebecca, came by and picked them up after lunch. We had not seen the girls in almost two years.
On Sunday we checked into the Marriott Inn at Fernandina Beach. Our room was superb. We started our Road Sholar program that night. Jan is with her classmates and sorority mates from Central Methodist University. Jan had not seen Laura (on the left) in 53 years. Anina was her roommate in her junior year. Seeing the two friends was the reason we went on the trip. We are about to get on the boat for a short trip to Cumberland Island.
Here are Dick and Anina and Dave with Laura.
There are thousands of live oak trees on the island.
This is the gateway to the estate of Andrew Carnegie. It is called Dungeness. The mansion burned down. The island and estate have a most interesting history.
A front view.
A view from the back side.
More trees
We walked about 4-5 miles on the island. We were pooped out.
On Tuesday we took a bus tour of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. This is a beautiful Episcopal Church downtown.
We had to eat some ice cream.
In the afternoon we toured Fort Clinch. The sergeant was a riot. He was funny and full of himself.
A wind blown Grayson!!!!!
Resting after the tour.
On Wednesday we took a boat tour around the island. You can see the light house in the background.
We had lunch at a nice restaurant on the water after our trip.
The lunch was good. After lunch, I played golf and Jan read and rested.
On Thursday we went to Okefenokee Swamp. The temperature was about 35F. We nearly froze.The boat guide and driver is standing on the bog which is actually floating on the water. I just wanted him to get in the boat and take me to a warm place.
Yes, that is an alligator.
Thawing out - but not smiling!!!
On Friday morning we had to say good bye to our new friends. They were so kind and gracious to include us in their vacation plans.
