The Empty Nesters Magical Mystery Tour *1/28* Link to New Girl's TR p141

[MEK]

Wow, when you do an update...............

Glad you approve!

Well, with that smile on his face, I'm not sure HE'S the one who got stoned...........

And by that do you mean he was sharing the hooka and other miscellaneous weed?

Totally agree, I love this time of evening also, when all the lights start coming on!

It's the best time of night. It's just so peaceful and the pictures really can capture that.

You got some great pictures in SE and HM! I never can get any decent ones to come out in either place........

Thanks! The trick for dark settings is to put your ISO on its highest setting - mine is 1600 but some go to 3200. Also - put your camera on its shutter speed setting and lower it to the point where you are letting light in but aren't blurring the picture.

And of course, some absolutely gorgeous fireworks pics!!!

Thanks! :good vibes

Glad you're back and that you had fun on your girl's trip!!!

Thanks. We had a great time! It was so much fun!

Really great pictures!

Thank you!

I'm so annoyed at myself, because I specifically wanted a picture of this clock with the IIII instead of IV for the four. And I totally forgot!

You know - I never noticed that before, so thanks for pointing it out. I wonder why they designed it that way!

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm finally catching up! My apologies for missing so much. It just made it that much sweeter to read so many fabulous updates all at once.

Darn! I missed your Birthday! Happy belated birthday. I was actually at WDW on your special day.

You had a lovely collection of photos from your morning run along the BC/YC/BW/Swalphin area.

Those photos at BB look familiar. That's the only waterpark that we've been to at Disney. We did Teamboat Springs too and I had no idea what they'd do with the 2 of us so I just figured they'd group us with strangers and it worked out fine. We rode with a kid and his dad. Good thing the rafts are big otherwise it may be awkward riding in a small tube smooshed together with strangers.

Sounds like a wonderful/fun/exciting girl trip! I'm looking forward to that TR.

The close up photos at SE are a great perspective since they capture details that are missed in wide angle shots. Like that stoned look! Never noticed that.

I'm finally caught up.

BTW: How's the new job now that you've been there awhile? I hope all is well.

 

[MEK]

Today was Tuesday October 29th and it was time to take a little road trip. One of the places in Florida I have always wanted to visit was Saint Augustine. We had planned to stop there last June but, when we changed from a driving trip to flying trip, we nixed Saint Augustine in favor of visiting our friends in Daytona.

Well, on this trip there was no excuse not to take a drive up there and finally visit the elusive Saint Augustine. We were on vacation for 11 days and it seemed only right that we could devote a couple days to Saint Augustine.

I actually have no pictures from the morning. It went like this - we got up, we packed up, and we hit the road. Not one single stinking picture of leaving Disney property.

The good news - we were on the road by 8am. By 915am we were in Daytona Beach picking up our friends K&T for our road trip.

As we headed north K suggested that we stop and see the location where a friend of ours is building a house on the Palm Coast (aka Palm Jersey). Get it- Palm Jersey? Apparently its a popular retirement and snowbird spot for the midatlantic, particularly Jersey.

Welcome to the Palm Coast



The main thoroughfare



The site of our friend’s future home



Doesn’t look like much right now, does it?



You can see that the bulk head was being constructed



It’s right on the water. Gotta love that!



And this will be their view! So jealous!



But the lot itself still needed quite a bit of work. I’m curious to see how it looks right now.



After a quick stop and a few stares from nosy neighbors, we were back on 95 for another 15 or 20 minutes until we saw this sign.



For gas price reference



Oh goody - A Disney outlet (no, I didn’t stop, but I sort of wanted to)



K was directing us. We saw this sign, but ultimately blew by it and had to go back.



A few things we passed on our quest for the parking garage





Established 1565. Saint Augustine is one old town.



Here’s some history:

St. Augustine (Spanish: San Agustín) is a city in Northeast Florida and the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement and port in the continental United States.[4] The county seat of St. Johns County,[5] it is part of Florida's First Coast region and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 12,975. The St Augustine Urban Area has a population of 69,173.

San Agustín was founded in September 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and subsequently served as the capital of Spanish Florida for two hundred years. It remained the capital of East Florida as the territory changed hands between the Spanish and British, and remained the capital of the Florida Territory until it was moved to Tallahasseein 1824. Since the late 19th century, its historical character has made the city a major tourist attraction. It is the headquarters for the Florida National Guard.



This was part of the parking garage. It was a nice facility and not overly expensive.



School trip no doubt



The parking garage was adjacent to the Visitor’s Center, which was a lovely facility with a friendly staff.



Floor tiles





There was your standard gift shop and I couldn’t resist a picture of the pink flamingos because everyone needs one of these. Don’t you agree.



Back outside and on our way to the historic district



I didn’t go in here but it looks like it could have been fun.



We passes a sign for the Castillo de San Marco, which we would be visiting soon.



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Random



The Oldest Wood School House in the USA. Who knew?



The entrance



Ice Cream shop



Another gift shop




I think we may have ventured in here and were given a sample of some homemade soap.



They had some pretty planters



Back on the main drag



There were plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating and we had no idea which to visit. By now it was lunch time!



Artsy shot



We ended up here



I don’t recall the name or even why we picked this spot. It may have had something to do with the fact that it was directly across from the Fort.



Certainly not a bad view while you are eating lunch





Denny & K waiting for T & me



We were also adjacent to the Colonial Visitors Center



Random halloween decoration






Sorry, no food pictures and I couldn’t even tell you what I had to eat. It was pretty much standard lunch fare. Nothing special, but the weather was so glorious and it was lovely just to sit outside and chill.

I did post our location on FB and a former DISer saw my post and recommended a few other future eateries.


After lunch we decided to tour the fort.

The view of the Mantazas River





Bridge of Lions





The entrance to the fort



Mantazas Bay



A view of the fort before entering



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

I don’t recall if this was inside or outside of the fort



This was definitely taken inside



A little background on the Fort (Castillo)



I think its so interesting that the Castillo was the first time the federal government ever put funds into preservation.



The origin of a popular Florida name that we have all heard




Lower level







From the top of the Castillo













What a view!







And back on deck









From a peep hole in the Castillo



I love this view







Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Oh Look. There are even a few people shots in this update!

Me & the Denster with the bridge of lions in the background.



K,T, & Denny



The Fab 4



and another Canon



The detail is pretty amazing



A new vantage point of the Mantazas River/Bay




When we went back to the main level there was a gentleman getting ready to tell us a story pertaining to the history of the Castillo. I seriously don’t remember what he was saying because (1) there was a lot of sun glare and he was hard to focus on (2) I’m certain I was suffering from PLL - post lunch lethargy. So, unfortunately, I have nothing smart nor remotely entertaining to share with you.

I know this - I bet he hates the “get-up” in the summer time.



Nevertheless, I could tell he really enjoyed his job.



Or perhaps he was a volunteer.



When we had tired of the Castillo, and Denny had read all the plaques twice, we ventured forth.

Cool to see that a Millenial time capsule had been borrowed in the Mantanzas Bay.



We walked past the Bridge of Lions again





Carriage rides and trolleys are common here as they are all over the south









And there’s one of the Lions



We turned towards the center of town and walked along the main shopping area



This gorgeous stain glass was on one of the churches.



It was old and cool and so pretty to admire.



The church itself was also quite lovely




We went in several art galleries where I had to test the “can I take a picture” rule. The shop proprietors seemed pretty chill about it but I didn't want to press my luck.



And look what I found!



I love these for lighting. I wish I could afford a couple for my kitchen



I did treat myself to a souvie in one of the shops. A cool silver pair of earrings with dangling hearts. They were made by a local artisan. Sorry. I don’t have a pic right now to share.

I think I am going to stop here.

I my next update - More on the Streets of St. Augustine and a Tour of Flagler College plus our digs on the beach.

 

[MEK]

I'm finally catching up! My apologies for missing so much. It just made it that much sweeter to read so many fabulous updates all at once.

Awww - you're so sweet! I've been on and off the boards all day today so I see that we are both trying to get caught up on the various TRs. It feels like a part time job sometimes, doesn't it?

Darn! I missed your Birthday! Happy belated birthday. I was actually at WDW on your special day.

I had a fun B-day because I was off from work and I got to celebrate with Denny and Nick. Then I got to celebrate at WDW again when Cynthia treated me to breakfast with the princesses. It was so fun!

You had a lovely collection of photos from your morning run along the BC/YC/BW/Swalphin area.

It was a beautiful morning. I just love running over there!

Those photos at BB look familiar. That's the only waterpark that we've been to at Disney. We did Teamboat Springs too and I had no idea what they'd do with the 2 of us so I just figured they'd group us with strangers and it worked out fine. We rode with a kid and his dad. Good thing the rafts are big otherwise it may be awkward riding in a small tube smooshed together with strangers.

Totally awkward. I was getting really nervous as we came to the loading area and then finally just asked a family if we could ride with them. They were really great about it, but you never know how people are going to act. I kept trying to find another couple, but no luck.

Sounds like a wonderful/fun/exciting girl trip! I'm looking forward to that TR.

It was such a great trip. We really had a lot of fun and I think I broke a personal record for DIS meets. I can't wait to do another girl's trip. They are really special.

The close up photos at SE are a great perspective since they capture details that are missed in wide angle shots. Like that stoned look! Never noticed that.

I never noticed that before either. Glad I decided to use the long lens this time and just focus on faces.

I'm finally caught up.

BTW: How's the new job now that you've been there awhile? I hope all is well.

I can't believe it will be a year on July 1st. I'm pretty settled in and only need to work two overnights a month and no weekends. I actually had a whole month off with no over nights and that's been good on the stress-o-meter. I'm happy were I am and just hope to retire from there. Thanks for asking!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Mom has wanted to go to St. Augustine for years! It just hasn't happened yet. They were supposed to go last July before we all met up at WDW, but it just didn't pan out.

Hahaha. Palm Jersey.

Absolutely. Everyone needs a pink flamingo.

Wow! I had nothing to say about your pictures, because everything just looks so beautiful there! I have to make sure Mom and I get down there sometime.

 

[MeMom]

There was your standard gift shop and I couldn’t resist a picture of the pink flamingos because everyone needs one of these. Don’t you agree.

Mingos that you can dress up? Bella would be in heaven!

It was nice to see your pictures. I've been to St. Augustine a couple of times - once as a kid and once when I had kids. I'm thinking maybe Drew wasn't here yet, though, and that I just had Jill and Trent. I'd have to go back and look at pictures. We did the schoolhouse, fort, Flagler, a church, probably the same church you had pictures of. We didn't eat in St. Augustine, though. From your meal review, I guess we didn't miss much. I want to take the girls here when they are older. They are too little to appreciate much about it now. Brooklynn would probably like it, but the others will need to be a it older.

 

[MEK]

Mom has wanted to go to St. Augustine for years! It just hasn't happened yet. They were supposed to go last July before we all met up at WDW, but it just didn't pan out.

You must go! It's a beautiful city. It reminds me more of the south - like Charleston and Savannah, then it does of Florida. It's a lovely town and I need to get back there again soon. I swore I would go back ASAP, but that hasn't happened yet.

Hahaha. Palm Jersey.

I know, right? Jersey people take so much crap.

Absolutely. Everyone needs a pink flamingo.

Wow! I had nothing to say about your pictures, because everything just looks so beautiful there! I have to make sure Mom and I get down there sometime.

I am certain you would love it. You could probably do a day trip, but I would do an overnighter just to make sure you could see more.

Mingos that you can dress up? Bella would be in heaven! :good vibes

I didn't even realize they were dress up mangos! You're right - she WOULD be in heaven!

It was nice to see your pictures. I've been to St. Augustine a couple of times - once as a kid and once when I had kids. I'm thinking maybe Drew wasn't here yet, though, and that I just had Jill and Trent. I'd have to go back and look at pictures. We did the schoolhouse, fort, Flagler, a church, probably the same church you had pictures of.

I wish we could have gone into the school house or spent more time in the historic quarter or colonial quarter or whatever its called. That was a really cool place and there was just so much to see.

We didn't eat in St. Augustine, though. From your meal review, I guess we didn't miss much. I want to take the girls here when they are older. They are too little to appreciate much about it now. Brooklynn would probably like it, but the others will need to be a it older.

We actually had an excellent meal in town the next day (after I got a few restaurant recommendations from another DISer who used to live in Jacksonville), so we made up for the forgettable lunch the first day.

You're right - wait to the girls are older so they can really enjoy it. Historical places can be hard on kids, although I remember being pretty good with them back as a child. If anything I've probably lost some of my attention span.

 

[KatMark]

I'm back from my trip and trying to get caught up on a few threads.

First and foremost, I am glad you NOT stop coming to the DIS. Your TR's would have been truly missed.

I liked your last photos at Epcot, and your nighttime photos at the MK are stunning (brings back happy memories of last week).

Mark and I have driven by St. Augustine so many times and have yet to stop. Your pictures now have me wanting to do so. Perhaps if we do a business trip in 2015 we can do that since we are not doing DW next year.

I love all the photos of you and Denny.

 

[tazdev3225]

One day when I have more time I am going to explore St. Augustine more. I saw the fort from the road and the lighthouse but almost 17 years ago. It looks like a great place to visit.

 

[Poolrat]

Looks like a neat little town. Would love to do the tour. I always say someday but I really think it might be sooner rather than later.

A beautiful day with beautiful pictures. Love the mingos!!!

 

[scottny]

I hear ya about Dising. That is why I take breaks every so often.
Your SE pics came out good.
LOL. The SM pic.
That is a ncie view they will have when completed.
Ooh I would have shopped at the outlet.
Looks like a fun day in St. Augustine. Thanks for the memories. I am remembering when I used to go there with my parents.
All caught up again.

 

[jenseib]

What a fun and beautiful day!!! I am loving all the pictures. It think some are frame worthy, but if you are like me, you might be running out of wall space.

 

[jedijill]

St Augustine is a great town...I haven't been for years though. Your friend's home is going to be awesome...love the view!

Jill in CO

 

[DWGal210]

Looks like you guys had a fun day! I haven't been to St. Augustine in 10+ years, your pictures make me want to go back again. I love historical sightseeing.

The flamingos with the clothes were too funny! I also love those lights, how gorgeous!

 

[annmarieda]

I love all the pictures. What a neat place to go! I am going to look at how long it would take to get there from where we are staying in October. Probably longer than I have to do it. I know my dh loves the beaches but I am just not a fan. I would far prefer to do a little touristy thing like you did. It is so hard to imagine the age of this town. Living on the west coast NOTHING is that old. In fact even Seattle has not yet hit its bicentennial. Some towns near me are barely 100 years old.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

How fun to do a little off sight exploring. You don't see that much in TR's. While I get the whole pull of the Disney bubble (believe me), I also think it is perfectly fine to take a break too.

It may be good that you bypassed the Disney outlet. I've read some are pretty sketchy.

Haha, I imagine Pink Flamingos are mandatory if you live in Florida.

Wow, the area in and around there is so quaint. Like stepping back in time.

OSCEOLA!!! How fascinating, especially since I drive on his parkway every Disney visit.

Curious Mary Ellen. I noticed the flag at half mast in one of your photos. Any idea why?

 

[MEK]

I'm back from my trip and trying to get caught up on a few threads.

yay! Welcome back! It's obvious from FB that you gals had a marvelous time and I can't wait to read all about it in your newest TR!

First and foremost, I am glad you NOT stop coming to the DIS. Your TR's would have been truly missed.

Awwww - you're so sweet. That's how I felt when you took your DIS break. That was terrible.

I liked your last photos at Epcot, and your nighttime photos at the MK are stunning (brings back happy memories of last week).

Thanks! And Yay for happy memories. Aren't you happy that you only have to wait until September to go again.

Mark and I have driven by St. Augustine so many times and have yet to stop. Your pictures now have me wanting to do so. Perhaps if we do a business trip in 2015 we can do that since we are not doing DW next year.

You should. It's a beautiful old city. I haven't talked about our Tampa trip yet (the one where we saw you), but in comparison I would much rather stay in St. Augustine. I love old historic cities like that.

I love all the photos of you and Denny.

Thanks! :good vibes

One day when I have more time I am going to explore St. Augustine more. I saw the fort from the road and the lighthouse but almost 17 years ago. It looks like a great place to visit.

You should definitely build a stop into your plans. The whole town is just so quaint and full of so many sights. I definitely recommend it! I can't wait to go back.

Looks like a neat little town. Would love to do the tour. I always say someday but I really think it might be sooner rather than later.

It's a beautiful little town. You should definitely build a stop into your next drive down. You won't regret it.

A beautiful day with beautiful pictures. Love the mingos!!!

It was a picture perfect day and I see the mingos are quite a hit!