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Rather than a Trip Report ~~ VisionsI hopped a quick cheap flight to Jacksonville courtesy of Continental Airlines. I hadn't even been clear in my decision until 11PM on Friday night, but found myself on a 7:30AM flight the following morning...after all -- what the hell? Why not?
Actually I had been down to Jacksonville on numerous occasions for work without ever quite making it the hour drive away to St Augustine. So why now? I had a wee bit of time on my hands from being laid off from the company that had introduced me to the area. Fitting huh? Returning to the scene of the crime so to speak I landed in Jacksonville and a former co-worker was supposed to pick me up at the airport and deliver me to a hotel near his home. Having a Blonde dyslectic moment I copied down his home number incorrectly and spent many moments cursing into the phone that responded with a modem squeal. After leaving a message on some strangers line (who will wonder forever who that ditz was) I decided my only option at that point was to grab a taxi and head out there alone. The taxi ride cost me a whopping $50.00! (including tip of course) but I had arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn nonetheless and not really worse for wear. On this trip I had planned a combo platter -- try to reconnect with former co-workers, with hopes of keeping connections in case of upcoming projects where they might need my assistance...along with running into an old friend whom I hadn't seen in some twenty odd years!
I had reservations at yet another Hilton Garden Inn at St Augustine Beach, but after tooling through the town it only took me moments to decide to bag those plans and opt for a B&B instead! St Augustine is oh so quaint! Spotting a carriage driver we quickly asked where they would suggest, and we were quickly answered "The Westcott House!" Taking their advice we quickly checked it out. Since it was a Sunday I had no qualms in asking for a tour of the available rooms...all are charming! Tough decision! Every room a winner. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly as well. I highly suggest this Inn. We arrived in St Augustine in time for the "Nights of Lights" which made it very special in the evening with all the thousands of lights twinkling along the Bridge of Lions and many of the businesses as well. Where to eat? We thoroughly enjoyed the AIA Ale House! Try the cheddar cheese beer soup with the fixin's
The Westcott Inn
The Bridge of Lions
Miscellaneous pictures taken while strolling....
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Why St Augustine? Why not?
When we finally got it together -- it was if time had never passed!
Still flapping he was the same as he was since I met him at the tender age of
14.
