Flaggler College |
Every year the holiday season begins earlier and earlier and
here in St. Augustine it’s no different.
We’ve been on a mooring in this beautiful city for the past week were
fortunate to participate in the “Nights of Lights” celebration. The city, businesses, and residents all go to
great lengths to string over 2.5 million lights on every tree and building that
they can. National Geographic twice named the event one of the 10 best holiday
light shows in the world. All at once, with thousands in the park counting down,
the lights come on for the next month and a half. This is the 20th
year for celebration and it’s a wonderful way to bring people together, stimulate
business and make this already beautiful destination more so.
We’ve had both beautiful days and challenging weather. Winds
steady at 25 and the chop proved challenging for our little dink. Nevertheless, we ventured in daily for walks
with Murray, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. We motored about 5 miles in the
dink (and about 70 years back in time) to Vilano Beach. The 50’s vintage buildings reminded us of
what Florida must have been like in that bygone era.
Hanukkah and Thanksgiving are being celebrated aboard and
our (small) turkey is roasting in the oven. Potatoes, squash, fresh green beans,
and apple pie are also on the menu. A pot-luck on the dock may also be part of
a progressive meal. It’s all followed by
either a long walk or a nap . . .
We have new friends including Vermonters Ken, Francie, and
their dog Skipper who are sailing to the Bahamas on “Release.” We plan to leave
Friday morning sailing along the Florida Coast on the outside when weather
permits. Our destination is simply “south.”