Naval Base, Beaches, and Pirates!

(Mayport FL) We have certainly enjoyed our stay at Pelican Roost RV Park at the Naval Station in Mayport (near Jacksonville).  This military campground is very well managed and maintained.  When we first arrived we were assigned to a grass site, but the next day were upgraded to a site that over looks the St. Johns River. 

We sat here most of the morning watching the very active waterway. Jimmy has his own special chair. 

In the afternoon we went to the beach on site at the Naval Base.  We took a long walk and pretty much had the beach all to ourselves. 

It was Jimmy's first time on a beach.  He had a blast.  There were lots of new smells!

More dog lovers

Today we went to Amelia Island.  It was about an hour drive and involved taking a car ferry.  It cost $5 each way and was quick and easy.  It saved a lot of driving time. 

Arriving Amelia Island

We spent most of the day driving around the island.  One side has very exclusive homes all along the beach with plenty of public access.  The beaches are very rustic and beautiful.  It was too cold today to walk very far. 

There are long board walks that lead out to the beach.

The states first resort was built on this island due to a cross state railroad.  There is only one city named Fernandina Beach. We walked around a lovely Victorian district that had many nice shops and restaurants. 

We stopped at the Palace Saloon established in 1878. 

This city was once a haven for smugglers and pirates. Inside the saloon a birthday party was being held for a member of the Pirates Club.  One of the pirates kidnapped me and John took a picture of the motley crew.  It was a lot of fun.

There is a beautiful state park on Amelia Island called Fort Clinch State Park.  There are RV sites right on the beach and others in a shaded area. It was beautiful with lots of biking paths and trails.  We plan to go back and camp here soon.  The ranger mentioned that reservations are recommended. 

Afterwords we took the ferry back and returned to the base.  There were over 10 navy ships at the dock.  It's an amazing site.

We enjoyed our stay here and hope to return again soon.  This campground is open to  active duty or retired military.  You can also stay if you are traveling with a qualified member.  Tomorrow we are traveling along the panhandle of Florida.   Life is good!

Florida or Bust!

(Jacksonville, FL)  At last we are in Florida!  It is so exciting to be  spending this winter in the Sunshine State.  We feel very blessed and are happy to be  here.  It was about a three hour drive from Savannah to Jacksonville.  It was  easy and the interstate had some spectacular views of the inter coastal waterways.  We plan to spend  the next few days at the Mayport Naval Base, near Jacksonville Florida. 

Our campground overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Naval Base.  Tomorrow we'll spend some time on the jetties watching the ships and submarines go in and out to sea.  Right now there are about 10 huge ships docked here.  It's an amazing sight. 

The campground allows you to stay  up to 14 days and provides a full hook up site for $18 a night.  That is a great bargain for Florida.  There is even a free laundry.  We were lucky to get last minute reservations.  The camphost was so helpful and made us feel  welcome.  After setting up we drove around the base.  Tomorrow we will tell you more about it and post some pictures.