Day One: St Augustine Trip

St. Augustine, Florida: Today we embarked on a weekend trip to the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida for a camping adventure at Anastasia State Park.

We decided to go off the beaten track for our trip.  Instead of taking the I-74/I-4/I-95 track that was recommended, we opted to go through Ocala National Forest.

A short drive through the National Forest made it feel like we were no longer in Florida.  Rolling hills, trees with fall colors and the brisk cool breeze from the recent cold front made it feel like we were in Tennessee rather then the Florida peninsula.  We did not stop within the forest, but it is definitely a place I wouldn't mind visiting in the future.

Once we left the forest, we travelled through the town of Palatka.  What a neat little town.  The brick buildings and break streets felt like the city was frozen in time in the 50's.

Not much longer and we arrived at our destination, Anastasia State Park.  We checked into the campground and began setting up camp.

Once our campsite was set up, we drove into town to begin exploring the city.  We drove into town via the Bridge of Lions.  The view of the old city was amazing coming over the bridge.  

Our first stop inside the city was Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum to board the Red Train.  The Red Train will be our tour and transportation throughout the city for the next three days.  We took one lap around the city, learning about the city and more importantly, learning where things are for when we tour the city in depth tomorrow.

Once we completed the complete tour, we toured the Ripley's museum.  The three story museum housed in an historic mansion contains exhibits of oddity.  From two headed sheep to the tallest man in history, it is all here to enjoy.  

After we finished the museum, we headed to dinner.  We decided to eat at the King's Head British Pub on the north side of town.  The pub was about as authentic as you could get without going across the pond.  We all add fish and chips which was very good and filling.

From that point, it was back to the campground to sit by the fire.  What a mess that turned out to be.  The damp firewood combined with the cold wind off the Atlantic lead to no fire.  So we headed into the tent, broke out the portable DVD player and watched Shrek instead.

The night is setting out to be an adventure.  No fire, the temps have already dropped into the forty's and we are tent camping.  But thanks to portable heaters and warm sleeping bags, it feels quite cozy right now.

So with the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the Atlantic in the background, it's time to crash and get ready for a fun day tomorrow.  More touring, pirate museum and much more in store for tomorrow.

View the slideshow below for photos from day one of the trip and be sure to check back later for more photos and stories from the trip.

 

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