This fort is at the north end of Amelia Island. Fantastic history, beautiful beaches and trails as well as some pretty nice camping spots. Some are more secluded than others but I felt my site 24 in the River loop provided enough privacy and close to the beach.

The trails and camping areas are fantastic. I liked being in the River loop because of the trees and still close to the much less crowded beach. The Atlantic beach camping area is wide open with nothing between sites, but you are right at the beach.

This was a fantastic camp spot for 2 nights just outside Amelia Island. I had a full hook up site and plenty of room to relax and enjoy. My host Peggy and Rick were very welcoming and friendly. Peggy brought my over some roses, banana nut bread and we shared a campfire together. It was one of my best camping experiences.

I really lucked out getting a spot here last minute for 3 nights. I’ve tried every year I’m down here but 4.75 years later,  I scored! It’s not just a great campground but so close to downtown St. Augistine. I should have gotten an Uber instead of trying to park downtown somewhere. I’ll know next time.

I did hit a couple of new places,  like the quarry and this Ancient dune trail.

But most of my time was spent recharging my inner self!

I met up with my brother,  his wife and her 2 sisters just outside Gainesville for a quick visit. I’ve known Terri and her sisters for almost 40 years. It was great catching up and exploring a  State Park close by.

Paynes Prarie State Park was quite the surprise! Beautiful woods,  secluded sites and some great trails. I am planning on coming back to stay next time I’m in the area.

This was another beautiful little bay. There’s remains of  a fort from the 1600’s. It was built to protect not only the bay but from zealous invaders after Gold that’s found in the rivers and mountains in this area.

There’s also a statue of a black Jesus in the town church. Legend has it Spanish conquistadors had it made and on their ship to bring back to the crown; however, they could not get out of the bay and believed the statue was cursed. They threw it overboard. It later washed ashore and was then moved to the church. We did not have time to lower the dinky, attach the motor, travel to town to see it, and then re-hoist both the motor and the dinky. Instead,  we floated off the back of the boat and enjoyed a little rain.

FROM ATLAS OBSCURA. “According to legend, the statue itself may have been a miracle. As the story goes, a black slave was fishing in the town when he saw a large object floating in the water. After dragging the mysteriously wrapped hulk ashore, he unwrapped it view of a number of onlookers. The Black Christ figure seemed like a personal appearance of Christ to many of the locals who felt that the statue’s appearance was a signal that Jesus was with them in a very concrete sense. This veneration was rewarded and verified as a plague that was sweeping the area seemed to disappear just as the Christ figure arrived in their town.”

This was our 3rd anchorage in the  San Blas islands.  Much more crowded, the  islands were full of tents, hammocks and small tiki bars and restaurants.  It still amazes me that they are able to get products to these small islands. We only stayed for 1 night but enjoyed a couple beers on the beach and a fantastic dinner provided by Mary.

Okay so this place is absolutely beautiful! Crystal clear waters, coral reefs, beautiful little islands and friendly guna people selling hand stitched molas. And a fantastic little restaurant and tiki bar. We had a delicious meal of fish, rice and a beer for $12, sitting over the water and watching the sun settle for the night. 

Though the islands are most are dispersed over a large area. There are areas where it’s easier to drop a dinghy and motor from island to island. Other areas are more spacious and islands are farther apart.

Our 1st two nights anchored just outside West Holandaiz islands was not crowded, we had a fantastic coral reef to explore close by and a fantastic beach to walk.

Our next 2 nights out, we went to a much more popular spot called ‘the swimming pool’. Fantastic waters to swim, float, explore coral reefs, a restaurant and locals selling their famed Molcas.

There’s definitely a reason people from all over the world find this particular spot. Absolutely gorgeous, the pictures don’t do it justice.

I can say the sailing life is very relaxed once you stop sailing.  Underway, you could be working the sail lines alot, a little or not at all if there’s no wind and are just under motor.

This was an opportunity of a lifetime. Celebrating both my birthday and my sister’s birthday in Panama Sailing on their boat Yo-D-Yo. Mary and Dave have been full time sailors for the past 3 years. Not sure if it was my full time travel that started their inspiration or if it was always a goal of theirs. Either way, I am able to enjoy this adventure with them.

Flights to Panama went well,  once I arrived,  we spent the night sharing a bottle of wine and catching up at Riande Hotel and Resort. The next day, a short Uber ride to PriceRight (think Cosco), then an Uber to Shelter Bay Marina outside Colon where Yo-D-Yo was docked. Unpacked, reorganize and then hit the pool before a BBQ at the marina. Met a great group of people,  some who are strickly boaters but others who have traveled extensively in RV’S.

The next day, we left for the San Blas islands.  A group of over 300 islands, the inhabitants, the Guna culture. They have managed to preserve their heritage for thousands of years. This was a 2 day sail, so we anchored at Green Turtle Cay Marina our 1st night.  This was a small marina that charged us $20 & a beer. Great beach, bar/ restaurant and I  believe there was a pool somewhere as well.  We hit the beach and enjoyed a conversation with 3 Kiters (think sail kite) from South Africa. They shared a lot of good information with Dave and Mary on places to stop on their journey to the Bahamas. Dinner was a surprise at the restaurant but drinks were delicious and the sunset spectacular!

Up early the next day and off to San Blas islands.

Hi all,  I wanted to let you know I’m taking a vacation from traveling in Pearl to go sailing with my sister and her husband around Panama. So, no posts till I get back. But I will post pictures once I return. Take care everyone!