Fort Clinch

 What, another fort? Well if you are going be on barrier islands, there are bound to be forts. Besides I promised you all (y'all) a history trip.

 If we are staying at Fort Clinch state park, there must be a fort somewhere around. Not as old as Castillo de San Marcus but civil war era mainly. Nice additional displays involved and they do living history enactments every month.

 Yes, Mary was cold. Up till last night we have been in shorts and flip flops, and endless summer. Well combine temps in low 60's with 20 mph winds from off shore and we were digging out the stored jackets.


 This next photo is of Cumberland Island which is just across the channel from us. It is mainly national seashore with restricted access. The other part of it is owned by the Carnegie family. Yes, those Carnegie's.

 Now, as Paul Harvey used to say, for the rest of the story. To the left of this picture you can follow the St.Mary river and part of the inter-coastal canal. There you will find the Kings Bay Naval base. That base supports the OHIO class nuclear submarine fleet. Those subs pass thru this channel heading out to defend us. None passed as we were there unfortunately, would have made a hell of a photo.

 The town of Fernandia has existed since well before the fort. They have done a good job of preserving the historic downtown area. A very charming area full of shops and restaurants.

 Speaking of restaurants...I utilize trip advisor to help me find interesting, yet affordable, places to dine. Our rule while traveling is no meals at chain restaurants that are available back home. Well you would never believe what is the top rated restaurant in Fernandia...

 No, it was not for lunch or dinner but we did stop in...

 How could you possibly resist that much temptation???

 Easy answer, you simply can't

 When the britches don't fit it will be because I washed them in hot water!!!


 Remember awhile back when Mary was attacked by a shark? Well it happened again.

 She told me "we are going to need a bigger boat!"...so I bought her a bigger boat

While waiting for sunset looking over the Amelia river, a magical thing happened. Not 20 feet from shore a pod of dolphins came by, not once but twice, feeding in the currents. Sailors thought dolphins brought protection and good luck. We were already smitten with this area, that episode was just cream on top.

 Tomorrow we travel down to southern end of Amelia. It is where the rich people stay. Maybe we can get in and out before they catch us!