Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Girls' Road Trip-Finale

I've become a posting slacker. A writing slacker. A pretty-much-everything slacker. My only excuse is that a puppy now lives at my house. But enough about my sleepless nights (and days). Back, in a necessarily abbreviated form, to the road trip...

With a dire weather forecast for rain, rain, and more rain, we reluctantly canceled plans for visits to Savannah and Charleston, packed our bags, and hit the road for St. Augustine. The drive up the coast toward our nation's oldest city was lovely, but a little scary. Billowing dark clouds and gusting wind, made the waves look gray and ominous. They broke tall and crashed toward the shore filled with white foam. Definitely NOT a beach day.

We finally arrived in St. Augustine and our first stop was the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. St. Augustine is home to the oldest seaport in the United States. I love the stripes on the lighthouse. (Note: This picture is from the lighthouse site. Pretend it's raining and you'll experience what we did)




















In our race against the weather, we had no time to explore. We did a quick tour through the museum and then headed for downtown St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.

The Castillo de San Marcos fort is the oldest masonry fort in the United States with construction beginning in 1672. It was built to guard against privateers. For its advanced years, the fort appears remarkably well preserved. Alas, we didn't have time to go inside.









Next we raced to the quaint downtown area that houses such landmarks as the first schoolhouse in the United States, small shops, and mouth-watering food. Each of these treasures line the narrow quaint streets of this truly historic city.













We wanted more time to look around, but the rain began pelting us hard and steady. We had many miles to go before reaching our overnight stay in Atlanta, so we said good-bye to St. Augustine. I hope to return someday and spend a lot more time exploring the history of this charming area.

After a brutal push to Atlanta, we collapsed in exhaustion and set the alarm for 5am. Then we were up and running with the mission of getting home as soon as possible. Though we couldn't stop to browse the area, we drove through the lovely Smokey Mountains, a mysterious and delightful sight.














Many hours later, we were finally back home again. Four weary travelers made a small pact. We would not disclose every mishap and mix-up we experienced on our road trip. (Disclaimer: I can reveal  what happened as long as identities remain confidential-so there could be a story or two later-Bwahaha!)

And thus ends the girls' road trip. I could wax eloquent about friendships formed, bonds deepened, and lessons learned, but I'm still mulling it all over. Bottom line to readers: I highly recommend a girls' road trip to get real, get personal, and have the kind of fun you simply can't have when men are around.

10 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

What an adventure you had even though your trip was abbreviated. I am certain there are tales to tell. Nothing like a girls' trip. Puppy, oh-oh-oh, I want one. Or do I?

Sketching with Dogs said...

What a beautiful lighthouse - makes you wonder how on earth they painted those swirls, doesn't it!
Sorry the rain spoiled it a bit but still beautiful scenery and lots to do.
Loved your comment about old people and babies, LOL.
Lynne x

Unknown said...

No I understand why they are called the Smokey Mts.
Don't worry, puppies grow up so fast...unlike babies!!!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Sure looks like a fun place
Lily & Edward

Sioux Roslawski said...

Listen to Sandy Sherwood--Enjoy that puppy of yours while he's still a puppy. All-too-soon he will be all grown up. Still delightful, but no longer a puppy.

I agree. Trips with girls are the best. I took my granddaughter and daughter to France with me this past summer, to visit my French sister. It was two weeks filled with days of almost all women.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

That trip sounds like a book to me, Pat. I've loved every post you wrote about your ladies' only road trip. Sorry you missed out on Savannah, as it has much to offer. St. Augustine is a lovely city. We had only a day there, but I'd like to go back and really look around, see the many things we missed the first time.

And the source of your sleepless nights and lack of time---how IS Winston? Has he assimilated himself nicely, or is he driving everyone crazy? lol Puppies are a mixed blessing, that's for sure. Fortunately, as you know, the love and joy they bring makes up for all their shenanigans.

Saku said...

It's unfortunate the weather did not cooperate with you and the last of your trip was rushed. The good thing about travelling is, you can always return to a place you've been before.

Hope young Winston allows for a little more sleep soon!

Unknown said...

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Ann Summerville said...

I didn't know about St. Augustine. Savannah and Charleston are on my list of places to visit. I'll add St. Augustine too. What a fun trip.
Ann

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

What a wonderful trip...except fir the rain!