Roadtrip Wrap-up

Sunday afternoon we returned from the Nation's Oldest City. We accomplished our objectives for this trip only marginally: Kel more than once complained of exhaustion and indeed they were a hot couple of days for a high noon stroll; four fifths of our meals were fast food; and, though we hopped into the Atlantic, the ocean was devoid of seaweed head wear. Worse, there was an oversupply of rather strong persistent waves and so Kel stumbled out of the water nearly as fast as she got in. And she had an audience: the few beachgoers that remained that late afternoon shot more than a couple of glances her way. I can't blame them, though; you don't often see an advanced twin pregnancy in a bright orange two-piece. (Sorry, I have no photographic evidence).

So, our trip was only a partial success. Still, it was a refreshing respite from a routine Orlando weekend. St. Augustine has a distinct Old World character, with its numerous 19th century structures of solid construction sorely lacking in today's (or at least as of a year ago) "build it and they will occupy" mentality. The streets and sidewalks are narrow, a few of them gratefully off-limits to cars, and are great for a stroll. And, despite its age, the town is home to Flagler College and with it a youthful component, reflected in several lively pubs. Sure, there was the standard supply of schlocky tourist stores, with one merchant's deals on I Heart St. Augustine t-shirts vying with another's on mini Florida-tag keychains bearing names from Abbie to Nathan to Zack. Still, the town offers a hospitable antique flavor, like a slice of old Boston mixed with a tropical air. Just don't stay at the Days Inn on exit 218.