Our time in Jacksonville began with cold, windy weather, and we only ventured out a little. Helen finished one puzzle and started another. I watched football and basketball. On Sunday, I dressed up and watched our church service streaming on YouTube. We enjoyed watching the huge freighters float by in front of our campsite.
Thankfully, the weather improved, and we had a checklist of items on our “do list.” My bloggy friend Suzanne (Picture Retirement) suggested visiting Huguenot Memorial Beach as something we would enjoy. We planned to go there as soon as the wind died down.
As it turned out, Huguenot Memorial Beach was a short distance from Mayport Naval Station. We could see the beach across the shipping lane in front of our campsite, but didn’t realize it was the Park. We drove there early with Mortimer in tow.
Other than a few fishermen and a gaggle of gulls (above), we had the beach to ourselves. Across the inlet, I spotted our trailer sitting on the front row of Pelican Roost Campground. I took some pictures, but unfortunately, I had the wrong light setting on my camera, and the images had a blue cast. Editing improved them a bit, but only a bit. Nevertheless, we enjoyed being outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. Thanks, Suzanne!
The next thing on our checklist was a visit to St. Augustine, about 40 miles to the south. My sister, LeAnn, and brother-in-law, Marty, live on the east coast of Florida and drove over to meet us for lunch. Helen and I visited St. Augustine on a previous trip to Mayport and loved walking through the historic district, browsing the small alleys and the shops found there. Helen and I walked to Faux Paws, a shop for all things “dog,” and found a few gifts for Mortimer–his boxers were in a bunch because we left him in the campground.
LeAnn chose Columbia Restaurant for lunch, famous for the 1905 Salad, a trademark dish prepared there. Helen and I were treated to this salad by our dear friend and neighbor, Dottie, who served it at a dinner party in her home, complete with the dressing sold by the restaurant. The salad is delightful and includes lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, and olives. This salad is a meal by itself, and the delicious vinegar blend dressing is lovely.
LeAnn, Marty, and Helen ordered a half-salad and a Cuban sandwich. I ordered the larger serving of the 1905. A waitress prepared the salads at our table with very practiced hands. It was delicious! Helen and I said our goodbyes and hustled back to Mayport to appease Mortimer and shower him with his gifts.
We wanted to do something special on our last night in Jacksonville. A fellow camper said that the “Seafood Shack,” near Mayport was the place for excellent seafood meals. We decided to check it out. If we had not had a recommendation, I would not have eaten even canned food in this place from the outside appearance. Singleton’s Seafood Shack was aptly named and featured creaky board floors, faded wooden walls, and bar stools with uneven legs. Nevertheless, our shrimp and oyster platters were divine.
We enjoyed calm winds and warm temperatures when we left Jacksonville the next day. Our next stop was Coastline RV Resort in Eastpoint, FL, on the Gulf, near Apalachicola, Florida, the Oyster Capitol of the World. We arrived at temperatures above 70 degrees. The campground is excellent, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The grounds are well-maintained, and the showers are immaculate. Our site is pointed directly toward the Gulf and offers an excellent view of the rising sun.
The next day, we decided to do what everyone else does–drive to Apalachicola and order fresh oysters for lunch. I finished off a dozen…raw. We went to St. George Island beach and walked Mortimer for exercise the following day. We’re here for a week and look forward to every day. Residents refer to this area as “The Forgotten Coast.” So far, I have found it filled with memories to treasure. Come back next week, and I’ll share a few more.
Good to see you Joe,
I was getting worried.
Ernie Pitt
Good morning, Ernie,
I’m still alive and kickin’. We moved a little slower over the holidays and didn’t have much for blog material. We’re on the road for six weeks on this trip and should be a bit more active. Great to hear from you. Hope you’re doing well. Please stay in touch. Joe
Although it looks cold, I’m sure the weather in FL was nicer than in TN. It’s always a joy visiting with family. Nice to see you out and about exploring.
Hi, Ingrid,
Our weather has improved greatly, and we’re moving about in a balmy 65 degrees. Apalachicola and St. George Island are beautiful places to visit this time of the year. I’m sure your part of the world is buzzing with snowbirds right now. We have a Canadian couple camping next to us, and they come here every year. Have a great week! Joe
I’m sooooo o jealous of the oysters! Could eat a dozen myself! Also, our family spent trips to St. George several years ago. Have fun Easin’ along!
Hi, Ginny,
The Oysters were incredibly delicious and fresh. I’m returning today for more while Helen goes to St. George to play pickleball with Sam Beall’s granddaughter. Life is good! Thanks for stopping by. Say “hi” to John for us. Joe
We love Apalachicola! John’s cousin lives there. His uncle (once removed) was an oyster expert and had a home in the historic area. Enjoy!
Good morning, Linda!
There’s a lot to love about Apalachicola. There is a ban on oyster harvesting in the bay right now to allow the population to build up. That would be an interesting conversation to have with John’s uncle. Nevertheless, the oysters I had were fabulous. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great week! Joe
Joe, that is so funny. I had a feeling you might be close to Huguenot Park, but I didn’t realize you were that close. Malcolm and I first spotted the park because of the dunes but it wasn’t clear how to reach them. We turned around and started taking every available turn until we figured it out. Even with the wrong light setting it looks as beautiful as I remember.
Our favorite place for oysters in Apalachicola is ‘Up the Creek Raw Bar’. Be sure to check it out before you move on.
We enjoyed our warm temperatures while they lasted. I hear we will be getting cold weather again tomorrow. It has probably reached you guys already. Stay warm.
Suzanne,
I owe you! We had a delightful time at Huguenot Park. I stared at the beach for several days before we went there but had no idea what I was looking at until we drove over and spotted our trailer across the inlet. “Up the Creek” is on the “do list” for later this week…gotta pace ourselves. I don’t want oyster overload (LOL).
Our nights are chilly (40s), but our days are comfortable and hover in the 60s. No rain in the forecast. Loving it! Great to hear from you, and thanks again for the suggestions.
Listen, Joe. If you keep dining at every highly recommended restaurant along the Florida coast, it’s not going to be Mortimer who needs to walk for exercise! Seriously, it sounds like you and Helen are having an absolutely delightful time on this trip. We’ll be thinking of you fondly (and with envy) as we work to clear the four inches of heavy wet snow nature gifted us yesterday. Please have a little extra fun on our behalf!
Mary,
Seafood Shack and Hole in the Wall Raw Bar are not classified as Fine Dining but are my kind of place. Columbia was awesome but an exception to my usual fare. We are having an incredible trip so far, with more fun places to explore yet to come. Please stay with us, and stay warm up there! Joe
Well, you know we’re disappointed to not be there in Apalachicola while you’re visiting! Glad you’re having fun and enjoying the abundant seafood. We love Hole in the Wall, too. And if you get tired of seafood try Cafe con Leche for delicious tacos or arepas. It’s downtown across from the waterfront. 🙂 Love that you dressed up for church, haha!!
Hi, Laurel,
I hoped we might meet up, but we’ll try again. Our campground is in Eastpoint, and we drive past the area where you lived when traveling from Apalachicola on our way to and from the campground. We had oysters at Lynn’s Seafood yesterday; they were the best ever! Glad you liked my Sunday outfit, but it was just a little something I threw together. LOL! Travel safely. I’m looking forward to reading all about your trip. Joe