This past weekend, The Wife and I trekked up to St. Augustine to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Day 1

Good news! Your B&B is like a block off the historic district. By the way, this place gets a bit loud on St. Paddy’s.

Um, yeah. There is something surreal about hearing bagpipes clashing with piano show tunes while trying to read a book on the French Revolution. For the record, St. Patrick’s Day in downtown St. Augustine is a bit on the raucous side.

Recommendation: Mojo Barbecue. Good food and great service.

Day 2

Went to the fort. Disappointed they no longer do weapons displays due to covid. The wife got a juvenile laugh when I explained that mortars fired “big balls”. We could see a huge plume of smoke from the city, which was slightly disconcerting. Never found out what that was about. And of course I’m wondering if someone’s used the fort as part of a zombie story.

At the wife’s urging, I am now in possession of a Stetson-style hat. She says I look good in it. I think I look like a bad wish dot com Australian extra. I also have to remember to take it off when unslinging the pack. Still, I can see some times where a hat like that might come in handy.

Spent the day going into the various shops in the historic district. The Wife was suitably impressed with most of what I keep in my sling bag. There was also a run to Target for bits and bobs that didn’t make it into our suitcase or my bag. Some Easter candy also followed us home.

Recommendation: Bull & Crown Publick House – excellent fish and chips

Day 3

Started the day with a hike over to the Lightner museum. That was pretty nifty with all of the different curios and art pieces. Then, we hiked over to the Oldest House museum. I picked up another chunk of coquina. Yes, it’s touristy, but I got one when we went to St. Augustine on our honeymoon. And I like that kind of continuity. We also saw an exhibit of old maps of Florida/St. Augustine. Then it was a hike back to the main historic district shopping area. Through some sort of Indian cultural festival. Let’s say between the increased noise, the hiking, and soreness, we were annoyed when lunch was – difficult. The Colombia was reservation-only, the place we got fish and chips was closed (WTF?), two other places were closed. Finally picked up Cuban sandwiches and went back to the room for a much needed siesta. The Wife wanted a nifty hat of her own, as well as some souvenirs for family. So, we ventured forth and ended back at Mojo BBQ for dinner. The Wife was introduced to burnt ends. Enjoyable dinner and then retiring for the evening.

Recommendation: Cuban Cafe and Bakery. Not a bad Cuban sandwich.

Day 4

Last day in St. Augustine. Mostly due to my homesickness and desire to sleep in my own bed. We rushed around to get some souvenirs, see Magnolia Street (highly recommended), and check out. I must say that the 44 Spanish Inn was excellent. Particularly the breakfasts. We will most likely be returning to that B&B when we go back to St. Augustine.

The drive home was long, but The Wife got into the first book of Fred the Vampire Accountant series. It was odd for me, because that series is one of my “comfort” book series and I’m used to listening it to on 2x. Which The Wife hates.

Recommendation: Sweet FSM, it’s good to be home.