Travel Along With Us

We always traveled within the Southern states but with retirement we reached into our bucket and pulled out places that were only names on the map before.  Tonight I start a rambling record of where we have been and where we dream of going. 

When we travel several themes dominate - like is there a good locally owned restaurant within the area?  Any historical sites or physical geographic features?  And if somehow, family history weaves into the trip it is all the more fun.  In fact, tracing family history was what started us on this journey of sideroads.  Each time I'd discover a new line, the next spring break we'd head out to see where our forefathers lived.  American history became our personal history as we found the charming villages they once called home in eras long ago.  Both the journey and the family unfolding brought new appreciation for being American. 

As I write this "travel along" it will weave the miles with food and family and fun.  Come along.

3/2012:  Our last journey was a short one for a family wedding. 

We left Orlando (our home) on the crowded highways of I-4 and I-95 to Jacksonville.  Traffic was fierce coming out of Orlando with tourists, bikers and trucks.  It is Bike Week in Daytona.  I usually ride and David drives so driving the SUV made me nervous, and I made him nervous especially when I edged the pavement one time.

 Vintage Postcard from Ribault Club

We arrived in time to dress and hurry across the St John's River over a super high bridge on our way to Fort George Island which is close to Amelia Island.  We left the main road onto the land of the old Kingsley Plantation, run by the National Park Service.  We passed tabby ruins of the slave quarters and down a curving road to the Club Ribault where under moss laden trees, a lovely bride and groom pledged their troth for better or worse.   Deep in this old setting was an enchanted twenties club house where friends danced the night away. 

Since we're on retirement time, we drove home Highway 1 to Highway 50 which cuts Florida in two.  Both of these roads are among the earliest built in Florida. 

Photo credit fortmose.org

As we crossed into St. Augustine, we turned left to Fort Mose, the first free community of ex-slaves.  Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose was built in 1738.  We stepped into the world of the old Indian/African-American fort where run away English slaves lived free as a buffer for the Spanish soldiers stationed at Fort San Marcos and their homes and families in St. Augustine.  Twice they escaped to the city to help fight against General Oglethrope and his English troops.  The leader of the group was Francisco Menendez, a slave who remembered freedom in Africa.  There is an interactive museum with the historic figures of Fort Mose and a boardwalk over the marshes to view the location of the fort.  Picnic tables and restrooms are also available.     For more information, Fort Mose has a great website.

We tried to eat in St. Augustine, one of our favorite Forida towns, but the crowds got there first so we continued south on HWY 1 to the crossroads to Crescent Beach where a barbeque hut poured out smoke and people.  We jumped right in line.   The people in front of us said the ribs were great and the lady behind us always orders the beach bucket to picnic on the beach. Both were returnees.  We ordered a pork sandwich which was excellent and a brisket which was tough and great baked beans and ordinary slaw.  No tables so we pulled under the shade of a tree to eat.

By time we got to New Smyrna the bikers took over, and we joined their parade on the highway as they pulled in and out of one bar and flea market after another.  For the next fifty miles we stopped and started vicariously riding with them.  We saw the expected tatooes, the long hair, the fat bulging over the tires, the girls hanging on.  There was an excitement of fun and happiness among the group despite the slow pace and building heat.  It was a happening and I'm so glad we were a part of it even if from an air conditioned SUV - our road hog.  

We called Dixie Crossroads, Titusville  321-268-5000 and asked to be put on their wait list.  A little over an hour later, we were eating their wonderful corn fritters followed by their famous rock shrimp.  Red shrimp were also in season so we ordered a side.  They really are the sweetest.  I love the rock shrimp for each little bite tastes like lobster dipped in butter.  Don't go for one dozen, make your order two dozen at least.   They are just that delicious. 

Thus ended out adventure as we turned west on HWY 50, crossing through Christmas (named for an old fort built by 2,000 soldiers and volunteers during the Second Seminole War on Christmas Day, 1837) and into Orlando.   Fort Christmas has a replica of the fort plus seven restored "Cracker" homes showing the pioneer life of the 1870's. Special events are held through out the year. 

Florida is dotted by over 200 old forts built during the Second Seminole Wars (1835 - 1842).  That is why so many Florida towns have Fort in their names - Fort Myers, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale.  Some forts are today known just by their names such as Maitland and the Gatlin area of Orlando.  Forts were established every twenty miles which was as far as a soldier could march in a day.

As the clock ticks down on this trip and day... good night, sleep tight on your journeys.  Dede