The Ray Adventures: Fort Stewart, Ga & Maport Naval Station Jacksonville, Fl.

We finally arrived in Florida, the 26th state, 1 Canadian Province, DC and 6,751 miles since we left Rockport last January. We have one more stop to make before we get to our destination, Tampa, at least for a couple of weeks anyway. We are both ready to kick back, relax and get bored, although I'm leaving Wednesday for Oregon for a week. It has been quite a trip, so much so it makes my head swim to think about everywhere we have been.

Friday, Sept. 18, We left a little before 11 for a short drive of only 122 miles to Savannah, Ga. We are staying at Fort Stewart Holbrook Pond Campground south of Savannah. It's a nice park, nice big spaces in a wooded area, almost feels like we are camping out in the forest but with amenities. Ft. Stewart, 280,000 acres, during WWII was a POW Camp. Now it is home to the 3rd Infantry Division, their main mission is artillery training. We hear "booms" quite often, not sure if it is tanks shooting but on the drive in to the base there are several "Tank Crossing" signs. The large pond near the RV park has alligators swimming around. Across the pond from the "Don't feed the alligators" sign is a children's playground with no barrier from the water. I guess it is "ok" for the gator to munch on young kids. At the Outdoor Recreation office where we check in are 3 posters warning you of poisonous snakes, insects and plants. Made me think twice about staying there.

Saturday, Sept. 19, After 3 days with a tummy bug I finally feel human. Gary went to the National Museum of the Mighty Eights Air just north of Savannah, which showcases the story of American air power in WWII through today. Several planes on display including a B-17 Flying Fortress undergoing a complete refurbishing. Memorial Gardens and a Chapel honor the 26,000 lost in WWII. One exit north is an Outlet Mall where I found retail therapy was good for what ails you. Found some great deals at Talbots. We met for lunch at Cracker Barrel before heading out to Tybee Island Lighthouse, one of the first public structures in Georgia, originally completed in 1736, stands 154 feet, still shines over Savannah Harbor. We could have climbed the 178 step spiral staircase, our excuse, again, too darned hot! 90 plus degrees with high humidity. We picked up a few geo caches in the area, walked on the beach and I waded in the Atlantic. It felt like bathwater unlike the Pacific.

Sunday, Sept. 20, We went into Savannah, General James Oglethorpe founded Savannah, Georgia's oldest city, in 1733. He laid out the town in 22 squares, the centerpiece of the squares varied, fountains, statues and parks. Around each square are some of the most beautiful homes and 300-500 year old Live Oak trees laden with Spanish Moss. Oglethorpe figured since it was his town he could prohibit whatever he wanted, in this case, liquor, slaves, Catholics and lawyers. As time went by all four prohibitions fell aside, even letting lawyers in. We decided to take a Hop On/Off trolley tour, our driver/guide Debbie was a lot of fun, originally from Idaho has lived in Savannah for 16 years and loving it! The narrated part of the tour lasted 90 minutes, after we "hopped" off at City Market, a four block conglomeration of refurbished warehouses that's been a gathering place since the mid 18th century. Just down the street was Paula Deen's restaurant and store, looked like a tourist mecca. We walked down to River Street, paved from the stones from 1700 ship's ballast, not many rocks in Savannah. We lunched at Moon River Brewing Co., originally an old hotel. There are lots of ghosts in Savannah, they have several Ghost Tours available nightly. The tour had 14 stops with almost 50 other points of interest along the way. It was so hot we just stopped at the riverfront, Colonial Park Cemetery and the city's first Catholic Church. The Colonial Park Cemetery was for many years the only burying grounds in the city. During the Civil War General Sherman stabled his horses in the cemetery, most of the headstones were destroyed. The remaining head stones may or may not belong to the grave. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was originally completed in 1896 then rebuilt in 1899 after a fire. It features marble railings, floors and alter, beautiful stained glass windows, a 2,081 pipe organ, murals and wood-carved stations of the cross. So beautiful!

Monday, Sept. 21, We left Holbrook Pond about 11 for our 135 mile drive south to Jacksonville, Fl., we are staying at Mayport Naval Station. The Navy has the best Fam Camp's, we are right on the St. John's River for just $21.00 a night. On the way we stopped at the Florida Welcome Center to check out the Sun Pass so we won't have to stop at the toll booths. We were able to purchase a portable pass we can use on both coach and car, for a price $21.40 including tax then loaded $50.00 on the card for the tolls. Yikes! After we settled in we took Luci out for a walk to check out our new neighborhood. We let Luci off leash on the beach (against the rules) she ran and ran, played in the surf, drank salt water then rolled and rolled in the sand. What a dog. We gave her a bath outside with cold water. We aren't too sure who got wetter, her or us. I BBq'd a salmon burger (for me) and a yummy looking steak for Gary. Delish.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, Took it pretty easy today, walking the dog and the usual chores.

Wednesday, Sept. 23, While Gary slept in, Luci and I walked the PT track then down to the beach. It was breezy and overcast, perfect for a good workout. We left Luci in the coach while we went into Jacksonville, mainly to see Everbank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. No tours were available for the general public, we walked around the stadium enjoying the cooler weather. We picked up a few geo caches in the area before lunching downtown at River City Brewing Co., on the St. John's River. Gary had a delicious French dip, I made the mistake of ordering a salmon sandwich. I know better to get salmon anywhere besides the northwest. The weather was still wonderful, we ate outside overlooking the marina. On the way back to base the rain started, slowly at first then picking up. The weatherman said in our area it was 1 - 2 inches of rain per hour, while east of I-95 was perfectly dry. Luci did not want to go outside. There have been 4 shark attacks in the Jacksonville area this week, one guy was only waist deep. I'm glad I only went in up to my ankles.

That's it for this week, enjoy the pic's.

TTFN,

Gary and Pam