Smoking Ribs

Smoking ribs for supper with Gary & Liz

St. Augustine

 Sunday visit to St. Augustine

Boating St John's River

 Thank you Dave and Linda Everhard for taking us boatiung on the St. John's River

Stopped for lunch at Renegades on the River

 

Beach Day

 

Bech was pretty empty for a Sunday

Beach Day

 

2024 Eclipse - Ohio

Total Solar Eclipse over Ohio on April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile wide stretch of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse – where the moon appears to totally obscure the sun. And for those not in the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be viewable. A total solar eclipse is a rare and unique event. Ohio's last visible total solar eclipse was over 200 years ago - in 1806!

Silver Springs 5k

 

Enjoy a beautiful trail run at Silver Springs State Park! Come for the run and stay for the fun! Following the race enjoy Florida Silver Springs and its crystal clear water and legendary glass bottom boats.

The main spring is surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures reminiscent of the days when Silver Springs was a major destination for Northerners arriving by steamship. The park is still a favorite destination and the home of the annual Springsfest celebrating the protection and restoration of all Florida springs and waterways. The Silver River allows kayakers to experience a primeval forest wilderness surrounded by some of the state’s best-managed sandhills, accessible by trails and dotted with friendly campgrounds.

 

Manatee Release Welaka FL

Jeni got to attaned the release of Latke in Welaka, FL.

           

          

                    

Welaka, FL

Rivership Barbara-Lee

 Lunch cruise

The Rivership Barbara-Lee is an authentic sternwheeler that sails the St. Johns River.  The ship measures 105 feet from stem to stern and was built in 1986, refurbished in 2012 for its inaugural St. Johns River cruise.  Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and wooden paddle wheels, the Barbara-Lee exudes the elegance of historical steamers on the St. Johns River.

The ship has five decks and can accommodate up to 194 guests, making it suitable for hosting events of varying sizes. All enclosed decks have climate control.

The Barbara-Lee uses diesel engines for the twin paddlewheels, ensuring safety and reliability compared to traditional steam engines.  The St. Johns River has a rich history, dating back to the early 1500s when it was explored by Europeans.  Steamboats were first known to sail the St. Johns River in the 1830s, becoming a vital link between north and central Florida.  Tourism to Florida boomed in the late 19th century, and Jacksonville became a gateway to the warm winter retreats in Central Florida.

General Henry S. Sanford purchased land on Lake Monroe, creating a river port city that eventually became the City of Sanford.  By the late 19th century, approximately 150 steamships operated on the St. Johns River, carrying significant freight and passengers.

Today, the St. Johns Rivership Co. revives the traditions of historical sternwheelers and celebrates America’s great sternwheeler heritage.

St. Johns Rivership Co

Bottle Brushes

 Lots of blooms on the bottle brush bushes this year