There is a River

There is a river in North Florida called the St. Marks River. From the City of St. Marks where it meets with the Wakulla River, it flows out to the Gulf of Mexico.

It is among the more scenic of rivers in Florida and is full of great wildlife. Fish, alligator and of course the Manatee. Abundant bird wildlife is everywhere. The brown pelican, egrets, herons and a host of others fill these waters to hunt for food.  Many also become a source of food for the upper food chain.

For thousands of years the Native Americans who first lived in this "Big Bend" area of Florida used this river for food, travel and refuge. In fact, St. Marks still remains a city of refuge. Little known among the Florida Tourist scene, it offers a grand opportunity to experience Florida "the way it used to be." St. Marks has a light foot print from the hand of mankind, thanks to a devastating hurricane which pushed city dwellers further inland to nearby Tallahassee. The result is a lovely small fishing community where peace and serenity abound.

In the early morning light one can stand outside with coffee in hand and listen to the whining of an outboard engine as it pushes its way out to the open waters of the sea.  A visit to the local Grocery is always an interesting time. Operated by Miss Joy, there is always a good conversation awaiting the welcomed patrons. An original general store, there is something to be found by everyone. Everything from groceries to plumbing parts, to fresh cut meats, its all inside. While there, enjoy a good cup of coffee as well, the pot is always on.


A good nights sleep at the Sweet Magnolia Inn gets you ready for the adventures afforded here in this sleepy little town. Sweet Magnolia offers a friendly staff and fine accommodations at reasonable prices, which include a generous breakfast that always taste great.
While there, be sure to check out the gardens and beautiful foliage which combine to make your stay a more private get away.

When you combine bike paths, a National Park facility, with great local people and a beautiful quiet river, there is no place else that can offer such a great vacation without breaking the bank.

Yes, there is a river, and it's called The St. Marks.

Seriously St. Augustine

Bay front on the Mantanza

For over four centuries the beautiful shores of St. Augustine have been welcoming people. In fact, since 1565, people of all walks of life have been traveling to the scenic city. As America's first city, St. Augustine has been a safe harbor for all who will come, regardless of social standing, wealth, ethnicity or religion.

From early missions and places of 

Mass to later day sturdy fortifications, this enchanting city has well stood the test of time. The city has also retained its calling and allure. Picturesque scenes such as this little Mission, the beautiful bay front, and historic Castillo de San Marco offer tourist, artist and historians alike something of interest. Early Spaniards, Pirates, British, Minorcans, and a host of other nationalities came and were greeted by the native american indians who were already here. Just as they came, hundreds of thousands continue to visit each year making St. Augustine one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State of Florida.

Hurricanes and tropical storms have battered it. Cannon Balls have been fired upon it. The flames of raging fire have tried to destroy it and dishearten its inhabitants. In 1821, Florida became a U.S. Territory, it was also the year that Yellow Fever tried to wipe out the City of St. Augustine. Through years of uprisings and onslaughts, St. Augustine has always arisen victorious. 

She offers to those who will come, a peace and serenity that is found in lush tropical foliage, hundreds of years of history that you can reach out and touch, and longtime inhabitants who welcome you with open arms. She never turns anyone away and says to all who will come, this is a place where a new life begins. This is the strength of the city. It is what keeps it alive and vibrant. With the past so close at hand, the future is easily found and embraced.  Loving St. Augustine is easy. Leaving her is hard. Coming back is the only way to survive. 

Knots and Life

I received a great book for Christmas from my wife. You can see it posted here in this blog. It is the Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework, by Geoffrey Budworth.

I have always been intrigued by both knots and ropes. As a youngster in Boy Scouts, I fell in love with knots and how something so simple could suddenly become powerful and strong. Ropes do the work we cannot do, supplying the strength that comes from interweaving singular strands of fabric into one rope.
Both are necessary and are ever evolving as time goes on. Some styles are no longer used, while others remain constant year after year.

We can learn a lot about life by looking at rope and knots and how they work. Ropes are smaller cords bound together for a universal function. We see everyday applications of this in Families, Churches, Civic Organizations and Cities across our nation. Ropes are tied together using knots. Knots really serve only one purpose. To hold objects in one place so tightly that they cannot possibly come loose.

Here is how knots apply to everyday living. These knots work sometime securing objects as their purpose was intended. At other times, they slip, stretch or become weak. The control is lost.

 Life throws things at us. Sometime, we lose control too. What do we do then? Like so many before us, we have to tie a knot in that rope and hang on for dear life. The point is, we all have our ups and downs, good and bad times. But keep pressing on........ your time is coming.

The old adage says, "This too shall pass." When you're in the heat of life's battles it's sometimes hard to see your way. So if you can't see clearly... grasp that rope..... find or tie a knot in it and hang on! Help is on the way.