Jacksonville, Fl. April 12 - 15

Uneventful trip down Rte 95. Arrived at an amazingly upscale house on the outskirts of the city. It is so fully complemented that one has need for nothing. Even a bottle of wine, etc.

Since they were still grooming the lawn when we arrived early, we decided to get some lunch before checking in. We went to a Dominican restaurant nearby. Lilia loved it but it bothered my stomach all night. A little too greasy I think.

Got back to the house and checked in. Lilia started the laundry and I started looking for the parts to repair my mobility scooter. Finally found two used front wheels on Ebay. Made arrangements with the seller to have them shipped to a friend's address in Merritt Island. Hopefully there by the end of the week.

Had some cereal for supper & watched the news.

Wednesday: got up early with some stomach discomfort and started working on this blog.

Once we both got ready, decided to go to St. Augustine (about 25 miles south of here). What an awesome place; and with so much history! Did you know that St. Augustine (1565) was the first city in America. Jamestown was second (1607). Since we didn't have my scooter we were unable to do a lot of walking, so we went on a tour that took us everywhere. It was very enlightening. We also stopped by the courthouse to see a museum that had a very interesting story about slaves being freed in Florida while the rest of the slave states maintained.

I believe I actually walked more today than I have in a couple years. Still have to stop about every half block to catch my breath. We stopped at a grill and had super, then came home. There is so much to see and do in St. Augustine that it would take a month to complete! We did find the "Fountain of Youth" although it didn't seem to help us much (actually - at all!)

Thursday we went to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Interestingly, they will NOT let you in unless you get your ticket online. Even if you don't have a cellphone, you need to have a friend with you who does. Hmmm! Anyway, we did rent a mobility scooter and spent the day enjoying the zoo. It is very well done and not overwhelming. Saw a Cassowary for only the second time after seeing one for the first time in the wild in Australia! After we left we picked up some take out and ate at the Airbnb. Packed up in preparation for the next stop.

Friday morning left for Orlando.

NOTE from the Usual Suspects text messenger: Lunch at Puerto Plata Dominican restaurant in Jacksonville, FL. Cheers! / We'll dedicate the next few days to try to fix the chariot, do laundry and organize the mess we have in the van. / Yeah. We have to work some domesticity into the adventure. I really hope it can be fixed. We are not staying anywhere long enough to order another ride... / No scooter and Jerry is walking! Slowly but surely. We followed your advice and came to St. Augustine. Amazing!!! / At this moment we have no scooter information or situation. Hopefully the parts will arrive by the end of the week in Orlando. / Dave & Lu, hope you guys are having a good trip to Austin. Are you there yet? Actually this scooter is not a problem at this point in time. Just hope I get the wheels sent to the right address in Orlando. Can always get some tools at the store. Yesterday we went to Saint Augustine and I didn't use my scooter all day of course and everything was fine. We just had to walk a lot less that's all. Again, safe trip. Please say hi to Andrew, Allison and family. Love / Good morning family! We are enjoying the first cup of coffee. Elixir of the gods! Hope we can get Jerry's wheels sorted out soon, although, without the scooter, he's forced to walk, which is good, I I don't have to do a marathon.