Everything is actually starting to settle into a routine. We both commented on how much neater we are and how much more organized as well. “Everything in its place and a place for everything” is the tagline for this paragraph. It makes for instant happiness. Remember how we worried about how we were going to fit “all this stuff”? We could’ve brought even more! It’s amazing how much fits into this home on wheels. We only partially filled the wardrobes and the two big storage bins above the bed are empty. Even the rear trunk is only about half full. I’m glad we had weighed the RV during our trip in late Sept. to get an idea of how much weight we can safely add.

After breakfast, we took off in our Focus to Atlantic Beach, which is 8 miles due south of here as the crow flies. But, being that we’re in a tidal wetlands area, you can’t get there by road in only 8 miles. It’s more of a 45 minute drive back to the Jacksonville beltway. Or, the quicker option is to take the ferry, which is a continuance of A1A. The ride is 15 minutes and driving is another 10. Cost is $6 each way. 

Once we made it to Atlantic Beach, we had blue skies and temperatures in the low 80’s. Our destination was to Sherry and John’s beach house. It’s funny that I write here that it’s a beach house because that’s what I thought it was. Oh! Was I wrong. It’s a beautiful 3 bedroom rancher with a man-cave over the large garage. They have a small lounging pool, too. Their dog, Henry, is so cute. He’s a small labradoodle who’s a lot younger than Pogo. With bountiful energy, he just wanted to play.

Lunch out in town was the first order of the afternoon, and we had a great nuevo mexicano meal at the Flying Iguana. It’s actually in Neptune Beach. Atlantic Beach does not have a small village of shops and restaurants, but defers to its southern neighbor for these services a block away.

Post lunch took us to a stroll of the beach where Henry and John play together every day. It felt great to feel the sand on your feet and the sun on your face on such a beautiful day.

Sherry, Ellen and John. Photo by Ken.

In the sand, we spotted a prickly pear plant bearing purple fruit. I’ve never seen these with their fruit before.

Prickly pear and fruit

Next was a visit to the town center, which had an exhibit of old maps and photos dating back to early settlers. It was an interesting exhibit.

After a wonderful visit, on our way back to the ferry, we stopped at the local fresh fish market right near the ferry and bought fresh mahi-mahi for dinner. We managed to get back to our campsite before dark. It’s supposed to turn a bit cooler tonight and Wednesday.

Tomorrow, we head for Fernandina Beach for some errands and to see Ft. Clinch, recommended by Sean Ellis, who worked for us way back in 2001.