Sat., Dec 29/12

We are at Ocean Grove RV Park until tomorrow.


LNM (Liz, Nick & Marty) left early in the morning to hit the St. Augustine Outlet Malls.

We didn't make the same move until almost noon. So nice to have the top off on the Del Sol allowing us to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

"Old Town" St. Augustine was packed. Folks come here not only for the Outlet Malls; but also for the "Nights of Lights" and the Fireworks on New Year's Eve.

It was much easier today navigating through the Outlet Malls without the 60 feet of motorhome with car in tow. A lot easier in the car. Our lesson from yesterday - go to the west entrance to avoid the "crawl" at the first entrance; but come out the East Entrance as it has a traffic light which the wst entrance does not.

Walked the mall and had a slice of pizza at the food court for lunch. Our only purchases were silicone oven gloves at the kitchen store and a set of Pyrex bowls at the Corningware store.

My plan for the "Nights of Lights" in Old Town was to stop at the Visitor Center (straight east (SR-16) from the Outlet Malls to Ponce De Leon (US-1). Here there is free parking and if you buy your ticket before 5 pm for the Old Town "Holly Jolly" Trolley it is $8 each not $9. A shuttle picked us up and brought us downtown to the "Nights of Lights" departure at the old town parking garage.

For the tour each person receives "Magic Glasses" that turn the over 2 million decorative lights into "Snowflakes". The glasses turn all lights into snowflakes - the best are the traffic lights. If you move your head "side to side" slightly the snowflakes will rotate a little in each direction.

The trolley snakes in and out of the streets (many - narrow and one way) in Old Town. A few stopping points let folks off and on. One venue offers free hot cider and cookies. The historic Bed and Breakfast homes were all beautifully decorated.  The trolley plays upbeat christmas songs and many join in singing. Everytime we pass a restaurant or other trolley everyone shouted "Happy New Year".

The shuttle returned us to the visitor center. From there we were able to take US-1 to SR-312 an avoid the crush of traffic in Old Town.

SR-312 at US-1 has virtually every major chain restaurant that exists. We ate at Chili's.

SR-312 to AIA and back to Ocean Grave RV Resort. Although we both travelled  on our own LNM arrived back within minutes of our return. They also enjoyed the  "Nights of Lights" Trolley Tour.

Soon we were bedded down as we had a busy day and will need to be up early to prepare for departure. Liz reserved for all 4 RV's at the Orange Blossom KOA in Apopka, FL.