Day 20, 21, & 22 - Bluegrass Special - Heading Home

On Saturday 9/27 I enjoyed my final walk with Sheryl in St Augustine. We found a farmer's market setting up in the Amphitheater. We walked through at the end of our walk. It's probably a good thing that neither of us had any money! I was checking out the food and Sheryl was ogling over the metal art!

We came back to the rigs and sat out and enjoyed morning beverages and good friends company! Since Gary & Sheryl did not tow their car, they left first and we followed them into the parking lot, so we could hook up the car.

We headed out on 312 and eventually got on FL 207 towards Palatka. To get into Palatka, you must cross the St Johns River on the Memorial Bridge. Four life-like copper statues, commemorating the soldiers who served, stand at both ends of the Memorial Bridge. They are affectionately known as World War I Doughboy Statues. The statues guard the base of the bridge on both sides. They were erected on the site by nationally known artist E.M. Viguesney of Spencer, Indiana. The statues have been given national publicity and nearly one hundred other statues like them have been erected to date. The “Spirit of the American Doughboy” is the only statue in the world that has the endorsement of the American Legion as being 100 percent perfect. It never was; in fact (endorsed by the American Legion), Viquesney was forced by legal action in 1936 to cease such claims.

After Palatka, we turned onto US 19. We passed by the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. It is the location where Evans Media Source has an annual Bluegrass Festival. It is always the same time when we are in Key West with Yankee RV Tours. Maybe someday we can attend.

Along this route, it is designated as The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. It is a 123-mile National Scenic Byway in central Florida, named for the endangered Florida black bear populations that inhabit the route. It runs east-west along State Road 40 from Ormond Beach to Silver Springs and north-south along State Road 19 from Palatka to Umatilla, showcasing the state's natural beauty through the Ocala National Forest and other conservation lands. The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is filled with long, undisturbed stretches of natural Florida and pine-scented air. See an array of wildlife in the Ocala National Forest, the centerpiece of the byway. Designated in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the forest is home to rare and endangered plants and animals found nowhere else. 

It is also home to huge springs that discharge incredible amounts of cool, crystalline water that feed clear streams lined with lush subtropical vegetation. Located west of the Ocala National Forest is the Silver Springs Park, one of the largest spring systems in the world. Catch a glimpse of the beautiful views given by the Ocklawaha, St. Johns, and Tomoka Rivers.

I love my "crossing signs." And a Bear crossing sign is perfect to see on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway! A Bear Crossing Sign is essential for alerting drivers to areas where bears are known to cross roads, helping to prevent accidents and protect wildlife. Florida's biggest bear populations are around Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest and Big Cypress National Preserve, each with as many as 1,000 bears.

The Ocala National Forest boasts approximately 387,000 acres of varied terrain, from highlands to coastal lowlands. It’s also dotted with more than 600 swamps, lakes, rivers and springs. The forest is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the state’s largest populations of Florida black bears and scrub jays. Alligators, white-tailed deer and numerous small animals—foxes, raccoons, river otters, skunks, squirrels, bats, gopher tortoises, armadillos and more—also live here among the wooded oak hammocks, palm trees and cypress-studded wetland prairies. In addition to being a popular spot for camping and on-the-water leisure, the Ocala National Forest has a few interesting claims to fame. The movie The Yearling was filmed at the Yearling Trail near the Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Juniper Springs. The US Navy does live impact training at its Pinecastle Bombing Range in the forest, and visitors can often see F/A-18 Hornet jet fighters and other aircraft flying low over the trees before dropping their bombs in the designated range a safe distance away. The ghost town of Kerr City—the second town in Marion County, platted in 1884—is also located in the forest, having been deserted after the freezes of 1894 and 1895.

In Umatilla, we passed a sign for the "FL Elks Youth Camp." The Florida Elks Youth Camp is a recreational, outdoor camp that is open to campers who are nine through thirteen years old to attend. What I like best is they are unplugged, with no electronics used at camp for any reason. Campers spend the days participating in large-group games outside and socializing with their peers. We have toured the camp a few times with our Elks lodge. It is a very cool place!

We went through Eustis and followed roads we have traveled many times. We turned onto US 27 and arrived at Encore Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort. Our home for a few nights!

Enjoyed late lunch and a beer at Suncreek Brewery in Clermont. Suncreek was Clermont's first craft brewery located in the historic downtown development district. Together with our three onsite restaurants and an open concept, it offers an immersive and fun atmosphere to imbibe, visit and dine." Suncreek opened on Sept. 18th 2018 but had five years of development before they were able to open. After several locations fell through, they were introduced to Downtown Clermont via the Clermont ‘Master Plan’. After meeting with City Officials and partnering with local developer Paul Fallman - they were off! But, like many 'overnight success stories', it took years to realize the dream of opening a real brewery.

Once the decision was made to try and open a 'real' brewery, they went all in! They were able to move into all-grain brewing and develop the base recipes that are in production and distribution today such as Sun Squishy IPA. While the owner Bill has been brewing since college, developing recipes like Save the Blonde, Sun Squishy IPA, Moonlight Chocolate Milk Stout, and End Run Pale Ale began as 10 gallon batches in a garage - where most breweries get their start. They finally gained enough confidence to share their beer with the public. Their very first beer fest was one of the biggest, the Orlando Beer Fest. It took four weekends of brewing to get enough beer ready.

Downtown Clermont is on the rise and Suncreek Brewing Company is proud to play a small part in the city's downtown revitalization. It's fair to say they're located on the "new" West Minneola Ave - on the Legacy Loop Trail just up from Lake Minneola and the future Triathlon Beach. The brand new facility which holds the brewery along with their partner restaurants Suncreek Cafe, Michael Ali's Coal Fired Pizza and Mac'd Out Clermont.

We drove around Clermont and found these boats moored without a dock. How do people get to them?

On Sunday 9/28 I enjoyed my walk with God. It is truly a refreshing walk every Sunday. After my walk, we spent time relaxing outside enjoying our breakfast and coffee. When the sun got too hot, then we retreated into the RV.

We passed by the Minneola Schoolhouse Library yesterday. I wanted to learn more about it today.  The Minneola Schoolhouse Library in Florida is in a historic building that served as Minneola's school from 1885 to 1915. Later it was a home to local residents before being acquired by the city in 2007. The city purchased it with the intent to convert it into a library. The city opened the library in 2009, making it the Lake County Library System's first new library in decades. The library features historical aspects of the former school, such as its original wooden exterior and floors, and serves as a cherished community resource. I wish it was open on the weekends to peek inside!

We decided to have lunch at the 2nd brewery in Clermont, the Clermont Brewing Company. They boost that they are "your place for Craft Beer, Cocktails, Artisanal Food, and Live Music." No live music on Sunday, but they do offer brunch!

You can see the on-site brewery from the elevated farmhouse inspired indoor dining room. Some families enjoyed the thin crust pizzas made with house made dough from the relaxed, covered front patio seating.

Couples enjoyed the varied selection of appetizers, gourmet salads, and excellent wines, for those who prefer grapes over hops, in the bright and vibrant beer garden!

Charlie loves pretzels with his beer. So, we had pretzel bites and a "Meat Monster" thin crust wood fired pizza. He enjoyed a hazy Evermont IPA and I had a watermelon ale. Truth be told... I had two beers today and Charlie only had one! That is a rare event!

We enjoyed a quiet night in the camper for our last night on the road for this trip.

On Monday 9/29, the rain messed up my walk for a bit, so I tried to get a bit of work done while I waited. That did not work out to well. So, I finished my walk and got ready to meet with the rally coordinator at this park. In January of 2026 we are having the Yankee RV Tours Annual Tour Presentations - Pre-Tour Orientation and Reunion here. Its a new place after many years at Southern Palms in Eustis.

Our drive home is short, just over 50-miles. See you on our next #TwoLaneAdventures

Day 18 & 19 - Bluegrass Special - Alison Krauss Bound

Thursday 9/25 is our first full day in St Augustine. My walk was muggy for sure, but I love the American flag in the old live oak trees! We had some domestic chores to get done this morning... a run to the post office, a stop at the grocery store, and gas in the car. We wanted to get all of that done before Sheryl and Gary arrived!

We have not seen them since we headed north and they headed south from the Tennessee Good Sam Rally in Pigeon Forge in early June! We have talked often, but nothing beats an in person visit! We are not using this time to sightsee. We are relaxing, working a bit on the Key West rally, going to the Alison Krauss & Union Station show and enjoying the company.

I will share some history about the St Augustine Amphitheatre. I found it interesting that when I walked through their parking lot, the Anastasia State Park office and work campers and ranger's house are all attached to the parking lot.

The Ampitheater's history goes way back, as its home lies in the nation’s oldest city — let me take you back in time and give you a glimpse into the story that made The Amp what it is today! Let’s start with St. Augustine itself, the oldest city in the US and the Amphitheatre has been able to call this town home — that’s one fact you’ll probably remember, because no other venue can say that about its location!

Now for a little history lesson: In 1565 the Spanish explorer, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, landed on the shores of St. Augustine and established the first permanent European settlement. The city was rich with resources, including coquina, a sedimentary rock that was utilized to construct numerous buildings in St. Augustine, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the fortress built to defend the city. The Amphitheater sits on land that was once part of these quarries. In 1773, the famed naturalist William Bartram visited the coquina quarries and recorded the flora and fauna of the area. Today, visitors can walk the grounds and find remnants of these quarries — what a cool way to discover a piece of history.

Fast forward into the future… In 1965, St. Augustine celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Menendez’s founding of St. Augustine and the community revamped the historic core of the city, renovating the Cathedral Basilica and restoring the City Gate. The plans also included constructing two key monuments that would live well beyond the city’s birthday party. One was the Great Cross at the Mission Nombre de Dios, and the other was the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Although The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is now best known as a world-class music venue, it was constructed for a singular purpose — as the stage and setting for a symphonic outdoor drama by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright, Paul Green. The play, titled “Cross and Sword,” was a retelling of the arrival of Menendez and the founding of St. Augustine. The original building of The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was a true community project. The original site was secured in 1960 by W.I. Drysdale when a 40-acre tract of land in Anastasia State Park was leased to the Board of Directors of Cross and Sword, Inc. from the State Board of Parks and Historical Memorials on behalf of St. Augustine’s 400th Anniversary Corporation. Additional approval was given by the US Department of the Interior, the original owner of the land. 

Big changes began in 1988 for The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, while the 24th season of Cross and Sword ran from June 17th to August 27th that year, for the first time there was a huge push to fill up the calendar with other events during the off season. In the decade that followed, the stage hosted a number of other theatrical productions including “Pirates of Penzance,” “Tom Sawyer,” “A Christmas Carol” as well as musical events. In 1997, after a 32-year run, “Cross and Sword” had its final curtain call. The amphitheater was in poor shape with a leaky roof, holes in floors, damaged seats, peeling paint and more. In 1999, facing $3 million of necessary repairs to the space, the Board of Directors of Cross and Sword asked St. Johns County to assume control of the site. By December, a seven-member Board of Directors was established, with the Board of County Commissioners appointing five members, and the Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns County Recreation Advisory Committee each appointing a member as well.

In October of 1999 the St. John's Board of County Commissioners approved a 30-year lease with the State’s Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. With the signing of the new lease, the County also committed to a 5-year, multi-million dollar renovation and fundraising campaign that hit the ground running in 2000. In October of 2001, a master plan for The St. Augustine Amphitheatre produced by Fred Halback and Les Thomas was approved. After five years of construction, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre re-opened with a new capacity of 4,100 music fans, four concession stands, a large plaza and an elaborate arboretum with walking trails. I saw the walking trails, but the mosquitos were fierce enough in the parking lot, I was not going to venture down the paths!

Today, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a state of the art, internationally known performing arts venue consistently ranked among the Top 50 Amphitheater Venues Worldwide. Musical icons including Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, John Legend, Robert Plant, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and hundreds more have taken the stage. We are here to see Alison Krauss & Union Station take the stage. But tonight, Thursday, Weird Al Yankovich is performing there to a sold out crowd.

After a relaxing afternoon with Gary & Sheryl we went into the Elks to pay bills and visit. While we were there, the rain came down! So, we stayed put and waited. After the rain stopped we got in the car and headed to dinner at the Sunset Grille on A1A facing the beach. In 1990, Pete Darios and Mike Rosa made their way to St. Augustine with lofty ambitions and bartending experience in tow.

Out of the dust came The Sandpiper – formerly an old Phillip’s 66 gas station- now transformed into one of the beloved city’s favorite beachside restaurants: Sunset Grille! Since then, it has earned five stars from guests near and far along with multiple awards for its flavorful fare set against a Key West style atmosphere that won’t be forgotten soon.

The owner's unwavering dedication to their neighborhood has made Sunset Grille an iconic part of the local community. Their meal masterpieces have been showcased in events like The Great Chowder Debate, The Taste of St Augustine, etc., earning them acclaim as one of the most decorated restaurants in all of St. Augustine! Pete proudly remarked that they always put forth tremendous efforts during these occasions – making sure to showcase only their best recipes and styles at every opportunity!

On Friday 9/26, we sat outside, enjoying the weather and the company. Sheryl and I did some work on the Key West Rally while Charlie and Gary worked on a couple projects.

All day, the weather looked horrible for the show that night. It rained hard while we were eating dinner and watching the Elks members park the cars. But, it stopped when the sun came out. We headed over to the amphitheater. We are able to walk from the Elks lodge. We saw what tailgaters look like for an Alison Krauss & Union Station concert looks like!

We bypassed the beverages and food, as we were all stuffed from dinner! We found our way to our seats and we learned what "partially obscured" meant on the tickets we purchased. We made the best of it, because you could hear the music well and we were enjoying ourselves!

The opening act for the show tonight was Willy Watson. He is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, banjo player, actor and was the founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show. Watson left Old Crow Medicine Show in 2011 due to a mix of musical differences and the desire to pursue a solo career. He really wanted to focus on a more dedicated form of folk revival music. He has described the situation as a "classic band conflict" where the music itself wasn't speaking to him anymore and he felt constrained in the band's direction. He played some great music and he has an awesome voice! Unique fact, he is from Watkins Glen NY, which is less than 50 miles from where we lived in New York!

Sami Braman played fiddle with Willy Watson for the opening act. Sami teaches fiddle and performs across the US, primarily with her band, The Onlies, and Willie Watson. In previous years, Sami has appeared on stage alongside Watchhouse, Laurie Lewis, Bruce Molsky, Elvis Costello, Darol Anger, Critter Eldridge, Cahalen Morrison, Eli West, Pharis & Jason Romero, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Altan. She has performed at festivals like MerleFest, Freshgrass, and Bristol Rhythm & Roots.

For nearly four decades, Alison Krauss & Union Station have been celebrated as one of the most influential acts in bluegrass and roots music. Known for an immaculately crafted but endlessly surprising sound, the group has returned with Arcadia, their first album since the 2011 masterpiece Paper Airplane—a multiple Grammy Award-winning LP that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country, Bluegrass, and Folk Album charts.

The members of Union Station are a team of virtuosos, all with thriving solo careers. Krauss (fiddle, lead vocal) signed to Rounder Records at age 14 and has gone on to sell over 12 million albums, earning 27 wins and 44 nominations from the Grammy Awards. Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel, vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals), and Barry Bales (bass, vocals) are all award-winning players, songwriters, and producers who have worked with and are considered some of the greatest musicians in the world.

While reassembling for Arcadia, there was a crisis to address: Dan Tyminski informed the band that after thirty years as Union Station’s guitarist and vocalist, he was not returning and would be solely focused on pursuing his solo career. “The four of us met when Dan left,” says Krauss, “and Jerry asked me, ‘What do you think?’ I said, ‘Russell Moore,’ and they all said, ‘Absolutely!’” Krauss remembers seeing him play when she was a teenager, during Moore’s early days with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and recalls it as “a very big deal.” She claims that she didn’t think Moore would take her up on the offer to join Union Station, but then there he was.

Taking over as co-lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Russell Moore is the newest addition to Union Station.  The legendary Moore is the the most awarded Male Vocalist in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), with six honors to his name. As the frontman of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out—a band he founded in 1991—he has guided the group to over 50 industry accolades, including seven IBMA Vocal Group of the Year titles. Known for his rich, soulful voice, Moore delivers performances that resonate with authenticity while embracing a modern edge. His work continues to captivate audiences, cementing his influence as one of bluegrass music’s most respected voices.

Barry Bales has been a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1990.  He is also a successful songwriter, session musician and producer.  Barry’s awards include 15 Grammys, 23 International Bluegrass Music Association awards - including 4 Bass Player of the Year trophies, 1 Country Music Association award, and 2 Academy of Country Music awards, including Song of the Year for the Top 10 hit “Nobody To Blame”, written with and recorded by Chris Stapleton.  He appeared in the movie “Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?”, as well as contributing heavily to the soundtrack, and has recorded and performed with such artists as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton,  Shania Twain,  Kenny Chesney, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, and Wood Box Heroes.

Ron Block joined Alison Krauss and Union Station in 1991, contributing banjo, guitar, vocals, and songwriting. He’s written 10 AKUS songs, including “In the Palm Of Your Hand” and “A Living Prayer,” which received a 2006 Gospel Music Association Dove award for Bluegrass Song of the Year. He’s recorded seven solo albums, a collaborative Gospel album with pianist Jeff Taylor and writer Rebecca Reynolds. Ron’s latest collaboration is with Irish tenor banjo wizard Damien O’Kane, an instrumental fusion of bluegrass, Celtic, and other influences. Ron has also recorded on albums by Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Bill Frisell, Kate Rusby, and many other artists throughout his musical career.

Jerry Douglas is a world-renowned Dobro player, and has played with Alison Krauss and Union Station since 1998. His transcendent technique and his passionate musicality has helped him net sixteen Grammy Awards, three CMA awards and numerous International Bluegrass Music Association awards including multiple Dobro Player of the Year wins. Jerry has performed with everyone from Billy Strings, Phish to Paul Simon, Ray Charles to Elvis Costello. Jerry also produced Alison Krauss’ 1990 album, I’ve Got That Old Feeling, and has also produced records for Maura O’Connell, Del McCoury, Molly Tuttle, Jesse Winchester, Cris Jacobs, and Eric Clapton. As music director for the acclaimed Scottish BBC Television Series "Transatlantic Sessions", Jerry has collaborated with hundreds of artists from the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

The incomparable Stuart Duncan joined Alison Krauss & Union Station on the Arcadia Tour. Raised in Southern California, Stuart took up the fiddle at age seven. Since then, he has chalked up a career that includes four Grammys, six Academy of Country Music Awards, and nine titles as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year. Now a multi-instrumentalist with a staggering command of not only the fiddle but also the banjo, the guitar, and the mandolin, Stuart Duncan has built upon his bluegrass roots to become an artist that defies categorization and surpasses the limits of any specific genre. He’s performed live with the likes of Diana Krall, Robert Plant, Lyle Lovett, Béla Fleck, Steven Tyler, and Elvis Costello. Duncan has also been featured on an estimated 900 recordings including collaborations with Dolly Parton, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer and Yo-Yo Ma.

  

The encore lasted for several songs, about 6 or 8, mostly gospel. It started out with Alison, Ron and Russell. Then Barry Bales joined them. 

By the last few songs, the whole band was back out on stage. They sang around a microphone on the right side of the stage, so we could actually see them all at once.

What a great show at an excellent venue. Next time we will look for better seats!

We walked back to the campers and enjoyed peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream!

Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures

Day 17 - Bluegrass Special - Alison Krauss Bound

On Wednesday 9/24, we decided to get an extra day at St Augustine Elks and leave General Coffee State Park early. We enjoyed a leisurely morning, before we left. The Park doesn’t have a ton of acreage, but it does protect some very fragile, beautiful, and uniquely Georgia ecosystems. There is a four acre lake in the park that can be used for kayaks, canoes and paddle boats. 

Near the lake there were beautiful white garland lily or ginger lilies. It is typically found growing in forests. Other common names include butterfly lily, fragrant garland flower, Indian garland flower, white butterfly ginger lily, and white ginger. It has heavily scented white flowers. In its native environment flowering occurs between August and December. It may be considered invasive in shallow water systems, along streams and in waterlogged areas. Once established, it is difficult to control due to vegetative reproduction through the underground spread. This species was first introduced as an ornamental to Hawaii around 1888 by Chinese immigrants, and is now considered a serious invader in mesic to wet areas of Maui and Hawaii island.

On Thursday, September 26th, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 Hurricane. That night, it quickly moved across the state of Georgia, leaving a path of devastation the Georgia State Parks Division has never experienced before. The sites with catastrophic tree loss and structural damage were Mistletoe, Elijah Clark, General Coffee, George L. Smith, Jack Hill and Magnolia Springs. 

Major structural damage was done to 25 cottages, 3 park residences, 18 group/picnic shelters, 4 visitor centers, and more than 400 campsites. No sooner was the state clear of Helene than preparation began for the 2,000+ Floridian evacuees seeking refuge in Georgia State Parks from the path of Hurricane Milton.

 

General Coffee State Park was significantly damaged by Hurricane Helene, leading to a closure for repairs. While the park experienced devastating tree loss and structural damage, it managed to reopen within four months due to the leadership of Park Manager and significant volunteer support. However, as of September 2025, trails are not open, though the campground, farm, and group shelters are back in operation.  

What is the #1 fruit crop in Georgia? Peaches, Peaches, Peaches … everyone who said peaches is wrong! Alma is also the Blueberry Capital of Georgia, and blueberries are the #1 fruit crop in Georgia! Alma is also home to the Georgia Blueberry Festival and tons of growers! It is a locally organized festival. Its goal is to honor and recognize the importance of the blueberry crop to Alma and Bacon County and to thank those who are involved in the production of the blueberries. The Festival provides entertainment, activities, and food to local residents and visitors. 2026 will be their 50th year!

Georgia's cotton fields are primarily located in the state's southwest region, where the crop is a significant agricultural commodity, contributing billions to the state's economy and employing thousands. Cotton is planted from March to June and harvested from August to December. Among the US states, Texas is the largest producer, contributing approximately 40 percent of US cotton production in recent years. Other top cotton producers include Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi. Every time I see cotton, I think of our friend Pattye and her stories of picking cotton as a kid!

Folkston is home to The Okefenokee Swamp. It is a shallow, 438,000-acre, peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida line. A majority of the swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands.

We crossed from Georgia back into Florida. I got a picture of the "free" state of Florida sign on the way out... so I went for the more traditional sign on the way back into Florida. Along US 1 there was a historical marker for the Battle of Thomas Creek. It was the engagement that ended the Second Florida campaign. This battle involved the land forces of a two pronged continental attack with the goal of taking St. Augustine from the British. The British and their Native American allies laid a successful trap at Thomas Creek that forced the Continental Army to return to Georgia.

We were avoiding interstates and I thought the GPS had us routed around Jacksonville, but I guess not! Why the heck is there a lighthouse downtown? It was built by First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Commissioned during the years of Pastor Homer G. Lindsay Jr. and Dr. Jerry Vines. They had built a church without a steeple, so they decided to build a replica of the Saint Augustine lighthouse signifying the mission of the church being a “spiritual lighthouse” to the city. It was met with positive and negative reviews. Just before Christmas, 1998, several homeowners downtown and just to the north in Springfield said they’d “seen the light” and the light made them mad as hell. The light flooded second-story bedrooms from a 100-foot-tall concrete lighthouse replica on the corner of a new parking garage. The “spiritual lighthouse” flashed into the bedrooms of Springfield’s grand historic houses every few seconds from six to 10 o’clock every night. The fight ensued and the neighborhood won! The light no longer shines. The lantern’s been dark for over 25 years. For most of the residents who live nearby, time has normalized the presence of a lighthouse marooned in a sea of concrete, lonely and lost, a nihilistic parking-garage sentinel staring blindly into the sky. The church campus used to cover over nine city blocks, but has since experienced parishioner decline and serious debt. They downsized their sprawling campus to a single block.

 

Jacksonville currently has over 60 murals on display. There are over 50 in the Downtown area plus murals in the Murray Hill, Springfield and Arlington neighborhoods. But these two that I captured near the intersection of N Pearl and US 23.

With so much water here, Jacksonville could easily be referred to as the “City of Bridges.” The St. Johns River and San Pablo River (the Intracoastal Waterway) carve through the city so there have to be many crossing points. From just one room of the Bank of America tower (Jax's tallest building), you can see 9 bridges. To get out of Jacksonville, we crossed the John T Alsop Jr Memorial Bridge. Arguably Jacksonville's most recognizable bridge, the official name is the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge in 1958, however, everyone calls it by street name or just simply the “blue bridge”. Alsop was a mayor of Jacksonville for eighteen years, the longest duration in the city’s history. Opened in 1941, the bridge is a popular Downtown landmark appearing in many skyline photos. It is the only “lift bridge” or movable bridge in which a span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck.

We will be in St Augustine for a few days, so we will talk more about it later. Additionally, we may be here in December too for Christmas. We crossed the Lion Bridge, went past the St Augustine Lighthouse and arrived at the Elks, our home for the next 3-nights. 

Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures

Day 16 - Bluegrass Special - Alison Krauss Bound

On Tuesday 9/23, we departed Buford Georgia heading to General Coffee State Park in Nicholls, Georgia. We had an awesome visit with Jackie Sperring. My last morning walk in this campground I started out early, when it was still dusky, but by the end of my early walk, there was a beautiful sunrise. Oh, God is so good!

Shoal Creek campground offers a serene escape with spacious wooded sites on the edge of Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier is a large, man-made reservoir in North Georgia, created in 1956 by the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River. It is named after poet Sidney Lanier. It serves as a major source of drinking water for Atlanta, a popular recreational spot for activities like boating and swimming, and a significant driver of tourism and real estate in the region. The lake has nearly 700 miles of shoreline and features various parks and resorts, although its vastness can pose navigational hazards due to submerged debris from the former town of Oscarville.  

I saw the green hues along the banks of Lake Lanier from Shoal Creek Campground. It is not the green hues from an algae bloom, being from Florida, I know what those look like. It is the seasonal mixing of sediments and falling pollen from surrounding foliage that can tint the water a greener color.

We headed out and the first town we came to was Lawrenceville, Georgia. It is known for being Metro Atlanta's second oldest city, its historic downtown with the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. It is home of the Atlanta Braves' AAA team, the Gwinnett Stripers. The Lawrenceville Arts Center is highly popular. The arts are evident in the beautiful murals along the highway.

The next town was Monroe, Georgia. It is known as the "Antiques Capital of Georgia" and the "City of Governors." It boasts the largest concentration of antique stores. Monroe Georgia has provided Georgia with seven governors for the state. The city features a historic downtown with redeveloped mills now serving as event spaces and antique markets.

I found the most unique statues as we drove through the town. If there was a place to park our big rig, I would have stopped! The first one we saw was a policeman. I learned it is called "Times Up." 

The ladies on the bench are called "Crossing Paths." With the support of Monroe's Main Street Program and collaboration with The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc. the town of Monroe has 10 remarkable sculptures on display until February 2026. 

The last sculpture we found is called "Body Music." These sculptures are on loan, thanks to the generous funding from the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the collaboration between The Eulalia Group and the City of Monroe, these sculptures , valued at over $1.5 million.

Madison, Georgia is the next town we came to. It is known for its exceptionally well-preserved antebellum architecture and historic charm, earning it a reputation as one of the prettiest towns in America. The city was spared during the Civil War, leaving behind a National Register-listed historic district with numerous historic homes, pristine gardens, and quaint, independent shops and restaurants. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, the Livery Stable in Madison Georgia was one of four stables along that street that provided horses or mules for hire. 

In 1978, the building transformed into the Madison and Hardware Supply store, which was a mainstay for over 30 years before being sold in 2014. It is home to the Amici Café now. The stable that once fed and housed horses now feeds hungry patrons who dine within the walls of the historic structure. 

The Chero-Cola mural in Madison, GA, is a restored "ghost sign" located on the former Swords building, which housed the Chero-Cola bottling plant in the early 20th century. The project was a collaboration between the Morgan County Landmarks Society, Main Street Madison, and the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA, with the student mural group restoring the historic sign in 2018.

In Eatonton Georgia, you can find the Uncle Remus Museum. Who is Uncle Remus and why does he have a museum? Uncle Remus is the fictional character and narrator of a collection of African-American folktales adapted and compiled by Joel Chandler Harris, published in book form in 1881. The Uncle Remus Museum strives to educate visitors about the life and work of Joel Chandler Harris using historic storytelling, period artifacts, and dioramas of the more famous Uncle Remus character. Other characters include Brer Rabbit, a trickster who succeeds by his speed and wits rather than by brawn. Br'er Fox considers himself the smartest animal despite being duped continuously. Br'er Wolf is Brer Rabbit's second-most common antagonist. Brer Tarrypin is a friend of Brer Rabbit who joins him in his mischief and even outdoes him at times. Br'er Bear considers himself the strongest of the animals even though he is frequently duped by smaller creatures. Aunt Tempy, referred to by Uncle Remus as Sis Tempy is a housekeeper of equal authority with Uncle Remus who is elected to accompany the boy on his visits to Uncle Remus. If you have never read Joel Chandler Harris stories, you should.

Have you ever been to Small Grove Georgia? If you say yes, you would be mistaken! Henry Lee “Baby Doll” Gorham (1951-2020) was a professionally trained artist who earned a degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1984. With roots in Telfair County, he returned to the community after his time in Atlanta. He became an accomplished folk artist, gaining recognition for his paintings of Small Grove, Georgia. "Small Grove, Georgia" refers to a fictional town created by Henry to depict the experiences of African Americans in the rural South, as seen in a series of paintings. It is not a real town but a conceptual representation of a place and time.  

Located at the intersection of Hwy 341 and Hwy 441 in downtown McRae-Helena is Liberty Square, home of a Statue of Liberty replica that is 35 feet tall and one-sixteenth the original's actual size.  In 1886, France gave the­ United States the Statue of Liberty. In 1986, the local Lions Club chapter in McRae, Georgia, commemorated Lady Liberty's centennial by fashioning a scale model out of Styrofoam, a tree stump, and other objects normally considered rubbish. Her arm is made from styrofoam and the hand holding the torch is an electrician lineman's glove. Also in Liberty Square is their version of the Liberty Bell (the town's old fire bell was taken down and a crack put in) and a marble memorial to Telfair County residents who died in service.

In McRae-Helena there is also a mural that shares the unique aspects of this town. It’s a Purple Heart City, City of Distinction and the 6th safest city in Georgia.

One of my favorite murals is the one that Dylan Ross painted on the side of an unoccupied house on Highway 441 in Broxton. He completed it in 2016, the mural has become one of the most popular tourist sites in Coffee County and has been photographed and shared thousands of times across social media platforms.

Dylan is a native of Coffee County and he has four murals in Douglas and Coffee County. The mural depicts The Andy Griffith Show’s Deputy Barney Fife, displaying one of his most common — and humorous — facial expressions — along with another smaller scene of Sheriff Andy Taylor and Opie walking together superimposed over Barney’s right shoulder. 

In September of 2023 there was vandalism to this infamous mural. The vandals splashed white paint over the main section of the painting. When the vandalism was reported, the white paint hadn’t completely dried, leading officers to believe that it happened overnight. Ross fixed the damage and restored the mural to its original condition. The Barney mural came about almost haphazardly. In 2016, he threw it out on social media that he was looking for a place upon which to paint a mural. The property owner responded and said he could use that old house as his canvas. It was Ross’s first mural and he did it completely free of charge. He didn’t know he was going to paint Barney until he got there; it was a spontaneous, on-the-fly decision that ended up becoming one of Coffee County’s calling cards. 

The town of Broxton is after the Barney Fife mural. There is a beautiful "Welcome to Broxton GA mural" on the side of a vacant building. It is a colorful mural! Broxton was Chartered in 1904 and incorporated on January 1, 1932. It's a very small town with a population of just over 1,000. The actual town is only 3-miles square.

In Braxton, I found the perfect festival for Joe Weston! It is the Broxton Chicken Livers & Gizzards Festival, held annually in November. When we went to Champy's Chicken in Chattanooga with them, Joe got a HUGE plate of fried chicken livers!

We arrived at General Coffee State Park in Nicholls, Georgia. It may have a Nicholls mailing address, but it is closer to Douglas.

Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures