We all want to find the Fountain of Youth, right? I found it in St Augustine, Florida, and learned a bit of history about it that was quite interesting, as well as unexpected.
When You Are in St Augustine, Head to Meehan’s Irish Pub!
Meehan’s Irish Pub is a must-go-to restaurant in historical St Augustine! The view is spectacular! It faces the waterfront, the fort and the Bridge of Lions, and best of all, the food is absolutely delicious. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony, taking in the views and doing a bit of people watching as well. It was a perfect evening.
My waiter was Caleb, and he took very good care of me. He gave me some Meehan’s history. The restaurant became very busy as I sat there, puzzled about what to order. I wasn’t in the mood for a big meal, so I ordered Crab Chowder (which is among the very best I’ve ever had!), followed by a Tomato and Basil Flatbread. Both were incredible.
So, I had to have dessert, right? And I am embarrassed to admit that it looked so good I ate it before I remembered to photograph it! It was their homemade Jameson Bread Pudding.
After all of that food I was ready to go walk off the calories, but Caleb wanted me to try their homemade Irish Cream. At first I said no, but eventually I gave in. I could not believe how good it was! It was like a Bailey’s Irish Cream Milkshake, the cream was so thick! Needless to say, it was amazing, and worth the trip to St Augustine just for the Irish Cream.
So it must be said, if you are headed to the northeast coast of Florida, this restaurant is not to be missed! Bookmark this, and commit the name to memory: MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB in St Augustine, Florida!
St Augustine Florida Eco Tours Took me on a Wonderful Tour!
On my first visit to St Augustine I just had to get out on the water. I mean, it is Florida! With my love of animals and the ocean I decided I had to do a boat tour, and I chose St Augustine Eco Tours. I am glad I did! Not only were they unbelievably accommodating and friendly, but the tour itself was incredible. I’m taking you on a photo tour!
Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St Augustine Florida
I had a lovely experience at Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida! I loved the city, the architecture, the history of it all, and I loved the Bed and Breakfast I stayed at in the historic district. It was the perfect location! Casa de Suenos is an easy walk to the fabulous Old Town Trolley Tours as well as many of the sights and shopping areas. Perfect!
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Heading to the Great Barrier Reef on The Spirit of Freedom
After a couple of days resting at the Shangri-La in Cairns, I was ready for another dive adventure. I booked myself on the Spirit of Freedom, a 124 foot live aboard dive vessel. After the Arenui, I was ready for a let down, but in truth, I enjoyed the Spirit of Freedom very much. The Spirit of Freedom is the only dive liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef where every cabin has its own bathroom! We each had our own little “cubby” for our dive equipment, and ample room for cameras and gear. Not luxurious, but it was a great boat. The crew of the Spirit of Freedom were awesome, especially the Cruise Director, Ren! Unlike the Arenui in Indonesia, the divers on the Spirit of Freedom had the choice of whether or not to go with a Dive Master. Each buddy group could go on their own if they so desired. As a solo diver, I went with the Dive Master, and so had a small dive group of four, which I like best anyway…unless I am in a spot well known to me. Dive Masters know where all the cool animals and creatures are, so I usually prefer to head off with them.
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All of these photos are from my very first dive on the Great Barrier Reef! Til next post!
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Diving Komodo with Ray of Hope was a Powerful Experience!
Last month, July 2016, I traveled to Bali Indonesia to board The Arenui for a Ray of Hope Expedition with Marine Megafauna director Dr Andrea Marshall. The trip was nothing short of amazing. My dives with The Arenui and Ray of Hope Expeditions were so fabulous…I saw so many animals I’d never seen before, and I want to see them again (well, not the Komodo Dragons! Once is enough). I have posted so many dive photographs, and photos of the formidable Komodo Dragons, but not the life of the boat or the people who populated it, neither have I posted many photos of the incredible islands of Komodo National Park. Dive boats are a special experience because the bonding that takes place on board, even if only for the trip itself, is unusual. Just a day after boarding you have met everyone, and personalities emerge immediately. Divers get right to it, they don’t need to have a persona, or a social mask. We are all so excited to be on a dive boat, ready to go, that we start sharing information and experiences immediately. This trip was somewhat atypical for me because it had so many Americans on board. Usually it is the League of Nations, with several different nationalities and ethnicities. There was a lovely Australian couple on board, and they were hilarious and wonderful and fabulous divers. The cruise directors were Mexican and British, the crew was Indonesian. Hopefully this photo post will give you an idea of the trip overall! The Arenui is absolutely luxurious! I’m ready to do it again!