Rediscovering my Travels and New Perspectives on Life
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!
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!
[Read more…] about Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St Augustine Florida
A Special Way to Enjoy the Nights of Lights At the St. Francis Inn AND Casa de Suenos
St. Augustine, Fl (September 2016) Celebrate the holiday season with a special treat from your innkeeper family… our FREE “Light Up Your Life” Gift. All guests who stay at St. Francis Inn or Casa de Suenos for two consecutive weeknights (Sunday thru Thursday) from November 21, 2016 to January 26, 2017* will enjoy more than two million tiny white lights sparkling throughout the ancient streets, historic buildings, and local businesses of St. Augustine.
St. Augustine’s renowned ‘Nights of Lights’ is a magical memory to every visitor who has experienced the brilliant twinkling lights that illuminate America’s Oldest City. Downtown St. Augustine is described by National Geographic as one of the “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” in the world!
This special includes these FREE Holiday Gifts:
This exclusive offer is available at NO EXTRA COST to our guests –
… an amazing deal!
During January, this Inn tour is the only evening Nights of Lights trolley tour being offered midweek, helping our guests to extend the joyous season.
All you need to do is mention this special when you make your reservation. This offer is not available with any other discounts. Based on double occupancy.
* Not available during these holiday dates: December 26-29, 2016.
279 St. George Street ~ St. Augustine, Fl 32082
904-824-6068
www.stfrancisinn.com
CASA DE SUENOS
20 Cordova Street ~ St. Augustine, Florida 32084
904-824-0887
www.casadesuenos.com
One of the most exciting events to look forward to on the Great Barrier Reef in July are Dwarf Minke Whales! As the name says, for a baleen whale they are rather small, growing to a maximum of 8 meters, or 24 ft, and on the endangered list, thank you Japan for slaughtering Minkes illegally every year. The ones I saw this year, off of the Spirit of Freedom, were not that large, but it was a thrill to see them. Sadly, I only had a few seconds to enjoy a close, eye to eye encounter. A few times we “snorkeled” (we were hanging onto a rope) in order to see them, and on the day whales came close, an event on board shut the encounter down.
A woman onboard who was also on the rope, had breathing issues. I’m still not sure what happened, whether she had a panic attack or a seizure, but she had a health incident and the crew got us all out of the water. I was the last person on the rope, so I was lucky enough to have a short encounter with two whales, a mum and a calf, but it did not last long enough. I was face to face with them, no more than 6 feet away, but I had to get out of the water so the boat could take off for Lizard Island so she could be airlifted to Cairns. The story had a happy ending, she was stable by the time we got to Lizard Island, thank goodness. But the whale story certainly was cut short! The crew was very professional and dealt with the emergency quickly and well.
After the airlift, the boat headed for famous Cod Hole. The dive site is famous for large (and I mean LARGE) Potato Cods who will come close to divers. The dive master feeds them to get them to hang around. Sadly, I only saw one Potato Cod, but it was a very cool experience being face to face with that big boy (or girl!). All of us thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle!
It has been 3 years since Randy, my husband, received the last minute gift of a double lung transplant. Randy had been on life support for almost 2 weeks, and time was running out. His lungs had failed, but no one really knew why (after the transplant at UT Southwestern Transplant Center it was determined that Randy had Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). The past 3 years, post transplant, have been full. Full of fear, sorrow, hope, joy, and relief. I think we have run the gamut of emotion, and it has been a true roller coaster. My daughter, Alexandra, sent this to me the other day, and it brought tears to both myself and Randy. Our family of four has been very close, and the emotional devastation my children felt was heartbreaking for me to witness. Her memories remind us all that miracles DO happen.
[Read more…] about 3 Years Post Transplant: A Daughter’s Perspective
As The Spirit of Freedom continued our dives, we ended up seeing some pretty interesting critters, and fabulous activity as well. I had never seen an Olive Sea Snake before…but I have now! I have seen the Banded Sea Snake who is very shy, and very toxic. The Olive Greens were quite curious, and followed us all over the reef!
