I Must Be Dreaming! Eagle Island - Day Two

Oh, hello again!  Excuse me while I wake up a little.   

(stretch ......yawn ............stretch  .............. yawn  ...............Stretch!)

 I must have fallen asleep on the porch hammock.  Where were you? Waiting for me?  So sorry for the delay.  Now, let's see, where were we?

Oh yea!  Mornings. 

I've always loved mornings and now I will have this morning's memory on Eagle Island to recreate when I want to gently awaken and feel alive.  So far, it looks like a 'keeper' for sure.  The 'mornings break golden' here on Eagle Island as a previous guest commented.

The porch fireplace is roaring with the chopped wood provided by Andy.  The rockers are pulled 'up close and personal.' 

All my senses are being fed as I take notice of the sound around me. 

I feel the warmth of the fire's flames as I cuddle in the rocker with my Eagle Lodge luxurious bathrobe,

I smell the aroma of the dew mixing with the island's natural seasonings feeding the ground plants with moisture and energy,

I gaze through the enormous live oaks and over the marsh grass enjoying the splendor of the sun rising to greet the day,

I hear the wildlife as they also begin to stir and move through the woods rustling the dried leaves and stepping on tree branches, and best of all,

I sip out of sturdy mugs and taste the freshly brewed coffee made with the island's clear water. 


All of the sounds are musical and the vision is calm. 

 I remember to Stop, Listen,  Enjoy.



It is difficult not to wonder what the rest of the world is doing.


Are they enjoying this present moment and soaking in their surroundings?


Are they allowing the noises and bustle to keep them from really appreciating their moments in time.


Here on Eagle Island, the stillness and the quiet is a gift.  It offers us a chance to remember what it is like to just be with ourselves and with our own thoughts.  To get to know the connection between the mind, the body, and the spirit.


As I get lost in the rhythm of the island, I spot an assortment of wildlife and birds.  Over 50 species have been spotted here along with a variety of animals. Wild Boar, alligator, snakes, dolphin, otters, frogs, and the famous bald eagle inhabit this island. 

Watch!

Now that we are awake and relaxed, let's change into our fishing clothes, grab another cup of this divine coffee, and head to the pier for the 'catch of the day.'  

A lovely swing is perched on the pier for an even better view of the marsh and Catfish Creek.  A nice picnic table with umbrella invites us to lunch there later, possibly with fresh catch. 

Before we throw our line -- look!  There are two crab traps next to the dock - let's pull them up.  Ah, we are going to have crab for dinner!!!! Nothing like living off the land!

It's easy to stay and fish all day at this perfect spot overlooking the marsh, IF you remember the tides.  Unfortunately for us, we hit the pier just as the tide was going out.  It was rushing out so fast that our lines were almost in Jacksonville when we decided we had timed it wrong.  Remember -- it is the tides, not the time that rules Eagle Island.

We'll come back later -- we did learn another tip.   (Eagle tip -- best time for fishing -- 2 hours before and 2 hours after the tide goes out.)  Now they tell me!


We need to get ready anyway -- the day is full of activity.


Good thing we had a hardy breakfast, because Charley, from SouthEast Kayak Adventures, is on the way. 

He'll be here at 2 o'clock for the guided kayak tour of these marshes along and around the creek.   This kayak tour is 'a must' since this area is a kayakers haven.

 You can always bring your own kayak and tour by yourself, but Charley knows all the birds and has an eye for spotting alligators; and we all know how important that talent can be.


Meet you at the dock with flip flops, sunscreen, layered wear, and a water bottle!

Right on time, Charley arrives.  We only need a few brief rules on rowing and safety before he nudges our kayaks into the water to begin our tour.  We are 'up a lazy river' (or creek) in no time at all.

Moving in and out of the marshes along Catfish Creek, is 'smooth sailing.'  This is the perfect way to explore the waterways and peer at the different creatures lurking and relaxing in their land where no disturbances interfere with nature and quiet is the norm.


Andy told us that in the near future, several of the other islands, Mick Island, Jagger Island, and Little Mick Island will be private kayaking adventure islands with campsites, picnic tables, chicki pads for tents and small huts for overnighters. 

A true campers delight and only 6 miles from Darien, but as close to nature and complete privacy as possible. .


Upon the return from kayaking (Eagle tip: get right in the Jacuzzi to soak your muscles and watch the sunset), a nice double headed outdoor shower awaits us after our jacuzzi.  The shower even has a sink and mirror and it is all completely private.......need I say more?


Goodness, I've worked up an appetite.  That bushel of oysters that Andy provided is ready to be steamed, grilled, shucked, and even enjoyed 'in the raw' - oysters that is!

The oysters are fresh and purchased in East Point, Florida around Appalachiocola.  


Andy is so customer-service oriented that he will order them for the guests and deliver them at no additonal charge. (Eagle tip: of course, if you want to give  up some of your privacy, Andy can send a cook over to prepare your meal and do your oysters while you relax.)


Are you enticed yet?

With no way to top that meal, we settle into our favorite spots on the porch, the dock, the picnic tables in the yard, or the swing by the pond and watch the sunset allowing rest and relaxation cover us as the evening chill arrives. 


The live oaks filter the setting sun offering a unique scene to add to the many memories and a 'kodak moment' for our photographers to share with the folks back home.


A glass of wine tops off our evening as we chatter about our busy day and all that we've seen and learned.   Mmmmmm. 


See you tomorrow. Day 3 on Eagle Island is coming soon.

A Busy Month!

Just when I thought there wasn't anything happening to write about --- along came 'Dual-ing Birthday.'

Our friends, Rick and Carolyn Drazien, both celebrated their birthdays last night at Maggiano's at Town Center.

(TIP: make reservations.......get your own drinks at the bar while waiting for your table....!)

With the recommendation of our waiter, Billy, we went with the 'Classic' selection from the menu! Yikes - 2 of everything from appetizers to dessserts.

For those of you who have been there, you already know this, but we didn't------That Was One Heck of A Lot of Food.

We did our best and brought the rest home for lunch today. M-m-m-m good!

To top the evening off, we headed to the best place in town to watch the full moon playing peek-a-boo through the clouds -- Casa Marina Martini Bar Deck -- Wow! is all I can say.

A perfect evening with a wonderful couple -- laughter and celebration was the evening focus.

Happy Birthday to Carolyn and Rick -- Cheers!

PLEASE DON'T GO!

A Big Mistake! The only negative to the entire 4th weekend was Sunday night dinner plans.!

Not sure where we heard it -- but someone, somewhere told us the Landshark Cafe on Third Street was an awesome place to eat. Well, we went by Sunday night-- NOT!

For some reason, we ignored the dredlocks and tattoos (not that there is anything wrong with them) upon entering and propped up on a high-top. When we realized that we were in a major, local dive......we didn't know what to do -- we had ordered. It was served. We choked. We asked for 'To Go' Plates -- dumped some of it in there for good measure. Paid. Left. Dumped the food in the dumpster.

STAY AWAY FROM THE LANDSHARK!

There must be another one somewhere -- because this couldn't be the one that people recommended!!!!

I must say - our waitress was kind and courteous and no one hassled us -- but the food, dinnerware, and flavors of the restaurant were all WRONG!

Baby, please don't go!

Local Fun!

The best evenings are still the evenings we spend right here in our beaches community.


Frank and I headed out to dinner last night with no real destination. Out of the blue - Frank decided he wanted to try Tama's in Neptune Beach (904-241-0099). A nice change, good food, and right in the heart of what's happening.
I had the Teriyaki Chicken and Frank had a shrimp dish. Presentation was perfect and we were happy.


Off we went for a stroll. To the bar at One Ocean and a little rest on their back patio overlooking the dunes and the ocean. Wonderful sea breeze night!

Heading back, we ended up at Shelby's Outdoor Courtyard where we listened to a great duo, ran into a friend from Newcomer's (Lindsey and Doug) -- then off to Ragtime to hear a more different sound from the Boogie Freaks. Before my ears burst - we did an about face and stopped by Mezza Luna for delicious desserts - mixed fruit cobbler and vanilla ice cream and New York Cheese Cake.


All of that we did within just a few blocks of each other. No doubt about it -- Atlantic and Neptune Beach have it going on!


Trick is to get there early - secure your parking space - and enjoy all that they have to offer. The shops even stay open for our wanderings! Love it.

(http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Shelbys.Coffee.Shoppe.904-249-2922)
www.oneoceanresort.com
www.ragtimetavern.com
www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
www.boogiefreaks.com/band

A Slice of Palm Valley.....A Slice of Delight!

We've been trying, and we finally made it to the Palm Valley Fish Camp.



Everytime we go by, the parking lot is full, so we snuck in on this Father's Day early evening to find 2 seats only at the bar with a 4 hour wait if we didn't have a reservation.



Now that's busy! And that's popular! And, that most likely won't change with all the delicious food and ambiance we experienced tonight.

I'm not a foodie, but Frank is and he is a happy camper! Couldn't hardly move after the wonderfully tasty feast we had tonight.



With no choice but the bar....we sidled on up and took our seats at the bar of bars! The beautiful Granite countertop held our attention as one of the many special touches throughout the restaurant. I'm not sure how many people were there tonight, but it was full. The bar, the booths, the two-somes, the four-somes and the bench tables were absolutely full and friendly.


The conversation didn't stop and the wait staff didn't either. (doesn't Zach look like Jack Black? :) )



With the heat index at 100 degrees easily at 530PM, the A/C was doing all it could to keep us happy and the waitstaff infused with the necessary energy for the crowd.




We were soooooooo happy with our waitress, Nicole. She was overwhelmed, hot, and tired -- but her smile lit the bar and we knew she wanted us to be happy.

Then there was the Prep guy in the kitchen (sorry, I didn't get your name) with at least 8 other cooks and staff -- all running like a clock. I didn't get their names, but you'll know who they are when you stop by -- and I know you will be stopping by.

The staff stopped and talked to us as if we were neighbors -- all young and ambitious kids (one from Phoenix - darn, I didn't snap her picture, who was fighting the humidity as compared to the dry west coast -- all with a smile.)



Frank tried the salmon and I tried everything I could listed under appetizers and I can tell you honestly -- WE LOVED IT ALL.



The salmon was perfectly crisp and moist with that special touch of excellence -- served with delish spinach and parsley potatoes. Yummy! I first tried the flounder ceviche (as I've been trying to duplicate the ceviche I loved in Hawaii -- and this was close, very close) -- then I had to try to peel and eat shrimp --- perfect. Need I say more?



The Fish House Chardonnay was the ideal wine to mix with my dishes. And the evening was a special ending for a Father's Day to be remembered.



As the owner of this and Marker 32, Lisa Groshell, said -- 'This is the baby of Marker 32 and it is experiencing it's Toddler Time! (sorry about this shot Lisa -- you were on the move!)
To me, that means, curiosity, adventure, openness, and wonder. I say, it is the magical combination of fine dining and palm valley..... How perfect!



We ended outside trying out all the seating areas that will be used when the temperatures change a little.

A chance to meet and visit with Rob Parham (travel photograper) was another highlight of the evening and a little insight on the variety of people who visit Palm Valley Fish Camp.

Do visit -- you'll be glad, very glad, you did!

We'll Make Reservations Next Time!!! Table for 8?

http://www.palmvalleyfishcamp.com/



http://www.robparhamus.com/

Cellars in Florida??

Yes, right here in St. Augustine, where the word 'cellar' takes on new meaning!

Cellar6 is the newest addition to St. Augustine’s nightspots – a sensuous lounge to ‘wine down’ that is cool, intimate and relaxing. It is tucked away on brick-paved Aviles Street and upon entering, guests are immediately drawn to the dazzling yellow glass wine cellar.

Cellar6 captures the speakeasy era, making this a must-stop for anyone wishing to find updated-old-school St. Augustine!

Craig Colee and Valerie Shubert, both native to this area and the owners of Cellar6, are committed to providing an 'at home' feeling with 4-star service - while offering a broad selection of fine wines and clever light fare. Nightly, guests enjoy the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz artists both in ‘surround sound’ and live. Enjoy Cellar6 every Monday thru Saturday ~ 4:00pm till ‘late.' Always complimentary valet parking .

Cheers!
Cellar6, #6 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida, (904) 827-9055
RSVP@cellar6.net, http://www.cellar6.net/

REMEMBER MOM!

A great idea for Mother's Day. The Casa Marina Hotel has the best venue and most delectable variety of food items at their always popular Mother's Day Brunch. Chef Aaron Webb has been at the helm of Casa Marina's kitchen for six years, and each season inspires him to create yet another healthy and exciting variety of specialty selections.

Enjoy Mother's Day this year, on May 10 between 10A and 2P, at this historical oceanfront hotel for only $38.95 per person. Reservations, please! (904-270-0025)

Casa Marina Hotel, 691 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
www.Casamarinahotel.com

For Your Dining Pleasure.....

Not My Aunt Kate!

She might not be my Aunt Kate, but I'm visiting her frequently! Aunt Kate's is a new restaurant on the intracoastal waterway in Vilano Beach.

Local beach residents may remember Oscar's Old Florida Grill that burned down a while back. Aunt Kate's was built right on the same spot. Built in a 'cracker' style -- it has a charm all of its own.

On Friday night, the crowd had already gathered and our wait was 50 minutes for outside and 40 for inside. With the no-see-um's beginning to buzz around, we decided to eat indoors. We didn't mind the wait though, because our timing was perfect. We strolled along the deck, boardwalk, and pier capturing this most beautiful sunset.

Aunt Kate's provides a wonderful new venue for diners. Open only 6 1/2 weeks, they are onto something grand. With good food, live music on the veranda, wicker seating scattered around the front and side porches, a friendly staff, and the ambiance and scenery to beat all, it's a 'not-to-be-missed' spot for our dining choices.

Just head south on A1A until you pass Cap's and see The Reef on your left -- immediately on the right is Euclid Avenue - turn right and go to the end. You'll see Aunt Kate's, proudly outlined in the sky!

Hungry?

Purple Olive Restaurant - St. Augustine, FL

RESERVATIONS, PLEASE!

You say toe-mah-toe, I say toe-ma-toe. You say po-tah-toe, I say po-ta-toe; you say creative dining - I say 'Purple Olive.'

An invitation from our friends to dine prior to the Joe Cocker concert on Friday sounded like a great idea. Leaving the restaurant choice to our friends from St. Augustine, we merely followed their directions south to 4255 A1A and then right into the Seaside Plaza. Our destination restaurant - The Purple Olive International Bistro.



We sauntered into the bistro hoping for a quick meal and then a dash to the concert. What we experienced was far from a quick meal, but a perfect meal, it was!




The Purple Olive International Bistro immediately transported us from the usual beachy-quaint to this charming bistro in just moments. Not knowing a thing about the bistro - we glanced around enjoying the bursts of purple in the tablecloths, napkins, and wall paint. When seated, we viewed the array of local art and art glass displayed to feast our eyes upon as we prepared for the feast to our palates.



The staff was aware of our sense of urgency, yet in no way compromised our service or dining pleasure. We were served quickly and were delighted with our selections -- seafood marinara, seafood bisque with just the right amount of 'bite,' a caesar salad like no other, and a few other delectable treats suggested by our waitress,Tara. In a way, we were sorry we had to dash off, but knew we would be back. Do yourself a favor and check out their website for their unique story and then hurry on by to treat yourself to this local bistro. http://www.purple-olive.com/index.htm

Our compliments to the chef!