Melbourne FL: Lucinda "Mom" Messer's Birthday Celebration

I first met Lucinda (Mom) Messer at the old South Florida Folk Festival, she was in the kitchen helping her daughter Connie prepare meals for the crew and performers.  Or maybe it was at the Florida Folk Festival when I happened across their camp and either Mom or Connie offered me a full breakfast.  Yes, they did like to feed folks.

Mom Messer, happy to see everyone
Photo: December 2014, Citra

Later Bill and I became a couple and I joined the Messer clan.  Mom was always the central focus with a smile and kind word for everyone.  The clan centers in Melbourne FL with several generations of children, grand children, and now great grand children.  Lucinda is the matriarch.

Crystal and Amber
Granddaughter - Great Granddaughter

Well, the last few years have been mighty long for Mom Messer with her multiple health issues but she usually rises to the challenge especially when the 'babies' come to visit. 

The Great-Great Granddaughter
Lisa - Airyn - Carrie

 August 24, 2015 was her 86th birthday and the family gathered at the Rehab Center to celebrate this event.  

Getting ready for the party
Carol and Bill in the foreground 

Carol and Gene drove cross state from Citra, Bill and I took I-95 down from St. Augustine, and the remaining came from the Melbourne area.  We were missing the North Carolina crew but they were down a few weeks earlier.

David, Gene, Rick
Great Grandson, Son, Son

The party was held in one of the therapy/meeting rooms of the Rehab Center/Nursing home in Melbourne. Transforming the area from institutional to birthday casual was a challenge but Carol, Carrie, and Earlene were up to the challenge.

Rick (son) and Earlene (best friend)
making final preparations

It was a successful party for a grand lady who dearly loves her family.  As with any large and busy family, it is difficult to find a time that worked for everyone but over the two hour period most of the family stopped by with hugs and love for the matron of the Messer family.

Mom Messer with Lisa
August 22, 2015

St. Augustine: Walking the cats at Anastasia State Park

Well, you really don't walk a cat, a cat walks you.  Recall the quote, "Dogs have owners, Cats have staff."

So, why do we walk the cats when it isn't always fun.  Walking the cats robs a huge amount of time from other activities.  

Just think what might be here!

The truth...When living in state parks and private campgrounds the rules are the rules.  Pets are welcome but must be handheld leash, no more than 6 feet.

Just want to climb the tree

Luckily we often are near trails or woods.  Trees are a must because you never know when the youngest cat want's to stretch her legs.

Trail through the woods

Curiosity may kill a cat but boredom is death by increments.

What's in this hole

And your cat will let you know in no uncertain terms when it is bored.

Even the bright new halter and leash
don't make me happy

At least on a leash you can keep them from running into traffic or the path of a dog.

Why can't you follow me through the thicket?

And they still sample the horderves while on a leash ... bugs, grass, small plants, a slow lizard, earthworm.  Which helps reduce the cost of feeding them

Come on,
you can do this!

Still, I can't complain.  The cats are safe and we would miss many outdoor opportunities:  Viewing the early morning stars and sunrises, Walking in the misting rain, Watching the sky slowly turn dark, Trooping along a nature trail at mid-night.  

This is better,
you read your book and I'll relax in the shade

You just never know what the cats have in store for your walk.

St. Augustine: The 450th Celebration

Hard to imagine a city in the USA being 450 years old but it has happened.  This event was to celebrate the 450th founding of St. Augustine FL, Sept 8, 1565 and to commemorator the continuous occupation of the city since that time.  Yes, the event was a big deal to history buffs, locals, the party-hardy crowd, and merchants.  Fortunately, we were in town for the event!

450 Year Birthday Cake
with "Royal Family"

For you trivia fans, I was a participant in the 400th celebration in 1965.  Let me add a bit more trivia about the 1965 celebration before launching into the 2015 event.  The historical commentary is complements of a St. Augustine tourist site and can be found at: http://augustine.com/history/modern-st-augustine.php

First Day Post Card 1965
My grandmother, Dora Chauvin, purchased several!

Despite the previous year’s civil rights turmoil and negative publicity, city leaders organized and presented a spectacular 400th birthday party for St. Augustine. The oldest city’s culture and history were presented in a week long celebration featuring parades, re-enactments, concerts and speeches. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was opened that year on Anastasia Island. Located on the grounds of the old quarries that provided the coquina for building the city, the amphitheatre became the permanent home of the drama “Cross and Sword”. Written by noted playwright Paul Green, the play tells the story of Menendez and the founding of St. Augustine. It was named as Florida’s official drama.

The foundation stone for the Great Cross was also unveiled during the birthday celebration. Located on the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios where Menendez landed on September 8, 1565, the steel cross is 208 feet tall and weighs 70 tons. It is the second tallest free-standing cross in the western hemisphere. Many local residents note that St. Augustine has not been hit by a major hurricane since the Great Cross was erected.

So, back to the 450th celebration. Planning for the event started several years earlier.  Some people probably started just after the 400th anniversary but that is another story.

Main Stage, strategically placed at the foot of the bridge
Bridge of Lyons

St. Augustine has always been a popular tourist destination but the event planners wanted to maximize the crowds and revenue so the events were advertised far and wide.  

People came from everywhere to celebrate

Over the years, the area has become a quick get-away for folks from Jacksonville, a short 30-45 miles away.  Additionally the population has ballooned so this event would be much different from the 1965 celebration. 

Festive mood in the old city
Historic Village walls were chalked

One concern was traffic, parking, and transportation during the Music and Street Festival which was Sept 4-6.  Luckily there are several tour companies, Red Train and Old Town Trolley, in the area which can provide transportation in the city.  

Ghost Tours of St. Augustine are highly popular
I have a few ghost stories of my own!

For those coming outside the area, chartered buses and longer distance tour companies provided the service.  We opted to ride the trolley from Anastasia State Park, which was the Old Town Trolley.  It proved to be a fun and expedient adventure.

Riding the Old Town Trolley to the event

The trolley stop was on the east side of the historic Bridge of Lions.  After that only foot travel was allowed in the down town area so we took the lovely stroll across the bridge to find crowds were gathering for the nightly music performances.

Bayfront crowds on Saturday
enjoying the weather and the music

As mentioned earlier, there were three days of music, Friday Sept 4 through Sunday Sept 6th.  And it was well attended.  The main stage was on the Bayfront at the foot of the bridge and operated in the evening.

Friday evening before the crowds gathered
waiting for the night's entertainment

During the day and late into Saturday night there were performances on smaller stages which was a wonderful opportunity to tour the town, locate dinner, and enjoy a bit of music.

Serving the 450th cake

Tuesday was the official birthday but the birthday cake was cut on Monday Sept 7th as there were too many other events on Sept 8th.  Having the day free on Monday we opted to stop by the plaza for the cake cutting.  Actually, Bill met a friend for lunch and I stopped by after helping a friend with a chore.

The crowds at the plaza stage were amazing

It was a beautiful day so folks didn't mind waiting in line for the tempting cake after singing Happy Birthday and listening to the speeches.

Long lines for a piece of cake

It was a successful birthday week which seemed to achieve the commission's goals.  The event attracted tourists from around the globe, achieved a smooth traffic flow, and left folks with a wonderful impression of St. Augustine, FL.  

Chalked wall in the Historic Area

Yes, as the slogan...

"Party Like it is 1565"

St. Augustine: "Music in the Park" at Anastasia State Park

Once a month there is a community music night, Music in the Park, hosted by the Friends of Anastasia State Park, yes at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, FL.   Music in the Park is usually the second Saturday of the month starting at 6 PM, remember to set your calendar as it is always a fun event.

Monthly Music Jam/Open Mic
at Anastasia State Park

So here we are at the August event which happens rain or shine.  NOTE:  The show is cancelled if there is a lightening storm.  And this actually happened in September show.  Although some were unhappy it was the best plan because who wants to become a victim of Mother Nature?  Certainly not I.

Park Volunteer Bill (far right)
running the sound board
for these lovely ladies

August saw a change in the format by adding a sound system so the audience could hear the performers.  The addition of microphones and speakers was wonderful, now the main performer could be heard while others provided a back-up band.  So, it was still a jam or song circle of sorts where each person performed a tune or two and others listened or played along.

The jam morphed into a quasi open mic
this seemed to suit everyone

The core music group comes from the Friends of Anastasia State Park, Park Volunteers, and the Park Rangers.  The musical talent is amazing. 

Park Manager Warren Poplin
far right

It is also a popular event with local musicians who are frequent participants in the jam.  

Anastasia Friend Chuck (far left)
with local musicians

And, it provides an opportunity for campers to explore their musical talents and sometimes select this weekend for their trip.

Three campers with a fine unaccompanied
harmony version of a popular tween song

Remember... Music in the Park 6 PM -9 PM second Saturday of the month.  

St. Augustine: Spider Season at Anastasia State Park

August 1st we began our volunteer assignment at Anastasia State Park as 'camp hosts'.  Now each park operates differently so don't expect the job title to exactly match your impression of the job.  Regardless, each job is different which makes it fun and rewarding.  

Amazing spider web at the bathhouse

On this assignment camp host involves cleaning the bathhouse and campsites at the bare minimum; however, most volunteers give it their own twist and we enjoy trimming, removing invasive plants, and scouring the back woods for trash.  Not to mention wonderful bugs...

Giant Leopard Moth

Such as the giant leopard moth which is Florida's largest eastern tiger moth.  It is not often these are seen as giant leopard moths are nocturnal; however, occasionally, one is still hanging around 7 AM when I check the bathrooms. 

Perhaps a Argiope aurantia
(Black and Yellow Garden Spider)

Now, this summer we heard frequent questions about the spiders.  Mostly people asked
"Are they poison?"
"Will they bite?"

My answer from experience is a qualified, "No". I never recall being bitten by a spider but maybe I've been lucky.  So, with a plethora of spiders it was time to learn more.  At present there are about 39 species in Florida and 79 species in the continental US.  Now, I will do my best to identify from the photos.

This Spotted Orb Weaver loves the trash compacter

So each morning you wake up and walk out the door of your trailer into a spider web.  They are strung across the awning, the doorways, betwen near trees, and across the road at 18 feet high.  Just how do they manage this feat?

Golden Silk Orbweaver

The Golden Silk Orbweaver is a tropical spider that inhabits swamps and shady woods.  Yes, that is Anastasia State Park which is quite swampy this fall due to excess rainfall. I grew up calling this a Banana Spider because it resembles a banana. It is harmless or relatively harmless.  Though it is cousin to a rather aggressive Brazilian Banana Spider.

Golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes

According to the University of Florida, The golden silk spider is common in this area and one of the  largest orb-weaving spiders in the country. The female is 25 mm to 40 mm long and colorful while the males are about 4 mm to 6 mm long in a bland dark-brown.  These beautiful spiders (female) are commonly found in forests, along trails and at clearing edges.  Look for the male in the edge of the web.

Golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes

The Spotted Orb Weaver builds nests that are up to two fee in diameter and hunt mostly at night while sleeping during the day.  We found this one early on a cloudy morning.  She was hanging out at the trash compactor along with several Golden Silk Orbweavers.  Being a heavy mosquito day I for one was thankful to see the spiders.

Spotted Orb Weaver - (Neoscona crucifera)

Back to poisonous spiders with some information from Fresh From Florida.

In Florida we have only two main types of venomous spiders: widow spiders and recluse spiders.

Three species of widow spiders are native to Florida, and a fourth species has been introduced. No species of recluse spiders are native to Florida, but three species have been intercepted.

You may find these spiders in or under objects like boards, firewood, storage boxes. To avoid a bite wearing gloves is recommended.. Read the following article for more information and pictures
 http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Plant-Industry-Publications/Pest-Alerts/Pest-Alert-Venomous-Spiders-in-Florida

So enjoy these gifts from nature.

Georgia: Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum

What a delightful treasure.  On our return to Florida in July it had been a long day's trip on I-95 so a walk was in order.  As we neared the entrance to the campground I noticed an interesting sign.

This sign caught my attention
Little did I know it would be so interesting.

This was a short walk from the campground.  Why not take a stroll?

Nature Trail leading to the canal

Yes, there was a slightly overgrown foot path near the road that lead to a shelter.  Perhaps this was a road side park and picnic area between us and the fenced museum building.  

Flowers abound in sunny areas

Walking the path made sense and we soon learned it was part of the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center.  The area was lovely with moss draping from tall oaks as we walked the path which led to a canal.

Canal and Locks

 This was the historic Ogeechee Barge Canal, a prime relic in the history of southern canals.  History from Wikipedia records the canal as "The Savannah - Ogeechee Canal was an important and profitable enterprise during the mid-nineteenth century. Originally chartered in 1824, the 16.5 miles (26.6 km)'s of canal was completed in December 1830. Numerous problems (such as decay of wooden locks and repeated erosion of embankments) plagued the canal during its early days of operation. The parent company declared bankruptcy in 1836. A new company was formed that widened and improved existing structures within the canal. From the 1840s to the 1860s, the canal generally prospered and became an important element in the south Georgia economy."

Swampy area along the canal

The canal begins with the tidal lock at the Savannah River and continues through four lift locks as is traverses 16 1/2 miles.  The canal terminates with another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River, the location of the museum and nature center.

Ogeechee River

Canals were the lifeblood of Georgia commerce after 1820, the canal era.  Before then the residents relied on rivers and transferred goods several times from water to land as the rivers did not always connect.  

A paved road borders the canal for some distance

The canal was destined for demise after heavy June rains damaged the canal in 1876 and the yellow fever epidemic left few workers to repair the damage.  Couple this disaster with the railroad era and it is no wonder the canal fell into neglect.  

Looking into the canal

Fortunately local citizens formed the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society  and obtained a grant to build the park and museum.  

Luckily boardwalks cross part of the swamp

Our visit was in the early evening, after closing hours, so we could not speak with anyone.  The trails were a little overgrown and I suspect that in July when the weather is hot and muggy, and with frequent rains and plentiful insect life maintenance is more difficult.  Not to mention the occasional snake.

This water snake did not anticipate visitors

Followed by a quick escape into the canal

To say the least, the area is beautiful and without the effort of local residents and volunteers the historic canal, surrounding area, and the history would be lost.  It would only be a matter of time before the swamps were filled and houses dotted the land.

Interesting bird house
this area is swampy

You can follow the activities on Facebook Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society as their page lists tours, events, and other interesting facts.  Visit the site for recent photos, comments, and professional photos.  And, try to schedule a visit between 1 and 5 PM when the museum is open.

The nature center features
wild flowers