wrap up from Vilano Beach

We packed up and left our wonderful site on Vilano Beach this morning.   We were sad to leave as we had enjoyed another wonderful stay there.

  The only blemish on our visit was an early morning race to the storm shelter after the deafening Tornado Warning alerts on our phones woke us at 4 a.m.    We ran around like chickens for a few minutes before we came to full consciousness and then gathered a shaking Lewis, our credit/health insurance cards, raincoats and headed out into the storm.    The laundry room shelter isn't very far away but we were all soaked by the time we reached it.   There were only three families there, all with very frazzled dogs so it was an exciting time.   We all just sat, phones in hands, dripping on the floor, trying to keep dogs calm and away from each other, waiting for the storm line to pass by. 

It did, eventually and we went back to Beluga.    Lewis was as wet as if he just had a bath and I was happy he was settled enough by then  that he didn't feel the need to jump in bed with us.
We were so relieved that the Tornado didn't materialize that we fell back into a sound sleep.   I woke up, a few hours later, to a very sandy bed.   I realized that my legs must have been covered with sand from running around the flooded, sandy road from sliding in and out of the Jeep.     Ah well.....we washed the bedding later that day and no harm was done!   Other than that bit of excitement we had a glorious time. 

Eric and Laurel, along with Laura and Kevin, checked into  Anastasia State Park toward the end of our stay and we were so happy to be able to spend a bit of time with them.

Laurel invited us all to their site for Prosecco and a festive cheese and fruit tray before heading into St. Augustine for supper at the unique Ice Plant Bar and a walk around to see the lights.   I took no pictures, I just don't do a good job of photographing people.    Laura and Laurel took some so perhaps they'll show you.     We had such a nice time that the hours flew by and it was too late for us (Dave and I) to feel much like walking around town (or perhaps it was several glasses of Prosecco, a very snappy and yummy cocktail named "Little Red Corvette" or just too much food.....) so we gave our excuses and went back to Beluga and bed.

The next day we met Laurel and Eric at a very cool food truck, Crave, parked alongside the San Sebastian River.   

lots of reading and then choices to make.....

The food was very healthy, very delicious and the cute guy at the serving window (David Eric) was very sweet as we took our time deciding among the millions of choices of wraps, bowls, etc.    Once decided and ordered, they arrived  quickly and we sat and ate and talked at picnic tables next to the water.

lunch view

  After lunch we drove further into St. Augustine and then took a good stroll around and did a bit of window shopping.     The real reason, however, was to get a bit of dessert at Hyppo.   Laurel highly recommended their unusual and naturally flavored ice pops (peach/ginger, watermelon/hibiscus, Honeydew/basil, Sweetcorn, Guava/chili and Chocolate/peppermint or Strawberry cheesecake lest you think they were ALL healthy flavors)  - how fun is that! 

We were sad to say goodbye to them, we wonder when our paths will cross again.   Something to look forward to then.

On our way back to Beluga we passed a couple colorful spots that we hadn't noticed before.

Vilano Beach has lots of pretty mosaics tucked into the oddest places

Isn't this the sweetest little cottage?

We had one last job to take care of before we moved on to our Christmas celebrations on Longboat Key. ....making the last of the Christmas cookie dough.    I always make dough ahead of time, then bake them up fresh as we want them.    I love the smell of baking cookies at the holidays!

Dave creams while I measure the ingredients for Mayan Mystery Cookies

Beluga will stay in a nice, quiet campground in Sarasota while we celebrate the holidays with Jesse and Erin in one of our favorite places.      We can't wait to see them again!