Our Trip to the Oldest City

February 10, 2016

I wanted to share a past trip we took. It's one of my favorites.

The was a long weekend, thanks to the Superbowl. We decided to take a day trip down to St. Augustine with some friends. It's one of our favorite get away places. It's the oldest city in the US and, as you can imagine, it's full of history.

There's this AMAZING Popsicle place called The Hyppo.  They have all different kinds of flavors and they're sooooooo good.

Look at all the Hippos on the wall!

Juan, a worker at The Hyppo (he was super cool)

Cody and Juan

Cody in front of the mustache popsicle

We went on our way with our super delicious popsicles. We headed Castillo de San Marcos. It's this beautiful fort located near the water in St. Augustine.

Castillo de San Marcos

This is us and some friends outside the fort. Isn't it pretty?

The firing of the cannon at Castillo de San Marcos

After visiting the fort, we made our way to the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Isn't it gorgeous?!

And of Course, we climbed the lighthouse. You can't just go to one and not climb.

We even got to see a gorgeous sunset at the top.

Cody at the top, with the sun shining on him. Isn't he handsome?

Laura and Me at the top

Cody and me at the top

Overall, we all had an amazing time exploring St. Augustine. If you ever get the chance, visit the oldest city. You won't regret it.

Geocaching Basics

As you all know, we travel... a lot. We love visiting new places and actually experience the places we visit, not just be tourists. One of our favorite things to do while traveling, is Geocaching. It takes us to places we never would've known existed without it. 

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is basically a worldwide scavenger hunt that uses GPS coordinates to lead you to hidden caches.

What is a Cache?

A Cache is a container that is hidden by a fellow geocacher. You use the GPS coordinates given to find them. The size of a cache can range from extra small to large. Within each Cache is a log. On this log the geocacher who finds it, writes down the date and their geocache name. Some Caches contain "swag." "Swag" is just stuff that people leave in caches for other geocachers.  It can range from cheap trinkets, to more expensive things, like DVDs, to Trackables.

What is a Trackable?

A trackable is a type of swag left in caches by other geocachers. Each trackable is given a code. The trackable is moved from geocache to geocache and the code on the back is logged. You can see all the wonderful places that it has traveled.

How do I get started?

When starting out, most people download the free Geocache app from the app store. It's available on both Android and Apple. You register for a basic account (later you can pay the $30 to get the year long Premium membership, which is well worth it). The app will then show you what caches are in your area. You click on the one you choose to find, and hit start. The app will then lead you to the cache. Some are easy to find and some aren't. Once you find it, log on the app that you have found it.

If you still aren't convinced, here are some of the caches that we have found.

Geocaching is a great way to stay active and have fun without spending a ton of money!

Amelia Island, Florida

March 12, 2016

We woke up bright and early, hopped in the car and made our way to Amelia Island.

When we arrived, we realized that we just happened to be there at the same time as their annual car show was occurring. So the island was packed with tons of vintage muscle cars.

Our adventure began at the farmers market. Every Saturday, they close down 7th Street, in the historic district, until 1 pm, so that people can set up and sell their goodies.

Upon arriving at the farmer's market, we saw two men who were dressed in an odd fashion. Definitely not what people would normally be seen wearing today.

They were raising money to send a missionary to Jerusalem. 

We continued along the farmer's market.  There were tons of booths set up. 

There was a man set up who was selling imported Olive Oils. There were people selling toffee, cheese straws, cupcakes and various other food items. We also saw multiple people selling their artwork, whether it be paintings or handmade furniture. 

After we were finished at the farmer's market, we decided to explore the historic district. The architecture we came across was stunning. 

We headed down the island to visit Fernandina Beach. Due to the car show, parking was absolutely terrible. There are little parking areas all along the road that's near the beach. But each parking area, only holds 4-5 cars. So it took us a while to find parking. 

The beach itself, was really pretty. The island actually has 13 miles of beach, which is a lot if you really think about it. The tide was going out, so there was a ton of beach to walk along.

The water was ice cold, but it didn't stop Cody from playing in it.

I have no idea how he didn't freeze. 

Before leaving the island, we had to stop by the lighthouse. You can drive right up to it, however, you can't climb it. But that's okay. It's still so beautiful. 

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is the most inland lighthouse on the US east coast. Pretty interesting huh? 

Overall, the trip was really fun. I now have a new favorite lighthouse. If you're ever in the area, take the time to stop by. It's worth it.

The Best Traveler Quotes

On the days that I'm at home and I get the itch to be on the go, but I know I can't, I tend to find quotes that get me excited to travel again. I like to get myself excited to find new adventures! So I've compiled a list of my absolute favorite quotes. I hope you enjoy!

• "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber
• "Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Mary Ritter Beard 
• "For the born traveler, traveling is a besetting vice. Like other vices, it is imperious, demanding it's victim's time, money, energy and the sacrifice of comfort." - Aldous Huxley

• "Traveling is not something you're good at. It's something you do. Like breathing." - Gayle Forman
• "Collect memories, not things." 
• "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -Helen Keller
• "We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost." -Ray Bradbury 
• "To live would be an awfully big adventure." -Peter Pan
• "Travel not to find yourself but to remember who you've been all along." 

What are your favorite travel quotes? 

Charleston, SC

March 5, 2016

We made the two and a half hour drive to Charleston, South Carolina. We've lived this close for over three years, but never made the trip. So we decided that we had to go before we moved.

Charleston is a gorgeous old town, with some beautiful architecture. We spent the day down at the waterfront.

There is the Old Slave Market on Market Street. It's a series of three or four buildings that are all connected. Inside, there are booths set up that belong to local shops, artists and restaurants. There was such a variety of things being sold. For example, there was a woman who molds coins into various shapes, usually cupped, decorates them with glass and makes them into jewelry. There was a man who made simply beautiful pottery. Multiple photographers and painters were set up also.

There were a couple of places to eat inside the market. There was a place called Caviar and Bananas. Right across the aisle, there's a place called Food for the Southern South, which is where we decided to eat. The food was really good and their booth was super welcoming and had a homey feel to it. They had all different types of food: hot dogs, pulled pork, etc.

Once we got to the end of the market, there was a person dressed as an anime animal, playing a hang. A hang is a lap percussion instrument, that has the shape of a UFO and has holes on the top. It's played by tapping the holes with your hands. The music the person was playing, was absolutely beautiful. I could've listened all day.

After leaving the market, we walked around, visiting local shops in the area. While walking, we came across a gelato shop. We grabbed some strawberry sorbet. It was really delicious, but very sweet.

Across the street, was the Waterfront Park. There was a pier that went out over the water. Leading into the park, there was a fountain. The water spouted high into the air and flowed down over the stairs. It was really neat! I've never seen a fountain like that before.

A little ways down the walkway, there was a big fountain shaped like a pineapple.

If you looked across the water, you're able to see Fort Sumpter, naval ships and sailboats. The view was lovely.

Overall, I think our weekend trip to Charleston was a success! If you're ever in the area, I totally recommend stopping and seeing what this beautiful city has to offer.

The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

There's no greater feeling than packing up the car and getting behind the wheel.. Just you, the open road and a rockin' playlist. Sometimes, on long trips, music can be the only thing keeping my sanity, especially in traffic or during a rainstorm. So I thought I'd share my personal road trip playlist.

• Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen
• I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)- The Proclaimers
• Daylight- Maroon 5
• Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen
• Don't Stop Believing- Journey
• California Callin' - Enrique Iglesias
• Paradise by the Dashboard Light- Meatloaf
• On the Road Again - Canned Heat
• Animal I Have Become - Three Days Grace
• All Summer Long- Kid Rock
• Not in Love - Enrique Iglesias
• The Way You Touch Me- Enrique Iglesias
• Say It - Enrique Iglesias
• Drops of Jupiter - Train
• Love Shack - B-52s
• I Almost Told You That I Loved You - Papa Roach
• Carry on my Wayward Son - Kansas 
• Uma Thurman- Fall Out Boy
• Wheel in the Sky- Journey
• Hotel California- The Eagles
• Another Day in Paradise- Phil Collins
• Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffet
• All Around Me - Flyleaf
• Shut up and Drive- Rhianna 
• Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles