It's time to move on...we had a wonderful, relaxing two month "mini-retirement" at our Seagate Cottage vacation rental that we found in Neptune Beach, Fl.
How did we find it? By following the advice in the book "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss. We flew in to Jacksonville, FL spent time exploring the beaches, settled on an area, searched Google for local vacation rental listings, checked them out and ultimately found the perfect spot for us on CriagsList.
The only thing we would do differently next time is to allow more time for the search. We allowed a week but it actually took two...not that it mattered as we had plenty of uncommitted time in front of us.
Our experiment in living without a car worked well (going green was not a calculated act). We discovered we really liked the challenge. We walked, rode the local bus and used the bikes for excursions and shopping. We got back in shape by exercising and walking at least an hour or more each day. And there was still plenty of time to read, write, compute, paint and dream.
Now, it's time to pack and set out on our next PTA (Plane, Train, Automobile) adventure. Come along with us as we set out on AmTrak, riding the rails north by northwest.
Showing posts with label Jacksonville Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jacksonville Beach. Show all posts
Easter Palm Trees
Easter Sunday. The alarm ring at 5:30 A.M. We rose early to experience the sun rise over Atlantic Ocean. It's only about a 30 minute walk on the seashore to the Jacksonville Beach SeaWalk Pavilion. (We attended the Seafood Festival the evening before at the pavilion and are looking forward to the Blues Festival in April.)
The Easter Sunrise Service was underway when we arrived. The sky was still black with a few stars visible and the moon was full. We listened to the service and music as we watched the sky brighten until the red orb of the sun finally appeared through the low laying clouds. We were not alone. There were hundreds of families on the beach celebrating the dawning of a new day.
After returning to the cottage, I ignored the computer and spent the rest of the day with brush in hand. My acrylic painting of palms and hut now has pillars that are attached to the roof, the front post is longer to give the impression of space behind it and with the purchase of a roll of blue painter's tape, my lines are relatively straight.
Now, I need to get a spray bottle...I remembered to wet the canvas before attempting the longer palmetto fronds of the palm trees, so the acrylic paint went on smoothly. But I was so engrossed in the act of painting, I forgot to apply water before painting on the main fronds. The result was sketchy fronds without substance, not to mention the fact that they are from two different species of tree!
As with every location we visit I always learn something new. Since we arrived at our vacation rental in Florida, I have researched the differences between a porpoise, a dolphin and a shark. Today, I looked up the proper name for the type of palm trees I am attempting to paint.
Yes, my palm fronds are indeed from two different species of tree...one is that of the royal palm or coconut palm. The two trees look very similar from a distance. The other tree is the sabal palmetto, commonly known as the cabbage palm. Do you know the difference? One has long slender, fringed fronds, the other has a long stem with a fan configuration at the end. That is the image I am trying to capture.
Oh, and next time I pick up my brush, I'll wear shoes and either raise the painting on the easel for standing or lower it for sitting while I figure out how to correct the palm tree problem. That way I may avoid the aching back and sore feet that resulted from 8 hours of getting lost in the act of painting.
Oh, well. Learning is what it's all about.
The Easter Sunrise Service was underway when we arrived. The sky was still black with a few stars visible and the moon was full. We listened to the service and music as we watched the sky brighten until the red orb of the sun finally appeared through the low laying clouds. We were not alone. There were hundreds of families on the beach celebrating the dawning of a new day.
After returning to the cottage, I ignored the computer and spent the rest of the day with brush in hand. My acrylic painting of palms and hut now has pillars that are attached to the roof, the front post is longer to give the impression of space behind it and with the purchase of a roll of blue painter's tape, my lines are relatively straight.Now, I need to get a spray bottle...I remembered to wet the canvas before attempting the longer palmetto fronds of the palm trees, so the acrylic paint went on smoothly. But I was so engrossed in the act of painting, I forgot to apply water before painting on the main fronds. The result was sketchy fronds without substance, not to mention the fact that they are from two different species of tree!
As with every location we visit I always learn something new. Since we arrived at our vacation rental in Florida, I have researched the differences between a porpoise, a dolphin and a shark. Today, I looked up the proper name for the type of palm trees I am attempting to paint.
Yes, my palm fronds are indeed from two different species of tree...one is that of the royal palm or coconut palm. The two trees look very similar from a distance. The other tree is the sabal palmetto, commonly known as the cabbage palm. Do you know the difference? One has long slender, fringed fronds, the other has a long stem with a fan configuration at the end. That is the image I am trying to capture.
Oh, and next time I pick up my brush, I'll wear shoes and either raise the painting on the easel for standing or lower it for sitting while I figure out how to correct the palm tree problem. That way I may avoid the aching back and sore feet that resulted from 8 hours of getting lost in the act of painting.
Oh, well. Learning is what it's all about.
Bikes, Sneakers and Trivia
Last evening, we got out the bikes and peddled down the well marked bike lane to the Jacksonville Beach city center area.
We secured our bikes to the bike rack conveniently located in the adjacent parking lot and entered Sneakers Sports Grill. It was originally partially owned by the famed right guard of the Jaguars, Tony Boselli. During the NFL season, a local TV station broadcasts their Jaguars Show from here.
We requested a seat outside in the "open air" patio area that faces 1st street. The garage doors (walls) were open, the breeze cool, the noise level just bearable and the drinks overly large. It was happy hour and instead of two drinks we each received one very large, tall glass.
While we munched on Spinach and Artichoke Dip served with nacho chips, we watched the traffic go by, listened to the younger crowd behind us note with amazement that one set of their parents we still together after all these years, they actually went to prom together. Wow!
And we played trivia...Well, actually it was pretty sad. The monitor that displayed the questions was mounted in a corner and the glare interfered with our ability to see the questions. Right. Then on the rare occasions when we actually knew the answer, I was so slow locating the correct number on the blue, portable keyboard we ended up with just under 1000 points per question anyway.
In the end we decided we really need to watch more TV. How do we know who Sponge Bob practices boxing with? It wasn’t until we were ready to leave that I discovered I could have changed my answers at anytime! We came in third, out of the three teams participating.
We were back at the cottage before dark. However, I am still wondering, "Is it possible to get a DWI when peddling a bike?"
We secured our bikes to the bike rack conveniently located in the adjacent parking lot and entered Sneakers Sports Grill. It was originally partially owned by the famed right guard of the Jaguars, Tony Boselli. During the NFL season, a local TV station broadcasts their Jaguars Show from here.
We requested a seat outside in the "open air" patio area that faces 1st street. The garage doors (walls) were open, the breeze cool, the noise level just bearable and the drinks overly large. It was happy hour and instead of two drinks we each received one very large, tall glass.
While we munched on Spinach and Artichoke Dip served with nacho chips, we watched the traffic go by, listened to the younger crowd behind us note with amazement that one set of their parents we still together after all these years, they actually went to prom together. Wow!
And we played trivia...Well, actually it was pretty sad. The monitor that displayed the questions was mounted in a corner and the glare interfered with our ability to see the questions. Right. Then on the rare occasions when we actually knew the answer, I was so slow locating the correct number on the blue, portable keyboard we ended up with just under 1000 points per question anyway.
In the end we decided we really need to watch more TV. How do we know who Sponge Bob practices boxing with? It wasn’t until we were ready to leave that I discovered I could have changed my answers at anytime! We came in third, out of the three teams participating.
We were back at the cottage before dark. However, I am still wondering, "Is it possible to get a DWI when peddling a bike?"
Seagate Exceeds Goals
It's been a month as of today, that we discovered Seagate Cottage, our vacation rental. We have extended for another month and are seriously thinking about returning next year. The place exceeds all of the goals we set for our first extended stay:
Goal 1
The ability to do without a rental car. There are many shops, banks, restaurants and stores nearby. Walking is good exercise and when you don't have a car there are no excuses for not taking the opportunities offered.
Goal 2
Convenient public transportation. The bus stop is a block away. The bus runs every 1/2 to 1 hour. The route passes by most of the businesses we need for daily living. Great for walking to store and returning with grocery bags.
Goal 3
Lots of opportunities for exercise. There are miles of flat beach to walk with lots of interesting sights only a block away. There are bikes and biking lanes. In fact, some streets have more pedestrian travel than auto especially on the weekends. There are stairs to negotiate.
Goal 4
Lots of friendly people and opportunities for socializing; especially now that it is spring break for many areas. Bukket's in Jax beach or the Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach seem to be the local hangouts.
How are we doing? Well, we are not losing any weight that we can notice. Inches? Maybe. Mental health? Great. It is a great place to relax, work on personal projects and write. Our energy levels are up.
Projects for the coming month? Work on that farmer's tan now that the weather is warming up. Continue to share computer time with the goal of eventually reducing the number of computers we travel with. Continue to exercise, eat right and keep the budget in line by eating in.
It's always good to do a quick review and see where you stand. Are your reaching the goals you set for yourself?
Goal 1
The ability to do without a rental car. There are many shops, banks, restaurants and stores nearby. Walking is good exercise and when you don't have a car there are no excuses for not taking the opportunities offered.
Goal 2
Convenient public transportation. The bus stop is a block away. The bus runs every 1/2 to 1 hour. The route passes by most of the businesses we need for daily living. Great for walking to store and returning with grocery bags.
Goal 3
Lots of opportunities for exercise. There are miles of flat beach to walk with lots of interesting sights only a block away. There are bikes and biking lanes. In fact, some streets have more pedestrian travel than auto especially on the weekends. There are stairs to negotiate.
Goal 4
Lots of friendly people and opportunities for socializing; especially now that it is spring break for many areas. Bukket's in Jax beach or the Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach seem to be the local hangouts.
How are we doing? Well, we are not losing any weight that we can notice. Inches? Maybe. Mental health? Great. It is a great place to relax, work on personal projects and write. Our energy levels are up.
Projects for the coming month? Work on that farmer's tan now that the weather is warming up. Continue to share computer time with the goal of eventually reducing the number of computers we travel with. Continue to exercise, eat right and keep the budget in line by eating in.
It's always good to do a quick review and see where you stand. Are your reaching the goals you set for yourself?
Evening Endeavour
The alarm was set for 2 A.M. The early evening forecast was promising. Several stars were already visible. We were excited. Tonight the space shuttle Endeavour was scheduled to fly at 2:28 A.M.
The plan was in place. Listen for the alarm, get up, slip into something, walk to the beach, compete with each other to see who could spot the most shooting stars until flight time. We had been told we should be able to see the shuttle as it streaked into space from anywhere on the beach.
Then reality set in. No one set the alarm. Not a problem. I awoke at 1:30 A.M. only to discover that cloud cover obscured the sky and not a star was in sight. Oh, well. We rolled over and went back to sleep.
The NASA photos of mission STS-123 are spectacular. Maybe next time.
The plan was in place. Listen for the alarm, get up, slip into something, walk to the beach, compete with each other to see who could spot the most shooting stars until flight time. We had been told we should be able to see the shuttle as it streaked into space from anywhere on the beach.
Then reality set in. No one set the alarm. Not a problem. I awoke at 1:30 A.M. only to discover that cloud cover obscured the sky and not a star was in sight. Oh, well. We rolled over and went back to sleep.
The NASA photos of mission STS-123 are spectacular. Maybe next time.
Palm Trees in Acrylic
The severe weather on Friday kept me from the beach. It was actually a good thing. With drawing pencil and paint brush in hand the creative urge struck. That is until the light on the sun porch gave way to to the gloom.
Actually, my first drawing project came about several days ago due to a search of the Internet. It's been nearly 20 years since my last serious art project. Needless to say, I have forgotten much of what I studied, practiced and taught then.
Actually, my first drawing project came about several days ago due to a search of the Internet. It's been nearly 20 years since my last serious art project. Needless to say, I have forgotten much of what I studied, practiced and taught then.
My search took me to a basic drawing site. Using the basic shapes of a circle and rectangle I captured the shape of a wine bottle, not exactly great art but it was a start. The site also talked about the basics of using acrylic paints.
Starting at square one with a color chart/wheel I applied paint to paper. Actually, I discovered I don't actually like the feel or effects of the paint on the paper (Canson, Canva-Paper) and graduated to a small 16X20 canvas panel. With any luck it will fit in the bottom of the suitcase when we hit the road again.
My project
is taking shape. I blocked in the background sky, sea and sand. Then came the foreground palm trunks and lifesaving building. What I learned... Remember to use a straight edge or tape when painting straight lines and pillars should always be attached to the roof... Oh, well.
My project
is taking shape. I blocked in the background sky, sea and sand. Then came the foreground palm trunks and lifesaving building. What I learned... Remember to use a straight edge or tape when painting straight lines and pillars should always be attached to the roof... Oh, well. The next step is to practice palm leaves on paper, straighten out my mistakes, work on the details and then decide if the boardwalk should be included.
Do you have a favorite site or blog that teaches art basics? What is your favorite medium?
A Walk on the Beach
It's only a block to the Atlantic from our Seagate Vacation Rental. I really enjoy my morning walk as I playing tag with the waves, face warmed by the sun, a gentle sea breeze pushing at my back; the scream of the gulls dulled by the rush of the surf. There is always something unique to enjoy.In my pocket is my camera, my pedometer and cell phone. Some days I finish my morning coffee as I walk. The hard part is leaving the beach to return to reality and the computer.
Seagate Cottage
Seagate Cottage,Neptune Beach, Florida.
What a great find. The three bedroom, one bath, cape-cod style upper floor vacation rental is just a block from the beach.
The front stairway leads up to a sun porch that is ideal for coffee in the morning and wine by candle light in the evening.It's air conditioned with a ceiling fan and plenty of screened windows to let in the sea breeze. There is plenty of light and space for the pursuit of drawing and painting. It reminds me of my great aunt's stately old house that overlooked Lake Michigan.
Or, can't you just see a group of lady's from a bygone era in their long dresses exchanging the latest gossip, while drinking afternoon tea from flowery cups, awaiting the return of their husbands who are at sea?
The combination living and dining room is comfortable, well decorated and features an electric fireplace and wood floor. I love all the little decorative touches. On the mantel there is a crab holding a sign with the reminder, "Don't be crabby, you're at the beach". The bookcase has video's and Cd's for various ages and books by some of my favorite authors.
The colors are off in this photo. The walls are white, cream and sand. The steamer trunk in the center of the room is used as a coffee table and has the initials, M.J.F. stamped on the ends. I wonder who that was and where they traveled?
The master bedroom has plenty of windows and a comfortable sofa to facilitate needle punch and reading. Can't you just imagine being served breakfast in bed?
I just finished reading Amy Tan's, "The Bonesetter's Daughter" while lounging on this sofa. And I have a needle punch project in progress.
The smallest bedroom has a built-in desk with room for the laptop computer and printer. It has a trundle bed. It's the perfect spot for work. The side window's look out onto the sun porch.
The front window overlooks Seagate Ave. on the Neptune Beach side of the road and 20th Ave N. on the Jacksonville Beach side of the road.The line separating the two cities runs down the center of the street.
The second guest room has a double bed and window's facing the front and side of the house.
The bath is small but functional. I love the old fashioned style basin and large shower head.
The kitchen is small, compact and quaint with high ceilings. The door off the kitchen leads to the back staircase.
Located below the stairway is a patio area with a gas grill and laundry room. There is a three car garage for use by the residents.Bikes are provided for riding on the hard sand beach and exploring the many shops, restaurants and businesses located nearby. On the whole it is a perfect place to work, read, paint, craft and dream. And did I mention it is only a short walk to the beach?
The Angel and the Dolphin
It was Sunday. Two days before we had realized the condo we had found the previous weekend would not be available. First, we had been told it would be ready on the previous Wednesday, then it would not be ready until that Saturday. Late Friday evening we learned it would not be ready for at least an additional week and that the price had doubled! We had just wasted a week.
We spent Saturday on the Internet re-looking at our options in the Jacksonville Beach, Florida area. We found a house that sounded great. It was the right price, but it was six blocks from the beach in a high traffic area. It did have a piano, a plus. And, it would be available the next weekend. But, we couldn't actually look at it. It was currently occupied, a minus. It was a possibility.
Dan continued to search on-line and make phone calls; I stood out on the balcony overlooking the pool and the beach. As my gaze wandered over the pool I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was an angel. It floated and drifted on the surface of the pool. The angel's perfectly formed shadow, outlined 4 ft. below the surface, caught my attention first.
Let me explain. Earlier that morning I watch as the pool guy sprayed the tiles with something that created the bubbles that formed this wonderful shape. Could this be a sign of pending good luck in our search?
That evening I once again stood on the balcony of the Comfort Inn watching the sun set over the Atlantic. I thought about our day. We had looked at another condo. It was on the third floor, no elevator. It was a shot-gun type arrangement with a balcony overlooking the beach. It was to small.
We were currently waiting to look at another prospective place that had great potential. Suddenly from the corner of my eye I spotted a dolphin riding the crest of a foaming wave. Was this another sign that we would end our search today?
Yes. Absolutely. The place was nearly perfect. A three bedroom, cape cod style apartment on the upper floor of an older home just one block from the beach. We moved in two days later and have already extend an extra month. I love it.
So, could the sightings of the angel and the dolphin that kept my spirits high all that day have really help us find Seagate Cottage?
We spent Saturday on the Internet re-looking at our options in the Jacksonville Beach, Florida area. We found a house that sounded great. It was the right price, but it was six blocks from the beach in a high traffic area. It did have a piano, a plus. And, it would be available the next weekend. But, we couldn't actually look at it. It was currently occupied, a minus. It was a possibility.
Dan continued to search on-line and make phone calls; I stood out on the balcony overlooking the pool and the beach. As my gaze wandered over the pool I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was an angel. It floated and drifted on the surface of the pool. The angel's perfectly formed shadow, outlined 4 ft. below the surface, caught my attention first.Let me explain. Earlier that morning I watch as the pool guy sprayed the tiles with something that created the bubbles that formed this wonderful shape. Could this be a sign of pending good luck in our search?
That evening I once again stood on the balcony of the Comfort Inn watching the sun set over the Atlantic. I thought about our day. We had looked at another condo. It was on the third floor, no elevator. It was a shot-gun type arrangement with a balcony overlooking the beach. It was to small.
We were currently waiting to look at another prospective place that had great potential. Suddenly from the corner of my eye I spotted a dolphin riding the crest of a foaming wave. Was this another sign that we would end our search today?
Yes. Absolutely. The place was nearly perfect. A three bedroom, cape cod style apartment on the upper floor of an older home just one block from the beach. We moved in two days later and have already extend an extra month. I love it.
So, could the sightings of the angel and the dolphin that kept my spirits high all that day have really help us find Seagate Cottage?
Sailing on Sand
Wow, it's the unexpected adventures that make our travel lifestyle so worthwhile.
The sun was finally shining, the wind still cool and the beach beckoned. Walking on Jacksonville Beach or any beach is a great way to both relax and get exercise.
Today, the seagulls cooperated by not flying away when approached for a photo. Two wind sailing vehicles zoomed across the beach near the pier. I stood still as one vehicle tacked with the wind before me, then zoomed away. I turned so the sun was to my back and raised my new Casio Exilim 7.2 mega pixel camera to see if I could catch the colorful action on video.
It was great fun to rush toward the waves, then swerve suddenly either to the right or to the left and loop around only to do it again. With one leg braced on the side of the frame, the other perched on a rope tied between the frame and center support and only one handhold, a bunge cord straped to the center support, each turn felt as if you were going to spill out onto the sand.
To soon, the unexpected trip was over and I continued on my walk excitedly planning what to say about my unexpected adventure.
How often do you step out of your comfort zone? Have you tried wind sailing? I recommend it.
The sun was finally shining, the wind still cool and the beach beckoned. Walking on Jacksonville Beach or any beach is a great way to both relax and get exercise.
Today, the seagulls cooperated by not flying away when approached for a photo. Two wind sailing vehicles zoomed across the beach near the pier. I stood still as one vehicle tacked with the wind before me, then zoomed away. I turned so the sun was to my back and raised my new Casio Exilim 7.2 mega pixel camera to see if I could catch the colorful action on video.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FLORIDA
To my surprise, one of the vehicles approched and stopped. The elderly captian, in a navy blue USS Sarasota cap, invited me to take a ride. Since I had just been reading about steping out of my comfort zone, I decided to go for it. Soon, I was sailing across the hardpacked sand.It was great fun to rush toward the waves, then swerve suddenly either to the right or to the left and loop around only to do it again. With one leg braced on the side of the frame, the other perched on a rope tied between the frame and center support and only one handhold, a bunge cord straped to the center support, each turn felt as if you were going to spill out onto the sand.
To soon, the unexpected trip was over and I continued on my walk excitedly planning what to say about my unexpected adventure.
How often do you step out of your comfort zone? Have you tried wind sailing? I recommend it.
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