Category: USA

  • Castillo de Sans Marcos – St. Augustine, Florida

    Castillo de Sans Marcos – St. Augustine, Florida

    Today was splashtastic as I paddled my way to St. Augustine, Florida!  Can you believe I got to see the historic Castillo de San Marcos?  Just imagine me bobbing about on the gentle waves of the Matanzas River, gazing at that massive fortress standing proud against the bright blue sky.  Those coquina walls looked so inviting; they practically called my name!

    Let me tell you, Castillo San Marcos is not just any old fort; it’s one of the most incredible national parks in the Sunshine State!  This magnificent structure was built way back in the 17th century, starting in 1672, by the clever Spanish to keep their empire safe from nosy neighbours.  They had to deal with the British, pirates, and who knows what else!

    The fort has a remarkable history of resilience.  In 1702, the British attempted to attack, but to no avail.  They couldn’t breach those impenetrable walls, not even when they set the city ablaze!  This is a fort with some serious street cred!  Subsequent attacks in 1728 and 1740 were just as fruitless—those Brits must’ve been so frustrated!

    After a whirlwind of history, Florida became a British colony in 1763.  This place has seen many changes; it’s like a soap opera!  During the Revolutionary War, the Castillo transformed into a military prison and held three signers of the Declaration of Independence within its walls.  Can you imagine the stories they must have shared?

    I felt a bit awestruck by the impressive row of cannons and the fascinating history of weaponry that played a vital role in protecting this significant piece of land.

    When Florida returned to Spain in 1784, the Castillo was renamed Fort Marion in honour of a revolutionary hero.  By 1822, Florida had permanently become under the domain of the United States, and in a heartwarming twist, it returned to its original name, Castillo de San Marcos, in 1942! 

    Now, let’s talk about the vibes!  The fort was buzzing with families snapping photos, and I couldn’t help but chuckle as little ones posed with their rubber duckies!  I, of course, had the best view!  Peeking through those narrow windows, I imagined the brave soldiers who once stood sentinel, watching the glimmering waters.  The ramparts offered stunning views of the coastline and sailboats gliding along, and oh, how I wished for a ride!  But alas, I’m just a duck!

    This stronghold has seen over 315 years of history, and here I was—a little rubber duck soaking it all in.

    When I returned to my cozy little pond, I couldn’t wait to regale my bath toy buddies with tales of my day at Castillo de San Marcos!  I might be a quacking duck, but now I’m carrying a treasure trove of history.  Quack-tastic, right?

    Never Miss A

  • Bridge of Lions – St. Augustine, Florida

    Bridge of Lions – St. Augustine, Florida

    Hey there, adventure seekers!  It’s Bob here, paddling through the magical waters of St. Augustine, Florida—where the past dances with the present like the waves doing the cha-cha all around me!  Today, I’m right by the iconic Bridge of Lions, this fantastic drawbridge that whisks visitors from the city’s lively streets to the sun-kissed shores of Anastasia Island, all while crossing the sparkling Matanzas Bay.

    Now, let me set the scene!  Picture this: a duo of majestic marble lion statues stand guard over the bridge, looking like they’ve just stepped out of an Italian Renaissance painting!  These royal guardians, replicas of Florence’s famous Medici lions, have been watching since the bridge opened its doors in 1927.  They’ve had their share of adventures, too—after a bit of a makeover and some relocation drama, they roared back to their posts in March 2011, ready to oversee one of the most picturesque spots in the nation’s oldest city, famously known as “The Most Beautiful Bridge in Dixie.” Talk about a lion’s share of the glory!

    What I love most about this bridge is how it fuses beauty and functions like a finely tuned ukulele.  It’s a hotspot for duck-hoppers like me, with lush palm trees, charming gazebos, and a cool new dock extending into the bay, perfect for catching a sunset or just soaking up the vibes.  And here’s the kicker—every hour and half hour, from 7 AM to 6 PM, the bridge raises its arms in a grand theatrical display for passing boats.  Just picture it—a pirate ship gliding through as the lions look on with their stoic gaze! 

    Speaking of pirates, I had a moment of panic when I saw one coming through!  My little heart raced and I nearly quacked my pants, thinking, “Oh no!  The pirates are taking over!” But fear not!  The Black Raven is a pirate ship designed for live performances.  Phew!  I dodged a close one there.

    As I drift along, the air is filled with laughter and the magical sounds of storytelling.  Families come together, sharing moments as precious as gold, all while surrounded by the charm of this historic site.  There’s something heartwarming about the way people connect here, turning the Bridge of Lions into not just a crossing but a symbol of unity echoing the rich heritage of St. Augustine.

    As the sun dips low, painting the sky in glorious shades of gold and rose, I can’t help but feel thankful.  This isn’t just a stunning bridge; it’s a treasured icon of St. Augustine, woven into the vibrant tapestry of the city’s story.  I feel beyond lucky to soak it all in!

    Never Miss A

  • Fort Clinch – Fernandina Beach, Florida

    Fort Clinch – Fernandina Beach, Florida

    Hey there, fellow adventurers!  Bobber Duck here, floating your way from Fernandina Beach, Florida, where I’ve just paddled past the magnificent Fort Clinch!  This historic gem is perched on the island’s North End, and let me tell you, it’s a quacker of a place!

    Imagine this: a pre-Civil War fortress, built in the 19th century, standing tall and proud amidst 1121 acres of breathtaking nature.  With sandy beaches stretching over a mile, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun, with eagles and ospreys soaring above.  Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife. 

    Now, what’s remarkable is the backstory of this fort.  It all began in 1736 when the first fortifications were set down, but the real magic happened in 1847 when construction on Fort Clinch kicked off.  It was like a giant sandcastle, but made of stone and brick!  Sadly, the fort wasn’t finished when the Civil War rolled around, and they hadn’t even put cannons in place.  Just imagine—a fort ready for action but still a little shy!

    Fast forward to 1898, when the Spanish-American War turned Fort Clinch into a bustling barracks and ammo depot.  With some fortifications added, it was all hands on deck!  But wouldn’t you know it, the action fizzled out, and poor ol’ Fort Clinch was left cooling its heels (or walls) once again.

    But that’s not all!  In 1935, some visionary individuals recognized the significance of this place and transformed it into one of Florida’s first state parks.  Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, the fort received a much-needed makeover, preserving its historical charm for future generations to enjoy!

    Today, it’s a delightful place for visitors to explore.  From bastions and guard rooms to kitchens and a blacksmith shop, every nook and cranny of this fort echoes with history.  The fort has been meticulously restored, with period furnishings and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.  And the best part?  Friendly volunteers and rangers are ready to share all the juicy tales of bravery and battles within these walls!

    Planning for the next Attack
    Not the Greatest Place to Be
    Take a Much Needed Nap
    Rest By The Fire

    So, if you’re ever near Fernandina Beach, why not plan a visit to Fort Clinch?  You’ll get a splash of history and nature all in one quacktastic visit!  Until next time, keep floating and exploring, my friends!

    NEVER MISS A

  • National Corvette Museum – Bowling Green, Kentucky

    National Corvette Museum – Bowling Green, Kentucky

    Bob here, reporting from my egg-citing adventure at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky!  As a duck with a serious flair for shiny things and high-speed thrills, I couldn’t resist paddling over to dive into the dazzling world of America’s favourite sports car!

    As soon as I waddled into that vibrant lobby, I was greeted with bells, whistles, and the cheerful honking of horns!  It was a celebration fit for a Corvette superstar—a lucky new owner was picking up their sparkling blue ride right in the museum, not at the factory across the street.  What a grand entrance!  Everyone gathered around, clapping and cheering as the thrilled owner cruised off in their shiny pride and joy.  I felt like I was in the spotlight of this high-speed celebration!

    Once I floated into the main halls of the museum, my rubbery eyes widened with joy.  Corvettes galore glimmered like jewels from every decade!  Oh, my ducky goodness; each model was shinier than a freshly polished chrome finish! 

    Car enthusiasts buzzed around like bees in a flower patch, and their excitement was utterly contagious—this was one quack-tastic spectacle for a rubber duck like me!

    The museum takes visitors on a thrilling ride through Corvette history, with everything from incredible design prototypes to legendary models.  And boy, did I find a couple of faves that made my feathers ruffle joyfully!

    On The Way – Bowling Green, Kentucky National Corvette Museum

    Let’s dive right into the star of my show—the infamous ‘Ugly Duckling’ Corvette (officially known as the Corvette XP819 from 1964).  Talk about a unique design!  With its pointed nose and long tail, this beauty didn’t quite make it to the production line, but I love the unique and unconventional.  The ‘Ugly Duckling’ is a proud symbol of the Corvette’s history of daring to be different! 

    This quirky gem even influenced the striking 1968 Corvette.  If you squint just right, you might see some family resemblance between us—both champions of individuality!

    Then there was the show-stopper: a bright red 1961 Corvette from country superstar Brad Paisley’s collection!  Oh, that car had me quacking with delight!  It was impeccably restored, showcasing its iconic design and rich history—talk about a splashtastic sight!  The chrome accents shined under the lights and the interior.  It was simply stunning, with luxurious leather seats that added character.  Brad loves that car so much that even his tour bus is painted to match!

    As I waddled around, I marvelled at the precise craftsmanship and rich details—this car was not just metal and rubber; it was a piece of Brad’s personal history, a testament to his love for cars and the open road.  The exhibit captured that passion, weaving a tale that resonated deeply with fans and car enthusiasts alike.

    With interactive exhibits bringing Corvette history to life, I became excited as I learned about its rich racing legacy and groundbreaking innovations. 

    Did you know Corvettes are affectionately dubbed America’s sports car?  As a duck who prides himself on floating in style, I flapped my wings with pride!

    And let’s not forget about the gift shop—oh boy, what a treasure trove!  I searched high and low for rubber duckies without any luck, but I did manage to snag a Matchbox Corvette to cuddle in my wings!  It’s the perfect souvenir to remember my quack-tastic time!  Even without my ducky finds, the shop was brimming with Corvette memorabilia, ensuring my adventure was well-documented!

    If you’re a car lover, a history buff, or enjoy quirky attractions, the National Corvette Museum is an absolute must-see!  And don’t forget to show some love to the Ugly Duckling Corvette—it’s bursting with character and charm! 

    Quack-tastic memories await, and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!  Let’s keep the fun splashing!

    NEVER MISS A