Loose Leaf Notes

We stayed at the Ocean Coast Hotel, but our second home was the beachside Sliders bar where we met some descendants of the Hatfields, some new Floydfest friends, swung on roped bar seats and danced to reggae music.

According to the Wikipedia, “American Indian bands associated with the Timucua people settled on the island around 1000, which they called Napoyca. They remained there until the early 18th century. The island was named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain and changed hands between colonial powers a number of times. It is claimed that eight flags have flown over Amelia Island: French, Spanish, British, Floridian/Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and United States.”

The island is only about eight hours from Floyd, so a perfect mid-stop on the drive home from Naples/Marco Island.

The ocean water is colder and the sand isn’t as white as it is on Florida’s Gulf side, but four-wheel drive vehicles can park on some parts of the beach.

And look who we visited: Our Floyd friend Joel, who lives on the island now but lived in Floyd for much longer and still has property there.

Joel is a musician, primarily a lead guitarist, but he also plays banjo, drums and more (listen HERE.)  He’s also a former tie dye artist as evidenced by the sun shawl he gifted me with that I’m wearing in the beach picture above.

We enjoyed seeing his island home, his gardens and his garage band set-up of instruments in his garage.

Joe got to try out Joel’s dad’s Hawaiian made ukulele.

After visiting Joel and spending time on the beach, we headed for old town downtown, which reminded me a bit of New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Other times, I felt like I was in Puerto Rico or Cuba.

Joe got some coffee for the drive home.

But not before he spent some time at Terrapin Station.

We just missed the Mardi Gras parade.

But not the sunset.

We love a good vacation and will be back next year, but we also know that there’s no place like home. ______More on our Florida vacation HERE and HERE.