We've moved on from St. Augustine and find ourselves in a lovely B&B in Green Coves Spring, FL.
It's located only a block from the St. John's River, with a lovely park sandwiched in between.
young ladies showing off their Celtic dance skills (which was extremely interesting to watch…..how those girls can jump and land on their toes over and over again is amazing.)
And numerous booths featuring the highlights of their clan. If there was a prize for the most original, I'd have given it to this one.
They brought in their own castle!
And, the sheep were nervously watching her!
It was quite amusing to watch those sheep run around as if they were velcroed together while the dogs were able to send them in the direction that their owner requested
All done by a whistle!
That's one happy dog!
While I was admiring my surroundings, I looked up to see this beautiful osprey watching the water intently.
The day had begun cold and cloudy when we were leaving St. Augustine, but, as you can see, the weather changed for the better as the day went on.
Our morning began with yet another fabulous breakfast at our B&B prior to our departing for Green Cove Springs. When planning our trip, I had spotted online that the NE Florida Scottish Highland games were being held at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Feb 22.
Now, I ask you, just how could I pass on that opportunity? After our numerous excursions to Scotland, we felt more than a wee bit like joining in on the festivities.
So, after checking in to the Riverpark Inn early, we headed to the Fairgrounds. The place was abuzz with activity, and if there is such thing as a redneck clansman, then believe you me….we were immersed in them!
The event is obviously quite an annual draw for people of Scottish descent. I had only learned that there was a large Scottish community here in Florida, so it's understandable why this type of function would be so well attended.
The main arena was encircled by a booth representing a different clan. That's a LOT of tartan in one place. And, we finally were able to place the Yellow/Black Tartan, which we'd never seen in Scotland, to an Isle off the North west coast, which explains why we hadn't run into it.
The activities were numerous, with men in kilts playing bagpipes
young ladies showing off their Celtic dance skills (which was extremely interesting to watch…..how those girls can jump and land on their toes over and over again is amazing.)
There were Scottish dogs on parade
and highland "coos"to admire
And numerous booths featuring the highlights of their clan. If there was a prize for the most original, I'd have given it to this one.
One of the most entertaining events was the sheep herding, featuring the skills of the border collie.
Is that the most unbelievably cute dog that you've ever seen? She's patiently watching the sheep.
And, the sheep were nervously watching her!
It was quite amusing to watch those sheep run around as if they were velcroed together while the dogs were able to send them in the direction that their owner requested
That's one happy dog!
The ceremonies began with each clan marching around the arena. I'll admit that I was extremely worried if that elderly man was going to make it even half way.
His banner kept dropping to the right. But, you've got to give him credit for still being able to participate!
In the same arena were the highland games, involving anything from throwing a huge rock to tossing a caber. There were a lot of participants, in kilts, competing, and when they were successful, you could hear the howl of enthusiasm radiate across the fairgrounds.
I'm not quite sure what this woman represented, since her kilt looks more like a tutu, but she was able to pick up that 130 pound pole
And she was actually successful in tossing it…the crowd roared!
It was QUITE a site!
The evening had us strolling around, checking out the local attraction, a famous mineral spring which can be easily spotted from our B&B.
I took some evening photos. The water runs from the spring through a public pool, and then falls down leading towards the St. John's River. Here you can see the water spilling out from under the pool.
Here is the actual spot of the spring, which, by the way, reminded me of the slag pile smells from when I was a kid visiting my grandma. It's supposed to be therapeutic, but I just can't see how one could relax while holding their nose closed.
And, here you see the sign with the chemical breakdown of the "therapeutic"waters.
I don't know about you, but I don't like the fact that the "Dissolved Solids"is covered up by that sign. And, what is a dissolved solid anyway?
As Marty and I were scrutinizing the chemical makeup of the spring, outside, in the dark (although the park is well lit in this area), we could hear a local band playing at a nearby bar, belting out its music.
Werewolf in London. It kind of added to the moment.
We'll have to see if we can find something equally exciting for tomorrow.
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