Alyson's Birthday

The Schooner "Freedom"


St Augustine, a cool Saturday evening, the 72’ Schooner Freedom and really good friends made for a totally wonderful, blogworthy event. The occasion was Alyson’s @#th birthday -it’s a milestone year I should probably not reveal – perhaps she’ll do the deed over on “Imagine Alyzabeth An”.
The afternoon was a hot one and we had planned on arriving in St Augustine before noon and doing the sights before the event. We thought better of it as we would probably look a hot mess by sailing time, so we did our usual Saturday morning thing and started for St A at about 3 PM. We were right – the city had absorbed the heat of the day and we felt like Thanksgiving turkeys fresh out of the oven. At the marina, the temp was considerably lower with the breeze coming off the Intercoastal Waterway making the evening perfect for a 2 hour sail.
Aly & Ford’s family and friends boarded the schooner and took to the waters where we laughed, sang, posed for pictures and toasted the birthday girl as the sun set and provided the perfect backdrop for Aly’s special occasion. Happy Birthday, Aly! Your grace, beauty and kindness are a gift to us. Thank you for inviting us. What a blast!

Alyson, the Birthday Girl

On the Intercoastal Waterway with

the Old City of St Augustine in the background.

(Internet photo)

Exiting the Bridge of Lions

(Internet photo)

Aly & Ford

Ford hoists

Be hoists

(Note the delicate evening bag with Blackberry attached)

Ford & Be

Don & Ford

Up close at The Bridge of Lions reconstruction.

The Bridge of Lions @ Sunset

Temporary bridge during the restoration with original bridge in the background.

One of the few remaining ornamental bridges on the East Coast of the United States, the Bridge of Lions has become one of St. Augustine's most familiar features. Opened in 1927, it furthered the development of Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach and is guarded by its marble lions.

Be & Don @ sunset on the Schooner Freedom.

Don didn't look good in color and he doesn't look good in black & white.

Be always looks great - sometimes.