We left Saint Petersberg and headed to St Augustine, the oldest town in USA.We just stopped here for 2 hours, and the staff at the tourist information centre were very helpful in advising us what to do.We had just enough time to walk down St George's Street, which is a pedestrian historic street, looking at all the buildings and in some shops, and to see the outside of the fort and the riverside.We chose not to go into any of the museums or the fort, as we have seen plenty of these in the last few months!This was a great place for a short visit, and to break up the long drive, but we felt that it was a little too touristy.The historic buildings were just too clean and bright and made it feel like we were in a theme park rather than a place which holds such history.We had some Cuban sandwiches here, as we thought we should try some Cuban food as we were still in Florida - they were great.

We then continued our journey into Georgia and to Saint Simons Island.We did not really know anything about this place, as we had stumbled on it by accident when doing a couchsurfing search for the Savannah area, so we were pleasantly surprised by what we found. The island was very beautiful with large houses and hundreds of huge Oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them.It was also a quiet and relaxed place in which I felt very safe and comfortable.Our host Sherry was lovely; as was her huge boxer dog Max (he was particularly pleased to see us!).That evening she took us for a drive around the island so we could get our bearings and then we walked down to the pier and lighthouse later on to see the meteor shower.There were quite a few people ambling around and the sound of the waves crashing was fantastic.We stood for a while looking out for meteors - Graham saw loads, but I only saw 2 - still it was pretty impressive.

The next day we went to the Lighthouse museum.It was built in 1872, so they have much information about its history and have several rooms set up as would have been back then.They also have one room dedicated to a local author:Eugenia Price, and you can climb the 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse.This was our main reason for visiting, as you get a great view from the top.Next we went down to the beach, and spent a few hours relaxing and swimming.It was busy, but not too crowded or over developed.It felt very safe down there, so we felt fine to leave our stuff whilst we went swimming, and we saw lots of fish in the water.We then drove to a Nature Trail which was a short walk but very beautiful, through a tree lined path to a boardwalk over the marsh.The land had been donated by a lady who wanted the trees to be preserved and for everyone to be able to enjoy them.Finally we drove up to Christ Church and went in for a quick look.This was a very small wooden church, with beautiful stained glass windows, and the staff were so friendly.That evening we went out with Sherry and her work friends for Happy Hour, and then to 'Fancy Q' a sushi restaurant for dinner.Not traditional Georgia food, but great all the same, and we had such fun!

So it was time to say our goodbyes again as we headed off to Savannah.More sadness, but another new friend that we hope to see again in the future.We arrived into Savannah and spent over half an hour trying to find the tourist information centre.This journey took us through some very interesting areas of the city where we certainly did not want to stop to ask for directions!Eventually we found it and decided that as we had limited time here that we would do a Trolley Bus Tour.We usually like to walk around, but it was great for a change to have a 90 minute tour which took us around the whole of the historic area whilst the driver gave us information and stories about the various buildings and squares.We took so many photos that we ran out of camera battery, as the historic area was very pretty.There were many statues and monuments, and we saw the park/ square where they filmed the bench scene in Forest Gump.Unfortunately the bench was taken away by Hollywood and a plastic replica was sent to the city, which is now in one of the museums.What I found really great was that the Art College have bought up several of the old buildings in recent years and restored them, turning them into studios and accommodation for the students.They are also planning to turn one into an Art Gallery, so I'd really like to go back to see this when it's finished.

It would have been nice to have more time exploring Savannah and we also hear that Charleston is very nice, but it's time again for us to move on.We're heading North West now, up to Fairplay in South Carolina.It's a long drive on more long straight roads ......

Maggie x