Our arrival at the Marina at Ortega Landing was a pleasant surprise. The Harbormaster, Bruce, met us at the dock and checked us in. From the day we arrived until the day we left on June 1st, we had a rewarding month in many ways.

We quickly learned that a short 3 block walk took us to the Publix supermarket, West Marine, a hair salon (we continue to grow hair!), various restaurants and a couple of department stores. It is located on a main thoroughfare with a bus stop conveniently located in two places.

Since Suzanne had to report to the Federal Court for jury duty on May 7th, we decided to begin our visit by taking the bus downtown to learn the transit system. Upon looking up the bus transit system on the internet, we learned the seniors of the age of 60 and older ride free. A simple showing of a drivers license is all one needs. We found the correct bus and in 20 minutes were in downtown Jacksonville. After a two block walk from the bus stop we were in the Federal Court Building. Suzanne obtained information on time of opening and away we went exploring the downtown riverside of Jacksonville.

On the 7th, Suzanne took the bus and reported for jury duty. During the month, she was summoned only one day. We decided to rent a car for a few days. We traveled to St. Johns Town Center Mall which is a very large multiblock area with dozens and dozens of stores and restaurants. Al visited the Apple store while Suzanne visited some of the boutiques. One of the largest West Marine stores in the country is located in this complex.

One day, we visited the Golf Hall of Fame on I-95 in the St. Augustine area.  This was truly a moving experience. We can highly recommend visiting this beautiful place to anyone whether or not you golf. We had lunch at Bill Murray’s Chicago style pub. Al had hist favorite a Chicago Hotdog. Upon entering the Hall, there is an introduction to golf, then a section dedicated to Bob Hope and finally the history of golf dating back to the 1200’s. As we toured this place, we were moved by the way each player has been memorialized. There are two greens one can actually walk on and putt. One is the type of green used in the 1800’s. The other is a duplicate of one of today’s fastest, most difficult greens. There is a golf simulator and a replicate of the famous bridge at St. Andrews. Finally, one ends the tour by going through the locker room. Each player has his locker with his equipment and shoes.

The Marina at Ortega Landing holds monthly get togethers. On the 4th of May, they had a Quatro de Mayo party with Mexican food, margaritas, sangria, beer and soft drinks. The next day, they held a Cinco de Mayo pot luck party where we watched the Kentucky Derby.  Suzanne and Al always make the traditional Mint Juleps that day.

We left the marina slip on June 1st with pleasant memories of our month.

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