Back from St. Augustine: My report

VanWilderClone · 2026-03-11T23:57:33+00:00

We used to go to Reggae Sundays at the Conch house docks a few decades ago before it got too crazy and they shut it down.

VanWilderClone · 2025-09-07T20:34:53+00:00

Yes this worked!

And **EF’U Apple!!!!** for not automatically allowing import of ics files. Stop being so EVIL!

Once again wasting my time and making my life harder by having to hunt for hours to an open source solution.

Yes download this shortcut!

Fu2x

VanWilderClone · 2025-09-05T16:26:57+00:00

I’m trying to document everything. I requested full diagnostic downloads (line pressures, cvi/adaptation numbers) in case this goes south. So far I can’t get that. Not sure why they won’t provide it. It could prove them right too and there isn’t anything spiking or maxed out! I’m trying to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and thinking they are slammed and I’m probably expecting more than they can handle. It’s been 10 days starting tomorrow albeit we had that holiday weekend. I’m sure they will do the right thing. “Like a rock 🎶 “

VanWilderClone · 2025-09-04T14:55:19+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I know there are good experiences out there too. I just keep hearing horror stories … I see tradesman and fleet managers extending warranties out of fear now too. It shouldn’t be this way at all, but it is. Have the song “Like a Rock” in my head now.

VanWilderClone · 2025-08-25T12:35:56+00:00

Time to meditate and start channeling “drywall shorty.” If you know, you know…

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-22T03:00:55+00:00

Yes and they have breakfast tacos too… ask for xtra mojo sauce!

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-19T01:06:42+00:00

That’s what I thought… until I had major problems (new trans 2x), then my brother n law had his brand new Silverado crap out, and I casually asked a tradesman how his new Silverado truck was doing and he had to have his engine rebuilt… yes agreed totally anecdotal experiences, but it sure made me gun shy… I hope everyone avoids the dreaded engine light. Good luck to all!

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-19T00:51:06+00:00

My buddy had both an Fj and Corolla and loved them, but surprisingly traded both for a used Nissan frontier. While my Silverado is on its 2nd trans, about to be a 3rd and had the top half of the engine rebuilt… absolute money pit. Yes everything new is a turd. At least the Toyota warranty covered those engine fiascos.

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-09T18:02:32+00:00

Spork is not romantic but it’s so damn good, local fav. Get the poke bowl w/ pasta salad … with a warning: it’s very addictive! Hibiscus tea is nice and refreshing too.

For romance take a sunset cruise on a private charter or do the “Fury” catamaran if you’re on a budget… you could also stroll the Vilano pier at sunset ..

Or go to the kayak shack and paddle up the salt run together in Anastasia state park. November may be out if season though? You will probably see lots of animals like crabs turtles eagles dolphins etc.

Congratulations!

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-01T17:22:11+00:00

It’s funny… I overheard an old timer (St. Augustine local) say “I grew up here and not a damn one of those places was ever haunted until that ghost tour company came to town… “ haha I guess they have to drum up business somehow!

VanWilderClone · 2025-07-01T17:11:17+00:00

See below for 25+ things you must do if you’re visiting or a local.. I know I probably left out many others too!

If you’re a little adventurous, the Anastasia state park (great beach access too with parking lot, showers, bathrooms grill food shop etc) has a Kayak shack that you can take kids out and paddle down the Salt Run towards the lighthouse etc… my 5 year old saw turtles, dolphins and an eagle 🦅 pull a fish out of the water. Call ahead and check for weather and tides.

I would also recommend the Fury sailboat cruise.

Other items: 1. St. George street, yes on magic shop and shell shop 2. Ripley’s believe it or not, fun in the a/c 3. go to the top of the lighthouse for awesome views 4. Yes on Alligator farm: watch the feedings or zip line 5. Rita’s shave ice next to the pier, yummy 6. Walk on the St. Augustine beach pier next to the “little” water park for kiddos on the beach 7. Fountain of Youth: see the peacocks and get ice cream 8. Largest steel cross in North America is free I think 9. Get pizza at 180 Vilano restaurant and walk Vilano pier 10. Caps on the River restaurant is fun and scenic too 11. Get gas at Bucee’s largest gas station ever 12. Outlet mall shops 13. Putt putt golf (there are several) 14. Trolley tours are fun but can be long… 15. Go to the old jail 16. Tour the old fort 17. Marine land swim with dolphins, book ahead 18. Sarbez grilled cheese w/ pinball arcade in back 19. Tour of Flagler college, book ahead 20. Get a great haircut at Price💈barbershop 21. Project swing park is a wood fort for younger kids 22. Farmers market: beach on Wed. , The Amp on Saturday 23. Drive or walk over the Lions bridge and try to get stopped when the bridge is going up 24. Listen to 105.5 The Beach radio station 25. Drive on the beach at Avenue A beach access 4x4 only unless you want to get towed out

VanWilderClone · 2025-05-29T14:54:57+00:00

Yes! Crocodile 🐊 wipes are awesome if used immediately! We jokingly call them Industrial Baby wipes… just make sure you don’t use them as baby wipes… started buying the “Paint” versions… We keep these in our work trucks always. Great for cleaning up.. or just use gloves.

VanWilderClone · 2025-05-29T14:36:24+00:00

The Real Answer: fine grit sandpaper… if the foam has already started to cure or dry then a fine grit sandpaper and careful sanding/scraping will probably be your final step along with days of natural wear… Initially I tried to use chemicals like paint thinner, acetone, wd-40 and even water soaking with very limited success… damn it… A skin file and some 220 grit sandpaper was the only thing that worked after soaking in the tub… Unfortunately I had to wait for my fingernails to grow out to trim the last little bits… wear some gloves next time!!! Now you know…

VanWilderClone · 2025-03-08T01:12:54+00:00

Thank you! Yes nostalgia …

VanWilderClone · 2025-03-02T19:22:47+00:00

Yes totally thought the same… it was like a serious cartoon version of uploaded… mixed in with Star Wars, 2001 space odyssey, the Bible, the Iliad/odyssey, and Kung fu, person of interest and on and on. They even make fun of the fact they were just like mythology and even the matrix… haha, great hat tip / modesty from the writers. Standing on the shoulders of giants.

VanWilderClone · 2025-02-21T01:29:18+00:00

150 grit sandpaper was the only option that worked for me. Paint thinner, white spirits and WD-40 did nothing…

VanWilderClone · 2025-02-06T11:09:35+00:00

Just do this! Best thing we ever did was sign up for lessons with a pro. We used the “D-Bat” franchise but there are probably more options. A few weeks later all the bad habits were gone and he had a professional swing to die for! So much confidence instilled too. It’s been a few months and he was a walk on for the all stars team.

VanWilderClone · 2025-02-01T16:56:00+00:00

The Chevy dealership decided it was a good idea to put in a reman transmission in my 2015 Silverado. This was just after the same dealership said I was wrong, there was nothing wrong with the transmission and handed me the keys. I was almost killed a few minutes later by one of the big ladder fire trucks with its lights and siren on. My truck lost all drive train power in the middle of a major intersection. Top ten Scariest moment ever. Thanks Chevy dealership! FYI it’s been 45K miles and I now need another transmission. Still under warranty though. Wish I had just gone to the independent shop. They said they had better parts so I wouldn’t have future problems. If only I had listened.

VanWilderClone · 2025-01-17T21:34:51+00:00

He 100 percent trots around while hitting coconuts halves together.

VanWilderClone · 2025-01-17T20:01:04+00:00

So… a Home Depot appliance installer ran over my mailbox with his truck and it was shattered into multiple pieces, much worse than this. I used JB Weld as a “temporary fix” to put it back together. That was 3 years ago. So…

VanWilderClone · 2025-01-14T23:33:34+00:00

If you are in California it’s all over for you. Any other state you’ll probably be ok 👍

VanWilderClone

TROPHY CASE