"Everything Old is New Again"

I've spent the last two weeks camping in Savannas Recreation Area, a repeat spot from 2016. It was fun to return to some familiar smiling faces, and this year's experience was quite different. Last year, I spent most of my time to the south in Jensen Beach and Stuart, as I was contemplating the area as a relocation option.

It's off the list, so this year I ventured north of my camping spot, and spent time playing tourist in Fort Pierce, and over the causeway on Hutchinson Island. Fort Pierce has a dubious reputation (that is rightly earned), yet I discovered a lovely, historic downtown and waterfront area with friendly people. Change is in the air. 

Built on the Indian River Lagoon in 1838, Fort Pierce was commanded by Col. Benjamin K. Pierce, and as was customary, named after him. Yes, he was the brother of our 14th President, Franklin. Fishing, cattle, pineapples, citrus, and vegetables put the town on the map, and all but the pineapple industry thrive today (Cuba was too much competition). In addition to being the burial place of author Zora Neale Hurston, Fort Pierce is also the birthplace of the Highwaymen, 26 self-taught landscape artists who chose to sell their works from their car trunks, in lieu of picking citrus in the 1950s. 

I'm now "home" on Sebastian Inlet for two weeks or so, then on to sites unseen.