Some of the lead-in comments were quite telling. It was going to be a night to remember.

Lisa M:

My husband and sons are making the journey up there…they can’t wait! I even wrote my boys an excuse for school that said they were taking “an educational trip to St. Augustine”.

Luke CG: ‎

*hits head against wall repeatedly* Last year, my folks and I visited St. Augustine so I could visit Ripley’s there (cause I’m a Ripley fanatic), and word for word I told my parents: “This couldn’t have possibly been a better kind of day.”

Apparently I was a year too early

Come to Nova Scotia, Loren! Pleeeease Dx

I love the South. Thanks to everyone, and I totally enjoyed Ripley’s.

Tony C:

Loren, You absolutely made Tony, Adam and my weekend! It was a real pleasure meeting you and we also appreciated you posing with us for a picture. Enjoy your visit in Saint Augustine

Kent H:

I enjoyed meeting you tonight as well, Loren! Thanks for a great chat.

Author Kent Holloway stopped by.

The “MonsterQuest” and “Wife Swap” television personalities, Rob and Tracy Robinson plus two of their kids, spent the night talking to me. Rob, despite his seemingly professional military external presence, is a gentle man with a heart of gold. He had good stories to share. He is matched well by his sweet, engaging mate Tracy. We had a good visit, during a lively turnout at the signing, on a cold night where there were not too many visitors to St. Augustine. Thank you all for coming out to visit.

Onward to search for what remains of the Florida Monster of 1896 in St. Augustine today….culturally, at least.

The approach to the beach off St. Augustine, on 1.7.11.