December 5

CASTLE OTTTIS: Remembering Christ

The name of the castle was unusual to me. I have ridden past it for years and years on my way to and from St. Augustine, Florida.   It was named after Otttis (yes, three t’s), one of the two builders;  the other being named Rusty Ickes.

On their website it is clear that it was built “In remembrance of Jesus Christ” and built for the purpose of”beauty and as a landscape-sculpture”.  So the builder himself indicated that the castle was  built as an art piece such as the Eiffel Tower or The Washington Monument in Washington, DC not as a business or residence.  The tour guide today said it was in the design of an Irish Abbey (Christian Church) and going inside it sure appears so.  There are 88 open windows and the structure is taller than 50 feet.  At the top it has a castle look with stones affixed.  On this day, we met one of the two builders of this structure, Randy.

Our trip began with a friend setting up the visit “by appointment”.  When driving in we were met by a man about 6 feet with a flowing beard and brown hair with a hat and sunglasses.  Who knew it would be Randy Ickes a man who once had a vision for a castle and enacted on the task to actually follow through and build it.

The castle is located about 3 miles North of St. Augustine, Florida on 3rd Street St. just outside of the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine.   Construction began May 1, 1984. The masonry was completed in full by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes and by 1998 the exterior was complete.  In the span of 3 years,  (1988-1991)  Lee Carpenter completed the interior portion with primarily “cypress wood and some southern-pine”. There are 8”elaborate stair cases, an alter, pulpit, series of pews, choir loft and Bishop’s chair” wrote one person describing it.  In 1992 it was recognized by the American Institute of Architects.  

Sources:  Atlasobscura, CastleOttis, Personal visit and observation…

If you choose to go, contact randy @ castleotttis.com

See you tomorrow,

Category: Buildings, Churches, Travel, Visit This | 1 Comment on CASTLE OTTTIS: Remembering Christ
August 28

The Story of Two Dogs

On Sunday, August 28th, while traveling from Augusta to Jacksonville, I decided to go “the scenic route”.  The GPS took me through the little towns in Georgia and down the back roads where there were loads of flora, fauna, farms, and such.  Upon stopping at a forever-field of pecan trees, I got out of my car to take a photo because it was so impressive.   There were trees as far as the eye could see.

While heading back to my car, I noticed in the not-too-far distance a rather big dog; a blonde lab type.  It startled me, being so far out and seeing it by the ditch.  Not knowing if he was friendly, I walked straight to the car and just after closing the door found the dog looking in the window at me; paws on the glass!  His tail was wagging and that long wet tongue lapping so obviously, he was friendly. Up close, he looked skinny too, so someone had apparently let him out and driven off.  How horrible!

My car was a load full of wagon wheels to decorate this fall, 3 very huge ligustrum trees, luggage from my trip and items from shopping with my sister over the weekend. I wondered right then and there where he was going to sit.

Immediately, I got my glass of water and opened the door giving him water to drink.  He savoured every lick.  Then I thought, about what to do.  How would I take him?  Where would he fit?  What would I do with him once I got him home?  I already have a dog and cats galore!  The very dog I have was rescued. I have cats galore because when tenants walk away from their homes leaving them there, they end up in my home.   Oh my!

It wasn’t long when a lady turned the corner.  She rolled her window down and said, “Are you going to rescue that dog?”  I said, “Well, I’m from Jacksonville. I just saw him and didn’t know what to do”.  She said, “If you help me get him in my car, i’ll take him”, and she did!

Reaching down, he was picked up and put in her front seat. She had already laid down her jacket for him.  She said, “People can be awful”.  I totally agree but I was totally grateful she wasn’t awful but kind-hearted instead. She must have known he was there and headed to get him.

What would I have done with another animal?  For sure, something! There is no way I could have driven off leaving that dog on that lonely road but was so thankful for this woman who took in that stray.

Traveling along further, I saw on a hill a pretty home.  On the front lawn was a black, healthy looking dog laying on the lawn looking as if he was waiting on someone.  I slowed and passing by noticed he watched me carefully.  I turned my car around so as to get a photo. When I did, he ran at me barking as if to say, “Don’t bother my home”.  

The story of two dogs…. One dog skinny and hungry for attention; lost and in need of help.  The other, waiting on his master, full, happy and protecting the land.

What kind of person would leave an animal out on a lonely road?   God Bless the lady who took him.  There are good people out there too. 8-28-22

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Proverbs 28: 5-6.

See you tomorrow,

Category: Animals, Travel | LEAVE A COMMENT
August 27

“I’ve Got A Little Extra Time”

So, I did not even think about the gas gauge.  It never occurred to me on this trip to Augusta that I needed petro, again.  I filled up before I left Jacksonville so in my mind, I’m good to go.

This morning as I left Columbia County on “E”. I didn’t realize it until the car made that dastardly sound of rapid “ding. ding. ding”.  It was then that I panicked.  First of all, although I know that particular area sort-of-kinda, Wayne, the brother-in-law sent me a different way because of area construction.  That way, I have almost no idea how far it is to anything. If you know anything about Georgia’s countryside, you know the blocks are actually “country blocks”…. Long and far.

With the radio, and AC off and anything else that I thought might use more gas, I headed to where I thought was a gas station.  With knots in my stomach and a prayer, off I went headlong in that direction. “Whew”, I said as I pulled into the empty parking lot of the gas station. It was then I realized it was Sunday and not open at that time!

I saw a young man there hoping to go in as well and ask him where the nearest station was.  He said, “Oh, a couple of miles. Why?”  I explained that I was in a pickle. Right away, he said…”Don’t worry. Follow me. I’ve got a little extra time”. 

So I did. I followed him right into the station and he waved me off to go do whatever he was going to do.  People can me nice.  His mama did a good job.

See you tomorrow,

Category: People, Random Posts, Travel | LEAVE A COMMENT