July 31, 2015

Mission Nombre de Dios

The chapel of La Leche at the Mission Nombre de Dios embodies a great many interests: ancient Spanish architecture, a religious retreat for those spiritual-minded, a lovely, peaceful sojourn for any person of any creed, and a setting known for its natural Florida beauty. If you’re lucky enough to have the chapel to yourself, take advantage, and if you have to stand outside for a minute or two while someone else is finishing up their peaceful moment, it’s well worth the wait. Unfortunately, the grayish sky seen on this photo is the sort of sky we often have when we traverse the mission grounds . . . which is fine as long as there’s no accompanying tornado warning :-)

St. George Street

Ah, St. George Street, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This view shows the old City Gate and the street from San Marco Avenue. The gates look pretty good for being over 200 years old. From this angle you can see St. George Inn, Kilwin’s Ice Cream (gotta try this sometime), and an American flag flying in the breeze. You can also see the wooden roof and dormer window of the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, which has stood the test of time since the late 1700s. St. George Street is definitely a mixture of old and new; most of the houses are reconstructions, but some are original and date from the 1700s and 1800s. 

(c) 2015 St. Augustine Fridays

July 24, 2015

Castillo de San Marcos 

Whether you’re an American history aficionado or just enjoy exploring cool places, Castillo de San Marcos is the place for you. Even this simple shot of the entrance drawbridge has a lot going on: ancient coquina at right, 17th century walls evoking an era of opulence and piracy, artillery trained on imaginary attackers (who, unfortunately for the Spanish, weren’t imaginary in the 18th century), the old crest above the entrance. (The crest dates from 1756). And check out the dry moat. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t used as a moat by the Spanish, but was rather a place to graze cattle during times of hardship.

Aviles Street

Aviles Street is one of those perky, “artsy” sections of town that you might not have explored as thoroughly as the main tourist attractions. It’s home to art galleries, cafes, stately old homes, an old coquina wall pockmarked with cannonball scars, and the coral pink, impossible-to-miss Spanish Military Hospital. Here we see the Ximenez-Fatio House, dating from 1798. If you can find a place to park or don’t mind walking, you can take tours of the house. Just walking around St. Augustine and knowing that so many things you see date from the days of Spanish occupation is pretty fascinating in its own right.

(c) 2015 St. Augustine Fridays

July 17, 2015

Mission Nombre de Dios

  

This peaceful photo shows off two favorite relaxation spots and photo ops at the Mission Nombre de Dios grounds: the La Leche chapel at left, and the simple but beautiful gazebo at right. Also visible are gravestones, part of a tomb, and a religious monument at far right. I have particularly enjoyed sitting in the gazebo on a humid morning, enjoying the breeze and gazing off toward the mission in the hopes that the other people present would move along so I could have the place to myself by the time I got there :-)

 

Fountain of Youth

The Fountain of Youth is without doubt one of my all-time favorite St. Augustine attractions, and here’s just another reason why: the waterfront. This photo was taken from the newly-opened Spanish watchtower and shows the pier I had the pleasure of enjoying for the first time during my last trip. The pier is not to be missed. Not only can you see the Fountain grounds, part of the Mission Nombre de Dios grounds, the marsh, and the aesthetically-pleasing bridge to Vilano Beach, but the sheer relaxation of being so near the water makes it a great choice.

(c) 2015 St. Augustine Fridays

July 10, 2015

Castillo de San Marcos 

  

The most amazing part about this picture is that there’s no one there. Seriously. The “Old Fort” is quite a popular spot, but the national monument had just opened for the day and we were some of the first visitors to enter the gate. I loved the emptiness; it felt as if we had the place all to ourselves, and since that’s so rare, I remember it as being a really enjoyable experience. We could wander at will, take pictures without people unintentionally photo-bombing, and ask questions without having to vie for costumed interpreters’ attention.

Ocean near Fort Matanzas

This here, ladies and germs, is quintessential Florida. I go for the history, but I also love watching the ocean, meandering down the boardwalks, mesmerizing myself with the gently-swaying sea grasses . . . now I want to go back again. :-) This particular spot is located near Fort Matanzas (across the road) and was pretty empty when we visited. I never get tired of the ocean air and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Does anyone? It seems to be a typical human reaction, feeling peace and even awe in the presence of the mighty ocean. You don’t have to be a beachgoer; just standing there is enough. Ah, St. Augustine.

(c) 2015 St. Augustine Fridays

July 03, 2015

Memorial Presbyterian Church

  

As fascinated as I am with the much-maligned French Huguenots both in Europe and in Florida during the 16th century, I was quite pleased to find this Huguenot cross banner inside St. Augustine’s Memorial Presbyterian Church. (I do love finding reference to these tragic souls; please check out my memorial page for the victims of the Matanzas massacre if you haven't already).I don't know the story behind this banner but I'm sure glad someone cared enough to put it there!

St. George Street

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is one of the historic district’s most interesting buildings in my opinion. Built sometime in the late 1700s with handmade nails and cypress boards, it was a classroom for many years, the last class going on their merry way in 1864. (Though considering the nation was in the throes of war, I doubt their way was very merry). Today you can still tour the tiny building and purchase a memento from the gift shop next door. The property also offers other gems, such as display cases with artifacts, an old detached kitchen, and a pecan tree which had lorded over the grounds since before the American Revolution.

(c) 2015 St. Augustine Fridays