November 25, 2016

Castillo de San Marcos

  

The gun deck on a cloudy day. The view is of San Pedro Bastion (southwest), taken from the east curtain/wall/terreplein/whatever you wish to call it. There’s a lot going on in this photo: a bronze cannon at far left, a chimney which once serviced the guardrooms below, the 1680s watchtower dedicated to Saint Peter, and an old Spanish mortar. In the distance, the Moorish-style tower of Flagler College and the beautiful dome of Memorial Presbyterian Church make their appearance.

Fountain of Youth

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is full of winsome scene like this fishpond with a 16^TH century feel. When I last stopped there, many previous visitors had thrown coins into the pond. You’ll find this place just outside the actual ‘fountain of youth’ at the Springhouse (drink up, me hearties! Embrace eternal youth! Arrrrrgh!) and might actually prefer this peaceful scene to the hustle and bustle in the more touristy parts of the park.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

November 18, 2016

Bridge of Lions

One of St. Augustine’s many beautiful structures, the Bridge of Lions, was constructed in 1927. Even when you’re forced to sit in your car and wait for the bridge to go up so the sailboats and pirate ships and yachts can go through, you don’t really mind because of the fantastic views of the bay and the 17^TH century Castillo. This view was taken from Monterey Inn Bayfront, which is now a Best Western.

 

Old Jail

The Old Jail can be either hokey or educational depending on your personal interests and your definition of a fun time. Here we see a cage such as the one criminals would have been forced to inhabit in days of yore. The stocks are a great photo op . . . child-size at left, adult-size at right. For some reason I really like the tropical-colored house in the right background; it just screams Florida to me!

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

November 11, 2016

** Happy Veterans Day! A huge thank-you to all our veterans, past and present! **

Castillo de San Marcos

 On the outside looking in. Here is the entrance to the “Indian Room” (the first room on the west wall, used as a provisions room for much of its existence) seen from the former chapel on the south wall.  If you look carefully you can tell that this doorway was recently redone, as the coquina blocks are a new, pale color. Over time they will fade to the same grayish color as the rest of the Castillo.

Mission Nombre de Dios

This little gazebo is located on the Mission grounds very near the chapel of La Leche. It’s so peaceful on a quiet day --- unless the bells happen to be ringing --- as you look out over the landscape. You could even use the gazebo as a place of meditation if the chapel happens to be occupied and you'd prefer not to share a private moment with strangers. Actually, if you’re a person of faith but not of the Catholic variety, this may be your choice anyway. You certainly don’t have to be religious to enjoy the Mission grounds, though. It’s such a lovely and peaceful place for each and every visitor.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

November 04, 2016

Casa Monica

You’ll find many different architectural styles in St. Augustine, from the simple Timucua Indian and 16^TH century Spanish reconstructions at the Fountain of Youth Park to the balconied colonial Spanish houses of St. George Street to grand Moorish Revival behemoths. Among the latter is the Casa Monica Hotel at Cordova and King Streets. Constructed in 1888, it is one of the prettiest “modern” buildings in St. Augustine. At the time of its grand opening it was known as the “Cordova Hotel.” Having spent some time as a bank, it was reopened as a hotel in 1999.

St. George Street

For this photo I stood inside the entrance to Colonial Quarter and looked across St. George Street. I’m not sure if this is a historic structure, but if not, it was designed like one. It’s currently the Luv Berry Café. Note the distinctive Spanish colonial architecture for which St. Augustine is famous. The color is historical . . . apparently there are quite a few buildings in the city which bear this “pink” hue. Very tropical, I’d say. I like the arbor overhead . . . helps to add a little pizzazz to the photo.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays