Thursday, June 29, 2017

June 30, 2017



Castillo de San Marcos


Whether you’re a kid, a history enthusiast, an artillery-lover, or a random person who’s never had the pleasure of being up close and personal with an 18TH century cannon, the Castillo gun deck is the place for you. When I first visited in 2001, I knew I was going to love this place because I was already in love with the Civil War era artillery at Gettysburg National Military Park. Most if not all of these pieces are much older than that. Unfortunately, I don’t know the age of this particular piece shown on the photo.

Fort Matanzas


Fort Matanzas, built circa 1742, hasn’t had it easy. Last October during Hurricane Matthew was the most recent blow. The ferry service, which was suspended when damages were assessed, just opened recently after eight months of repair. This historic inlet known for the massacre of French Protestants in 1565 has had more than its fair share of unrest, but it has remained beautiful after all these years. The sand, sea, and sky were here long before the Spaniards arrived.


(c) 2015-2017 St. Augustine Fridays

Thursday, June 22, 2017

June 23, 2017



Fountain of Youth


This isn’t just an amusing sign. Barring some unforeseen circumstance, you’ll definitely see these beautiful birds if you come to the Fountain of Youth, and seeing them is much more exciting than you might imagine. This sign is located near the restrooms, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see a group of peacocks hanging out on the railing or puttering in the yard near the entry ramps.

St. George Street


You’ll find many colonial-style structures in Colonial Quarter, including the “armadero”, a replica 17TH century armory which seems to have sprung right out of the pages of history. You may catch costumed guides demonstrating the skills of yesteryear, or perhaps you prefer to explore alone. Our guides have always been kind in steering us clear of rambunctious groups of kids when we take the tour. (One year, when a busload had gone in before us, he even suggested an alternative route through the museum “unless you reaaaaaally like fourth graders.” :-)


(c) 2015-2017 St. Augustine Fridays

Thursday, June 15, 2017

June 16, 2017



Castillo de San Marcos


To give you a little insight into the life of a history buff, when I saw that this center room in the Castillo was open for the first time since I began visiting in 2001, I got way too excited. From left to right are the “Indian Room”, the “Commandant’s Quarters”, and the “Siege Room.” In the 1730s the center room was indeed the “quarters of the Lieutenant Governor of the Castillo”, while those rooms which flanked it on other side were used as provisions rooms.

San Sebastian River


St. Augustine is full of picturesque sights, some where you don’t expect them. Even waiting in traffic between King Street and U.S. 1 is a pleasure when you have this view of the San Sebastian River and its pretty marshes. I haven’t seen any alligators here yet, but I fully expect to some day. I have seen plenty of birds. I prefer the latter.


(c) 2015-2017 St. Augustine Fridays