August 10, 2017

*** Hi there, I'm taking a hiatus from blogging and won't be publishing any new posts, but I'll leave the blog up for curious browsers. Feel free to take a look! ***

August 04, 2017

Fountain of Youth

This view taken from the Founders Riverwalk shows the 16^TH century replica watchtower, reconstructions of Timucua Indian huts, the gentle Matanzas River, and the chalupa “San Agustín.” Notice the muddy water. It’s very common to see hundreds of clams nestling up against the shore, which is fascinating if you’ve never seen them in such abundance before. Also note a variety of informational markers and a rusty antique cannon to the right of the tower.

Davenport Park

This kind of pictures evokes a certain emotion in me. How many people sat on this very bench in Davenport Park and watched their friends and loved ones taking a turn on the vintage carousel? And of course watching San Marco Avenue is always interesting too.  


(c) 2015-2017 St. Augustine Fridays

July 28, 2017

Fort Matanzas

  

The clear waters of Matanzas Inlet are somewhat calmer than the busy bay front in St. Augustine’s downtown, and much more peaceful too. The boardwalk and various walking trails provide a great opportunity to see natural Florida without forking over an arm and a leg. Here at the dock you can see the smooth sand and the coquina rocks, as well as the dock, the ferryboat, and a wild tangle of trees beyond. If you come here, you won’t want to leave.

Castillo de San Marcos

Here I'm standing in one of the rooms on the north wall, looking out at the east wall. The cannon called “El Milanes” can be seen, as well as its stack of cannonballs. This particular piece was forged in Seville in 1764. If you can visit the Castillo and peek out of the barred windows without capturing a dozen strangers’ heads, then congratulations . . . you’re lucky!

(c)2015-2017 St Augustine Fridays

July 21, 2017

St. Augustine Lighthouse

  

The St. Augustine Lighthouse keeper’s house was begun in 1876 and is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. The brick wall and curving branches and palm fronds provide a stunning tropical frame, and yes, that blue figure beside the middle branch is indeed a person, not a ghost . . . I’m pretty sure.

Anastasia State Park

This was interesting to see: a rubber-like grid laid over the sand for better traction. I saw some people trying to roll their bikes over it . . . not sure how that went. As for walking, it wasn’t so bad, but it was a bit strange at first. Beyond the sand you can see a snack shop, as well as a little gaggle of palms. (What is it about palm trees that makes us wish we could drop everything and pack?) 

(c) 2015-2017 St. Augustine Fridays