March 11, 2016

**It’s vacation time. Next post will be Friday, April 01^ST**

 Castillo de San Marcos

  

This old fort is a photographer’s paradise, a hodgepodge of angles and symmetry. This particular room was part of the old officers’ quarters and, in an earlier incarnation, functioned as the Castillo’s first chapel. (The current chapel is located across the courtyard and to the right). I happen to think the modern benches cheapen the photo, but having visited during many a heat wave, I can see why they’re necessary. The Spanish well (seen at right) adds a bit more historicity to the photo. If you’re wondering about the door on the right, it’s now called the Indian Room and was used in Spanish times as a provisions room.

Fountain of Youth

Here’s another view of the Spanish-style mission church built at the Fountain of Youth Park a few years back. I love the simplicity of the benches and the similar color and texture of the wall, as well as the old-fashioned lantern hanging overhead. (You can see the bottom of it in this shot). I’m not sure how long church services were in the late 1500s, but I can imagine folks sitting on these benches wished they were just a little shorter. 

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

March 04, 2016

Mission Nombre de Dios

This scene has so much going for it, I don’t know where to start! First of all, this is called the Rustic Altar, and is a replica of the first primitive altar used at St. Augustine’s founding in September 1565. The backdrop is amazingly beautiful . . . clear blue waters, palms, marshes in the distance. At far left you can see part of the Fountain of Youth Park complex. Most interesting to me is the gravestone at right, as I am a self-proclaimed taphophile and love not only reading the names on stones but researching people’s lives. I went through the entire Find A Grave database to discover the identity of the person, and as close as I can tell, the stone belongs to Maggie Scott, who was the wife of C. Scott and died in November 1890 just before her 20^TH birthday. If anyone has visited this stone and knows whether or not it is indeed Maggie Scott’s, feel free to let me know in the comments.

St. George Street

If you love watching historical interpreters do things old-school, Colonial Quarter’s the place for you! (Honestly, they didn’t pay me to write that . . . I’m just being cheesy). Here you can see a 16^TH century-style caravel rising from the ground, nail by nail, plank by plank. Fascinating stuff. I wouldn’t recommend pestering the workers if any happen to be on hand, but they’re glad to answer questions. The plaque at right explains the what’s, why’s, and how’s of the project. And no, they probably won’t let anyone just walk in and start hammering away without a care in the world, though I admit it would probably cross my mind.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

February 26, 2016

Oldest House (Gonzalez-Álvarez House)

The Gonzalez-Álvarez House is one of St. Augustine’s many historic places, originally constructed in the 1720s and renovated and enlarged throughout the 18^TH and 19^TH centuries. This particular section dates from the earliest phase. The stairs are appropriately squeaky for a historic home, which I happen to think adds greatly to the ambiance. :-) If you’ve read the Eugenia Price novel “Maria”, largely set in this home throughout the mid-to-late 1700s, you may recognize some of its features. Little touches such as the uniform hanging by the stairs help enhance the historical flavor.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

This beautiful 1870s lighthouse is definitely the crown jewel of Anastasia Island. It’s beautiful from every angle, but standing across the road and peering up at its black and white splendor is always a picturesque experience. There are lots of trees in the area, which, if you compose your photo carefully, with provide a great frame for the massive tower. Blue skies aren’t necessary, but are an added bonus – though, considering its supposedly haunted history, some would imagine that a gray and dreary backdrop would be much more appropriate . . .

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

February 19, 2016

Castillo de San Marcos

  

One of the reasons I love the Castillo is that it joins two of my great interests: Spanish colonial history and antique artillery. I believe this cannon is a reproduction, mimicking similiar pieces from the 18^TH century. Also interesting is the contrast of old and new . . . the newer concrete flooring and the mottled coquina wall which is definitely showing its age. As always, I hope folks visiting the Castillo or any other historic site will resist the urge to climb or sit on the artillery pieces. You won’t believe how many people do so even though there are signs asking them to refrain!

Fountain of Youth

Peacocks are definitely the stars of the show at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Not only are their calls exotic and fascinating, but their plumage, especially when they’re attracting a mate as in this photo, is beyond stunning. In the background you can also see Spanish moss and other gems of natural Florida. With beautiful birds, warm weather, and shafts of sunlight poking through the trees, I could sit down on one of those benches and doze off and probably not wake up until they closed the park and shooed me out :-)

(c) 2015-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

February 12, 2016

Mission Nombre de Dios

Ah, another beautiful scene at the Mission. I believe this is very near the site of the original 17^TH century Spanish chapel which was discovered a few years ago and is now memorialized by an archaeological marker. If I remember correctly, the small boat seen at left was actually in the process of taking on water (hopefully there was no one on board). The distant trees at left are part of the Fountain of Youth park, while the much more modern Usina Bridge which leads to Vilano Beach can be seen at center. 

St. George Street

If you love historic houses and have a fondness for model sailing ships, you  might want to check out the De Mesa-Sanchez House on St. George Street. (It can only be toured during a visit to Colonial Quarter). Not only is the house amazingly appointed and a veritable step back in time, but this beauty is just one more perk. Note: I'm uncertain if this ship is still being displayed in the house, but it was there during my visits of 2014 and 2015). I like the simple yet elegant rug and old-fashioned furniture, which help to set the scene. 

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays