June 10, 2016

St. Augustine Beach

A simple yet beautiful sight: I could stand for hours just watching and listening to the ocean. This photo was taken at St. Augustine Beach, a busy place, yet when you’re standing at water’s edge it seems like no one else is around and all you can hear is the roar of the surf. Even a history buff like me can appreciate St. Augustine’s beach access.

Oldest House

I find it rather amusing that, considering how religious folks were in the 18^TH century, that a cross on the wall might not deter any number of card games taking place at this table. I do really like this scene, as it’s chockfull of details . . . weathered beams, old pitchers, jars, and bottles, a fireplace that has seen better days, a broom against the wall, an old candle, and the uneven coquina floor, just to name a few. The modern fan at left ruins the shot, but I can see why it’s needed . . . no ventilation in this place during the spring and summer tours. 

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

June 03, 2016

Castillo de San Marcos

  

We may be well past the days of pirates, plagues, and the Spanish Inquisition, but you have to admit the Castillo still looks imposing. Seen here is the west wall, with San Pablo’s Bastion at far left and San Pedro’s Bastion at far right. The entrance to the fort is located at right and out of the photo. Interestingly, the position in which the Castillo stands, as well as the “glacis” and the “Covered Way”, serve to hide half of the structure from view. This photo was taken during one of those rare times when the place isn’t swarming with busloads of hyper kids or those quintessential view-ruining tourists who seem to pop up in every shot.

This is one of my favorite photos of the Castillo. I like the tones and the lighting, and the old fort’s age shows through clearly. A contrast of wood and coquina and iron. This is the “new” powder magazine, put into use sometime around the 1730s when the old one was proven to be too damp. Since the National Park Service uses the room for storage nowadays, people aren’t allowed inside at this point in time, but I think the door and wall still make for a pretty great photo-op.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

May 27, 2016

Mission Nombre de Dios

  

Sun dappling through the trees is a common sight on the Mission grounds. At right stands the bell tower, which, despite not being fond of loud and sudden noises, I always find to be a pleasant surprise. At left is one of many religious monuments depicting a portion of Christ’s life. Also at left, you can see the La Leche chapel peeking through the greenery. There may not be much to do here, but there’s a lot to see.

St. George Street

As I’ve probably said before, the De Mesa-Sanchez House, which can be visited as part of the Colonial Quarter tour, is one of my favorite places along St. George Street. Chockfull of history from top to bottom, it’s a beautifully-appointed historic home whose age can be smelled and felt, and this time there was a new attraction --- loads of historical clothing displays. I have no idea why the mannequins were headless, but it’s kind of creepy. And given the fact that this house is supposed to be haunted, it kind of suited the mood.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

May 20, 2016

Castillo de San Marcos

 On my most recent visit I had the pleasure of exploring the moat and coming "up close and personal" with walls that have been in place since the 18^TH century. I even ran my hands over the coquina and everything (yes, I am a self-proclaimed history nerd). From my vantage point down in the moat I was able to see things from a different angle, looking up at the first drawbridge and the edge of the ravelin with a new perspective. Work on the ravelin, which was meant to be enlarged and fitted with a powder magazine, was abandoned in December 1762 just 7 months before the British arrived. There are, to my knowledge, no artistic renditions showing how it was supposed to have looked, though there may be blueprints or Spanish accounts that I haven’t yet discovered.

Fountain of Youth

This is a typical scene in the Fountain of Youth Park: sprawling aloe plants and cacti at left, a palm tree at center stage, decorative pots and cheery mulch strewn about, and a few sunning peacocks. These paths are so peaceful and beautiful even in a rainstorm (and I should know). Some of the peacocks are pretty tame and will venture closer for food, but for the most part they try to avoid humans. That doesn’t prevent them from showing off their tail-feathers, though. They may be aloof, but they love to showcase their bright plumage. 

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays 

May 13, 2016

Orange Street

  

For some reason I love this shot. At far left is the corner of the “Santo Domingo Redoubt”, a reconstruction of a portion of St. Augustine’s 19^TH century defenses. The fort sign is relatively new and adds a sort of charm to the scene. In the background is the old Huguenot Cemetery also known as the Protestant Burying Ground which dates from 1821. (I have to wonder how old these trees are . . . not that old, but who knows what they’ve witnessed? Burials took place here until 1884). Just out of view at far right is the Castillo de San Marcos. During the “olden days”, this place was outside the City Gates, and you certainly didn’t want to be caught outside the gates after curfew. Even if unfriendly Natives didn’t get you, the alligators, mosquitoes, and wild animals might.

Avenida Menéndez

The folks in St. Augustine have really beautified the bay-front at the head of the Bridge of Lions (see the flowers and decorative pots at far left). One of the famous lions can be seen here. (Either “Faithful” or “Firm” . . . I don’t know them apart :-)) The Bridge of Lions opened in 1927 and save for some periods of construction has taken the cake as the city’s prettiest bridge. Heading over this thoroughfare will get you to Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Alligator Farm, and many other sites of interest.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays