St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine from the top of the fort.

St. Augustine was our last stop in Florida and it was definitely an “ahhhh” kind of place. After two months of experiencing the extreme differences within this State, from sleepy fishing village to over-the-top tourist traps, from perfectly manicured neighborhoods to deserted beaches (though very few of those) St. Augustine was the perfect place to wander quietly, taking in the history and beautiful architecture and letting all the stress drain out. 

 

Courtyard in the Lightener Museum.

The city was founded in 1565 and is considered the “oldest city in the continental U.S.”. It has been controlled by the Spanish, the English, the Timucua Indians and the Americans (not necessarily in that order) over the years. This is the place Ponce de Leon supposedly finally found the Fountain of Youth. Well, let’s just say that is what he thought. After all, he was a mere 47 years old when he died. Rather than pay the $12/person for a sip of the reportedly awful tasting elixir we opted for a sandwich and cold beer at the A1A Ale Works. I think we got the better deal.

One of the beautiful buildings.

One of the many horse carriages.

Since we were anxious to get to Savannah, and could only get a 2 night stay in the RV Park, we decided the best course of action to see the highlights was a trolley ride. Trolley rides, we’ve come to find out, are not only a good way to learn something about the layout and history of the town but they are much easier on the feet! For one price you can ride around all day long or get off and on at your discretion. 

 

Drawbridge entrance to the fort.

Barracks...primitive.

Looking down at the seawall & harbor from the top of the fort.

A row of cannons.

Chris checking out the lookout tower.

One stop on the trolley line we were especially anxious to visit was the Castillo de San Marcos Fort. Construction on this fort was begun in 1672 by the Spanish and over the 300+ years it has stood guard over the city, numerous changes have been made by the different forces in control. In 1924 the fort was designated a National Monument. It is remarkably well preserved and we had as much as all the children wandering around through the different rooms and on top of the ramparts where cannon after cannon is at the ready.  

 

Flagler College

Fountain at Flagler College

One of the most beautiful buildings in St. Augustine is Flagler College. It is located in the heart of the city and the grounds are just stunning. If I were going to go to college in the south this would be high on my list.

 

Coast Guard Memorial

There has been a big Coast Guard presence here since 1987 with the main focus of this station being the fight against drug trafficking. In our wanderings, we happened upon a memorial for four Guardsmen who died when their helicopter went down during a mission. One of these men, Duane Stenbak, is the brother of our very good friend, Mike Stenbak who was, also, a Coastie.

Schooner Freedom sailing nicely.

All in all, I was completely enchanted by St. Augustine. The atmosphere, the beautiful and varied architecture and the friendly citizens. Would I return? Absolutely!

Sunrise on the Atlantic...in front of our RV park.