A Day in St. Augustine, FL

Before "the world stopped" due to the novel Corona Virus, we had the opportunity to explore a little of St. Augustine, Florida in between Evan's soccer tournament games.  Our time was limited so we didn't get to do and see everything we would like, and I still plan to revisit this area and take the boys to see the Space Coast at Cape Canaveral nearby.  For a few hours, we decided the most important historical landmark was the Castillo de San Marcos, the old Spanish fort built in 1695 to protect Spain's interest in the New World.  St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in the United States dating back to 1565.  There are many historical structures and sites in this old city, but the fort is the oldest standing structure.  After we explored the fort, we just enjoyed walking through the old town on our way to Flagler College to eat lunch.

While we waited for Daddy to park the car in the parking garage that was some distance from the fort, we enjoyed the beautiful sights of the water and waterfowl. 

Brody and Mattox really enjoyed running around in the open park beside the fort. 

The bridge in the distance is the "famous" Bridge of Lions built in the early 1900s to connect downtown St. Augustine with Anastasia Island.  I did not get a closer view of the structure, but it has two Carrara marble Medici lion statues modeled after the famous ones in Florence, Italy.  

Evan enjoyed sitting by the water.  It was a lovely day.  The round tower is the most recognizable feature of the fort. 

Evan and Grayson enjoyed chasing the birds.  Well, Evan was chasing Grayson. 

A Spanish flag flies proudly over the fort.  Evan was the only kid who I let climb down the stairs that went to the water's edge. 

The fort is made of a masonry material called coquina which are small shells that are bonded together to form a sedimentary rock like limestone.  It is surprisingly very sturdy and has withstood the tumultuous weather of the Atlantic for hundreds of years.  

The gate of the fortress was its most vulnerable fort and was heavily fortified by two drawbridges.  The original  wooden gate is actually inside in a preservation room along with the original Coat of Arms that hung above the gate.  

A replica of the Coat of Arms now adorns the outside. 

We arrived just in time to see the last cannon presentation of the day so the boys and I climbed to the top of the fort to watch.  Daddy insisted on staying below with Maggie.  Grayson just wanted to run away from me so I had to watch him more than the presentation. 

The rooms of the fort were like a museum of the old artifacts, flags, and replicas of the fort.  

Mattox liked the cannons. 

I thought it was impressive that the original Coat of Arms and wooden doors were so well-preserved.  Those items would obviously be the first things to deteriorate.  

The courtyard of the fort was set up for demonstrations as well.  

Mattox and Grayson thought they could pick up these mini-cannonballs that were permanently affixed to the ground.  Haha!  Man, those things must have been heavy! 

I wanted a picture of Daddy and his boys at the fort.  We have toured many forts in the country, and these boys love their military history.  Yes, Maggie was in it too, and Grayson would not leave the cannonballs for the picture. 

It thought this bronze cannon was beautifully carved. 

Daddy and Brody went back upstairs to explore a little more. 

Brody posed for some cool shots for Daddy.  I often say that Brody is Daddy's favorite although they do have their conflicts.  I say that Daddy loves him so much because he reminds him of Mommy...temper and all!  Haha! 

The Spanish flag waves from the fort while a pirate flag waves from across the road at the Pirate Museum.  I hope we can visit that little museum in the future. 

I loved the Spanish architecture around the town. 

I thought this little walled private courtyard just looked so enchanting like a secret garden. 

We passed through the historic district on the way to Flagler College.  The campus kind of reminded me of my alma mater, Meredith College, as they are both smaller liberal arts colleges with beautiful buildings and grounds.  We ate lunch at their student center which definitely reminded me of Meredith's.  

I loved the beautiful stained glass windows in the campus buildings.  

St. Augustine also has beautiful old churches and cathedrals.  

The boys thought this banana or plantain tree was cool.