So happy to reach beautiful Florida, otherwise known as the Sunshine State (where have I heard that before?)
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565 so this makes it the oldest settlement in the USA. A big tourist area with horse-drawn carriages, cobblestoned streets and folk dressed in period costume.
Castillo de San Marcos - National Monument
Jake, our energetic and
humorous tour guide, deserved a medal for his outstanding performance. He wore an authentic soldier's uniform despite the sweltering heat and bellowed out facts and figures with great gusto.
The Fort was built from native "coquina" stone that was quarried on Anastasia Island. It's like a soft dense shell that absorbs constant bombardment and does not crumble when hit by cannon balls. Building started in 1672 and took 23 years to complete making it the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
The courtyard was originally used as the soldiers assembly and drill area.
We watched volunteers reenact the ceremonious firing of cannons out to sea. Ear plugs needed.
Also three brave souls with muskets and dressed in uniform, fired three shots into the wind. It was a fantastic display and an even better backdrop. Glorious blue sea, sunshine, palm trees and a clear sky.
The nation's Oldest Wooden School House was built prior to 1763.
Went to St Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine dedicated to the first Greek colony who arrived in the US in 1768.
Henry Flagler built the gorgeous Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1880, it is now Flagler College.
We were entertained in the Beer Garden by two talented country bumpkin type guys. Nice cold beer and a great laid-back atmosphere.
The next day Allen went for an early morning dip near the Pier - I watched!!!
Later on Al went fishing off the Pier and caught a bucket full of whiting and a 4 foot hammerhead but an excitable local wanted to help pull it up and lost it.......the one that got away!!
Daytona International Speedway
Visited the holy grail of raceways but nothing was happening as it was undergoing maintenance work.
The Daytona 500 is regarded as The Great American Race, 500 miles on a track angled at 31 degrees.
As the track was deserted we just wandered around the huge empty stands and tried to imagine the roar and fumes.
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