Florida Vacation: Last Days - St-Augustine

"St. Augustine is a city in the northeast section of Florida and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States.[1] Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the United States.[2] St. Augustine lies in a region of Florida known as "The First Coast", which extends from Amelia Island in the north, and in the south to Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Palm Coast. According to the 2000 census, the city population was 11,592; in 2004, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had reached 12,157.[3] St. Augustine is the headquarters for the Florida National Guard." Wikipedia, today




This shop was a favorite for the men in our group. It had swords, armors and shields. We couldn't (or wouldn't) afford real swords for the kids, but they did add to their pirate items.



Suzanne loved the beautiful trees.





"The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States located in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. Construction was begun on the fort in 1672 by the Spanish when Florida was a Spanish possession. During the twenty year period of British occupation from 1763 until 1784, the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark , and after Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 the fort was again renamed to Fort Marion, in honor of revolutionary war hero Francis Marion. In 1942 the original name of Castillo de San Marcos was restored by Congress." Wikipedia, today

We visited the Fort on the first day. There are rumors that it's haunted... ooohh :)






We had supper at "The Reef" in Vilano Beach, and Columbia, on the old street (below). Excellent dinners, highly recommended.



We also visited the alligator farm, a great place where both humans and reptiles look at each other and think: "hmmm, tastes like chicken."

"The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions, having opened on May 20, 1893.[2] Not only does it have over 20 species of crocodilians, but also a variety of other reptiles, mammals, and birds, as well as exhibits, animal performances and educational demonstrations. The address is 999 Anastasia Boulevard." Wikipedia, today

We stayed at the Hampton Inn, a star short of our taste. I called often to make sure we had a beautiful room with balcony and view on the Ocean (no problem sir). When we arrived, we could see the ocean alright, as a sliver on top of the public parking space where Harley Davidson bikers liked to compete for the loudest engine. I rarely complain, but that was a bit too much, and we were move to a slightly better room, with an okay view.




We were there for the beach. The four of us had wonderful moments in front of our hotel (The kids and papa in the water, maman on the sand). We even got to see wild dolphins on the second day! It was excellent!






We left on the last morning back to Orlando to take our flight around noon.