March 4, 2014

Time to catch up on the blog.  Yesterday's internet speed was very slow and so the time to make posts would have been frustratingly slow.

Yesterday we visited St Augustine which is the oldest permanent settlement in North America. (1513) or as they claim, the Nations oldest city. However thinking a little more about history, I would add (by other than Native North American Indians) to the previous claim.

The Old Fort (Castillo de San Marcos) was built between 1672 and 1695 by the Spanish.  It has been repaired along the way but is still a remarkable structure.  It shape reminds us of Fort Ticonderoga.

One of the main streets of town (St Georges) was quite active on a warm Summer like day.  Yes, we did find an Ice Cream shop.

 The oldest street (Aviles St) was actually quite empty.  Instead of a lot of tourist staffic, there was next to none.  Probably because this area is mostly private residences.

 The oldest home is in St Augustine.  Any previous homes that may have laid claim to the honor were burned prior to the construction of this home in 1702.

 The oldest wood schoolhouse in the USA

 
 Up the street about 1/2 mile is the location of the famous Fountain of Youth Archeological Park where the Fountain of youth is located.

 Not your typical Bird of Prey...but would they eat an insect?

 One of several jugs that were used to catch rain water for drinking. Some weighed as much as 800 pounds.

You may have heard of the Fountain of Youth located in the area first explored by Juan Ponce de Leon.
We got to drink from the Spring and we might feel a bit younger...but then again, there is no snow around.  A coincidence?  Anyway, here it is.

Today we left Jacksonville on our way to Zephyrhills to visit Herb and Betty.  It is always great to visit friends that you haven't seen in a while.  They really don't look old enough to be great grandparents.