St. Augustine

gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
edited May 16, 2005 in Landscapes
Nee 7x7 or anyone interested in St. Augustine - The short Chamber of Commerce Tour.

The best place to start is The St. Augustine Lighthouse and it is right down the road from The Alligator Farm (rookery)

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The Lighthouse and the Light Keepers house have been restored by the Junior League of St. Augustine. It also has a visitors center/museum. You can climb to the top of the Light House for a panoramic view of St. Augustine, the inlet, and the intra-coastal waterway. Even a four and a half year old will enjoy the view.

The Alligator Farm/Rookery is any little boys dream. They have all 23 species of crocodiles from all over the world. Plus, Alligators! Even White Alligators. They have some kind of show every hour and alligator feedings twice a day. And, of course the Rookery. Although, I was there taking pictures of birds a couple of weeks ago, and a young boy came up to me and ask "Why are you taking pictures of birds? This is an Alligator Farm."

Next stop would be go south on A!A over the Bridge of Lions and into the Old City.

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This bridge is over seventy years old. They are in the process of rebuilding it. After 70 years of storms, tides, traffic over it, under it and the occassional boat running into it, the sub structure is failing. So we are building a bridge that will look just like the old bridge only 11 feet wider. That will take 5 years. Joy, Joy.

About that picture. I finally figured out how to catch a BIF. Find something you want to take a picture of, set up the shot and hope a bird flies through it!

There are all sorts of things to explore in Downtown St. Augustine. Don't miss St. George Street for all the tourist stores. Flagler College was the old Ponce De Leon Hotel. They have tours of parts of the main building. The cafeteria at Flagler College has Tiffany Stained Glass windows. Most college cafeteria's are a little less elegant. There is alot to do downtown, too much to mention here. There are trolley rides, carriage rides and walking tours to point out all the sights.

At the north end of St. George Street are the Old City Gates.

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Across the street from the City Gates is the Castillo De San Marcos. Our Coquina Spanish Fort built between 1672 and 1695. It is now a National Park. The Fort was never conquered. It was given to the British once for about 20 years, then of course it became part of the United States when Florida became a territory.

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You can get around on the water any number of ways. Pictured is the Schooner "Freedom".

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There is also the Victory III, a large boat that looks like an old time riverboat, Rent Me Pontoon boats, jet skis, para-sails and fishing charters. Other things to see include Ripley's Believe It or Not and The Fountain of Youth. From a photography stand point, I think you will find plenty to take pictures of.

If you do get to make the trip - Palm Coast is neat too. It is kind of a suberb of the greater St. Augustine area. Hope you have a great time.

Gayle

Comments

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2005
    Hiya Gayle,

    Excellent pics. I may have to do a weekend in St. Augustine soon and get out of the rookery.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2005
    Very nice, thanks for the tour thumb.gif
    the more I see the more I'm packin up:D
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited May 15, 2005
    Very nice introduction to St Augustine. I wasn't really aware that the Spanish fort was still visitable as a Nat Park. I think I may have to visit St Augustine the next time I am in Fla.
    Welcome to dgrin gaylenick. Hang around and show us some more of your fine city clap.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2005
    Nice shooting, Gayle!
    Welcome to dgrin, and bring more of your pikchas!thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • KirwinKirwin Registered Users Posts: 417 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2005
    Hi Gayle,

    Great images of your city! Looks like my family will be doing a day trip over to your fair city during Memorial Day weekend. He wants to see the 'gators!
    Regards,
    Kirwin
  • gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
    edited May 16, 2005
    Harry, It is hard for the town to live up to the rookery. But, with 6.2 million visitors a year, I think it has something going for it. You will enjoy if you spend a weekend here. I can't wait to see the pictures.

    Gayle
    Harryb wrote:
    Hiya Gayle,

    Excellent pics. I may have to do a weekend in St. Augustine soon and get out of the rookery.
  • gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
    edited May 16, 2005
    Thank you for the welcome. The Castillo De San Marco is a small National Park. It sits on a beautiful site overlooking Matanza's Bay. If you do get to Florida - stop by.

    Gayle
    pathfinder wrote:
    Very nice introduction to St Augustine. I wasn't really aware that the Spanish fort was still visitable as a Nat Park. I think I may have to visit St Augustine the next time I am in Fla.
    Welcome to dgrin gaylenick. Hang around and show us some more of your fine city clap.gif
  • gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
    edited May 16, 2005
    Kirwin,

    I know it will be tough leaving the Alligator Farm. But, if you get a chance, go out an explore. I have one revision to my original post - the Bridge of Lions is north on A!A not south.

    Gayle
    Kirwin wrote:
    Hi Gayle,

    Great images of your city! Looks like my family will be doing a day trip over to your fair city during Memorial Day weekend. He wants to see the 'gators!
  • gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
    edited May 16, 2005
    Ben -

    Thank you for the response. If you get a chance pack up and check it out. One day for the rookery and one day for the town.

    Gayle
    bfjr wrote:
    Very nice, thanks for the tour thumb.gif
    the more I see the more I'm packin up:D
  • gaylenickgaylenick Registered Users Posts: 71 Big grins
    edited May 16, 2005
    Nikolai

    Thank you for the welcome.

    Gayle
    Nikolai wrote:
    Welcome to dgrin, and bring more of your pikchas!thumb.gif
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