Saint Augustine Lighthouse

The lighthouse, built in 1874, is Saint Augustine's oldest surviving brick structure.



This beacon of light serves as more than just a navigational aid,
it also illuminates an ancient cities maritime past.



Rising 165ft above sea level, you must climb 219 steps to reach the top.



Once you have conquered the climb, you are handsomely rewarded with breathtaking



panoramic views of the surrounding city and its beaches.



The tower was automated sometime in 1955 so there are no more
'real' light keepers' on the grounds.



However, the light keepers' house has been restored and is now home to a museum
with WWII memorabilia and various other artifacts found from shipwreck ruins.




We spent a couple hours walking around the grounds,
they had some trails but they didn't really lead anywhere.
The ocean across the street was a short walk so we hopped over there.
I ended up talking photography with an older gentleman who has been shooting the
lighthouse for many years. He jokingly said that he's gotten almost every angle possible.
I wonder if he found the secret spot where I discovered the red hibiscus?!?!

Only because I myself stumbled upon the scene by accident.
It was after Cody and I had left, we drove down the
main road and on our way back past the lighthouse, I thought,
"I should stop real quick and try to get another shot of the top portion".

I wasn't really happy with the other ones I had taken across the street.
I really didn't want to stop again, although I did anyway - very glad I did.
And after I had taken a few photos, I went back to the car where Cody was waiting,
but then I quickly turned back around once I noticed a bush with red flowers.
I ran back over. I was so giddy, it was as if I hit the jackpot or something!
I almost missed out on it twice....if that doesn't tell you to
GO WITH YOUR GUT.....I don't know what does.

I always try to keep in mind that I won't get a redo
and this instance was a very good exercise for remembering that!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Saint Augustine's Lighthouse.
If you are interested in reading a bit more,
here is their website.

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

just for giggles

Cody heard the guy tell these boys they could spit from over on that side.
Naturally, he had to try it for himself :)

Santa Maria Sunset

After a few more stops this afternoon, we will be heading back to Jacksonville.
Our time in Saint Augustine has been magnificent. We really lucked out with the weather.
Although, the day we got here I began to feel a tickle or scratchiness in my throat, we
immediately went to Walgreens for a remedy - I didn't want a repeat of Big Sur.
I hate that I am prone to getting sick while on vacation! Thankfully, it didn't get too bad.
The coughing did keep me up some last night, but for the most part, I feel okay.

I have done my best not adhere to a specific itinerary while here is Saint Augustine,
instead, I just let the day proceed where it may. I've been to St. Augustine many times, but
I haven't seen it in the way I have this time around. The camera always sharpens my senses
when I am in a "new" place. It's not new, but it's new - know what I mean!?!?

Anyhow, we have a big day ahead of us......
I better get downstairs to the breakfast part of the Bed and Breakfast!!

FYI:

• Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for the magazine subscription to Popular Photography (10 people have entered so far).
• Click here for details. PROJECT INSPIRATION
• The photo is of a restaurant near our B&B, we were warned that the food wasn't very good, but it was pretty :o)
• Posted in Wordful Wednesday