I
spent the morning importing, editing, and posting some of the photos to
Facebook. I took a break to run down to the breakfast room about 8:30 to have
half a biscuit and gravy. I told the front desk that I’d be staying another day
or two and asked about train tours. I was pleased that there was shuttle
service from the hotel to the location and would not have to drive.
Back
in my room, I struggled to get photos posted. Some would upload quickly while
others I would have to cancel and try again and again. Finally, I got enough
posted to give everyone a glimpse of the places I visited. It was time to get
out. I called the front desk for them to call the shuttle.
The
next decision concerned a bag. What did I want to bring in case I found
something to buy? Because I’m walking with a stick and carrying the camera, I
have to be leery of what else I’m dragging around. I decided against one of the
shoulder bags because I cannot keep them up on my shoulder. I figured the back
pack would be best, but that was in the truck full of stuff I’m not using. I
was at the truck dumping the junk out when the driver showed up. I asked if I
needed a sweater and he said that it was going to warm up. I should have taken
the sweater.
It
wasn’t easy getting into the van with my short legs, bad knees and the height
of the step. The running board was aluminum and I worried about my weight. Plus
it was narrow. I had to turn my foot sideways which made it a little difficult
getting my other foot by that one. There was a couple in the seat behind the
driver which meant I had to squeeze into the back. I managed and settled in for
the ride.
The
Red Train Tours, train shaped vehicles which pull two open air cars each
holding five bench seats, has 22 stops
throughout the city and you can get off at any stop or stay on for the whole
tour. Then it begins all over again with the drivers switching off. A train
comes along every twenty minutes. Just be at one of the stops. I bought a three
day pass because I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it all in this one day. Many
of the stops are shopping areas, restaurants, or churches. Other places are
points of interest and historical sites. Some of these charge a fee to get in.
Tickets can be bought with the train ticket for a discount… usually $1 off
admission.
For
today, I thought I would do the city tour, look through some of the shops, and
visit the pirates’ museum. I rode the train through one complete loop to get
the feel of the city. This gave me the history and a better idea of which
places to visit. I thought Charleston, S.C. had history. St. Augustine was even
more amazing! It seems that what I remember of American History pretty much
started with the Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock although I do recall reading about
Jamestown and Roanoke.
Ponce
de Leon actually landed in what is now St. Augustine in 1513. He used to be on
Columbus’ crew and later petitioned for his own fleet. From then, the Spanish
took over rule from the natives. The city of St. Augustine was actually
established in 1565 making it the oldest continually occupied city in the
country. The French had a go at trying to take the city, but were defeated and
there were years of issues with the British. Someone said, “How would our
history have been written if told from the Spanish point of view or the Native
American point of view?” Now, that’s food for thought. History as we know it,
was told more from an English point of view and up in New England, that was our
influence. Down here in Florida, it’s totally different.
Part
way through the second time around, I got off in a shopping district. I’d seen
a sign for Birkenstocks and could use a new pair. Didn’t buy, nothing appealed
to me. I bought some post cards in a little shop nearby. I wanted some earrings
and stepped into a place called the Silver Feather. This was my kind of place
with dream catchers, stones, jewelry, and books. My eyes lighted on some
feathers; a turquoise strand and another of purple. I found some dragonfly
earrings in turquoise and purple. How could I resist?
As
I rounded the corner of a counter, my mouth dropped open. Against the back wall
were about seven racks of Native American flutes. Oh, my. Different styles,
makers, wood, sizes, and keys. I had to try some of them. I picked out four
small ones and tried each one. Hmmm, I don’t know. Then my eyes lit on one that
had a different mouth piece. It was still a smaller one, made of bamboo (which
I don’t have) and in the key of E. I tried it. Ohhhh, I had to have this. I
walked out of that store with a bigger bag and lighter pocket.
I
strolled around the shops, but didn’t feel like buying anything else. I found the
Pirate & Treasure Museum. I keep running into all these transplants from
Connecticut and Michigan. I guess I’m not the only one wanting to get out of
the cold. Many people come to stay. The woman behind the counter and I chatted
New England until others came in.
I
wandered around the museum set up to resemble a pirate ship. There were
hundreds of artifacts that have been discovered throughout the years and tales
of the 10 most famous pirates. (I never knew Sir Francis Drake was considered
one… guess he was to the Spanish.) I was intrigued by the “tools” used; the
different sextants, telescopes, and such. I was even more impressed with the
tools for cartography. I always wondered how they made maps. This museum also
has one of the only true remaining pirate chests and an original Jolly Roger
flag.
After
a burger and a few fries at an outdoor café, I made my way back to the trolley
stop in that area. There were many huge buildings with gorgeous architecture
built by Henry Flagler. Flagler was already quite wealthy when he teamed up
with John D. Rockefeller and together they founded the Standard Oil Company
(now Exxon.) Flagler’s plan for St. Augustine was to turn it into southern
version of Newport, R.I. catering to the rich for their winter get-aways.
Another
point of interest about St. Augustine is that this is where the Emancipation
Proclamation was read for the first time in Florida. It’s also where Dr. Martin
Luther King and Dr. Robert Hayling led the last campaigns that brought about
the passage of the Civil Rights Act. It’s said that King had to stay in a
different house every night he was in the city for safety reasons.
The
day hadn’t gotten warmer and I was freezing on the way back. I was glad to get in
the van for the ride to the hotel. Billy, the driver, talked about other places
I need to visit. The Alligator Farm has an amazing bird sanctuary and none are
in cages. I should be able to get some fabulous photographs. I also plan to
visit the Fountain of Youth and yes, people are allowed to drink from it. There’s
also the Castillo de San Marcos which has seen wars, invasions, pirates attacks
and has never been taken in battle. I will go to the St. Augustine Lighthouse
because I heard the views are spectacular. I will not, however, climb the 219
steps to the top. If I did, I’d probably have to be hauled away on a stretcher.
So,
the next two days should be very interesting.
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