St Augustine was interesting, and comercial

Saint Augustine, oldest city in America.

Formulating a plan

We had a good visit to Saint Augustine, and saw the Spanish and English army representatives change flags at the Fort to represent the loss by the Spanish to the British. This was a formal handing over of Fort Castillo de San Marcos from years ago that was change, and the beginning's of America. I paid more attention during the act to pictures then the words, and wish I had listened as was the first time I have heard CANADA in any of the history we have learned here in USA. As the man was reading out the decoration he said something about Canada, and both Polly and I heard it but not sure what our country did, or how we played a part. As the performance was taking place, in the background was the smoke rising from another fire as the south, especially Florida was so dry, and many fires happening. The declaration was read, with the two sides present, and the cannon fired and the Spanish flag brought down, then the cannon fired again and the English flag raised. I should have listened a little closer, but the kid in me was watching the cannon fire, and taking pictures of the whole presentation. Was a very well done show, and we were told after that all the people but 1 were volunteers, and some had been performing this ritual for many years. I'm guessing that as this is the beginning of the USA's start that people are very proud to be involved in this production. Best show we have seen in our trip, now looking back I wished I had listened a little closer, and took a few less pictures.

 

Declaration being read

The woman tells the men what to do! Like usual...

Now for the beers together...

After the fort we walked up the main street (no vehicles here) which had all the ice cream shops and touristy stuff to see and buy. Polly went and got a flag for the our camp spot, and I sat and watched people, and of course found someone to talk with. So many people were flocking here, and I look and wonder why? Not much of the real history represented here, just a few older buildings, but most new looking old, and selling something. After Polly makes her purchase, we walk a little farther and get to a pub for lunch, and a beer. Lets go out to the deck instead of inside, and we did. Was a nice place we stopped as could see the front of the fort, and the main road went by so we had a showing of all the old cars that were in town that day, was nice. We saw that dogs were allowed in the outside here, and felt bad we had left Bosco at home, will bring him next time.

Polly goes to the candles and takes a look

Oldest Catholic Church

Inside the church

Faces sent from Spain as a present for Saint Augustine.

History is interesting. Here on the south east coast it is what attracts so many people, along with the beautiful beaches... 

Loving this exploring of the south east USA....