Our First Sunrise in St. Augustine

St. Augustine   

Barry and I have been very fortunate to experience daybreak in many locations, from Canada to the Bahamas. I can honestly say that a Saint Augustine sunrise is at the top of my list. There's just something special about the morning's colors serving as a background to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and palm trees to the east. To the west, the glowing streetlights and buildings provide their own take on a light show.   

We worked on a few projects this morning before heading to shore for another walk around town. As we exited the dock at the city marina, the tower of the city's first and only skyscraper grandly appeared through the trees. The Treasury on the Plaza was built in 1926 (the same year as the Bridge of Lions) and was home to a bank until it was converted to a private event venue in 2014. Next door is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine -- America's First Catholic Parish, founded in 1565. Its Spanish-influenced façade always pops against the blue sky. In the adjacent garden stands a statue of Father Pedro Camps, the spiritual leader who kept the Catholic faith alive in Florida during the British occupation that ended in 1784. High up on the streetlamp was our trip's first occurrence of bougainvillea.   

We turned onto St. George Street, a pedestrian-only area that is lined with restaurants, shops, museums and attractions. We got an overview as we passed quickly under the flags and by the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse en route to the Old City Gate. The two large pillars at the north end of St. George Street were built by residents in 1808 out of coquina shells as a line of defense against attacks.  

A quick trip was made through the Visitor Information Center to get ideas on what to see and do during our stay. On the grounds was a large Death Star-looking orb. Turns out it was a monument to the Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone which ended in San Diego, California. Also of interest was the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco. The set of six masks that decorate the fountain was a gift from the City of Avilés, home of Pedro Menéndez, founder of St. Augustine. We retraced our path back to St. George Street. Every business was competing for the attention of folks casually strolling and enjoying the day. There were giveaways of "free" soap and pizza. Signage promoted every claim to fame. Most buildings were adorned with plaques proclaiming their historical significance. Cigars were being rolled as we watched. Local goods were on display. I found a bench in the strong warm sunshine to be the best discovery of the day. 

Colorful Spanish pottery was being sold in a courtyard. Century-old walls constructed of shells have survived the test of time. The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is dedicated to the first colony of Greek immigrants who came to America in 1768. Greek Landing Day is celebrated on June 26 of each year. Out of the walking mall, we continued on St. George Street back toward the marina. Picturesque Trinity Parish Episcopal Church, founded in 1821, is Florida's first Protestant and first English-speaking church. Colorful private residences occupied side streets. We made our way back to Crossroads in time for me to enjoy a few hours of reading in the sun. Clouds moved in before sunset, dropping the temperature and obscuring much of the evening's light show. We should sleep well again tonight with calm water and no need for the heat pump and generator. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's sunrise.