Yesterday we anchored south of the Bridge of Lions at St. Augustine, with Fiere Allure secured alongside us. After the customary expedition to West Marine (and these stores are rarely anywhere near the water...) we explored the city on foot.
St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565, and is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. The area was staunchly Loyalist in the American Revolution and part of the Confederacy in the Civil War, so Florida doesn't appear to have a winning track record in military history... The Castillo San Marcos is a national monument, and the British flag flies from its citadel, where period-dressed re-enactors fire a cannon every few hours (pointed at the boats at anchor just beyond, trying to repel Canadian invaders?). The architecture has a very Spanish flavour, and the Lightner Museum and Flagler College are both remarkable buildings. St. George Street has preserved many of the original buildings along its cobblestoned path, but the tourist-trap feel detracts from its historical significance (and appearance) in my opinion. Still, it was great to walk around, and a stop at the St. Augustine Winery gave a nice air-conditioned break during which we sampled many local wines!