After the historic area, we visited the Castillo de San Marcos. This fort, or CASHOLE (a/k/a castle) as Arabella liked to call it, is the oldest masonry fortification in North America. After nine wooden forts failed to adequately protect Saint Augustine, the Spanish Crown authorized the construction of a stone fortification in 1672. Since that time, the Castillo has withstood bombardments and hurricanes, only changing hands through treaty. It was built by the Spanish during 1672–1695 with blocks of coquina. It was built to protect and defend the city of St. Augustine which belonged to the Spanish at the time. Later, the structure was used for various reasons including holding Indian prisoners during the Seminole Wars and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
(Information taken from http://www.nps.gov/casa/forteachers/upload/Teacher's%20Guide.pdf)
Before leaving to come home, we visited the carousel and the park where the carousel is located. I was leery about how Arabella would react to the carousel because anytime she rode one before, she would freak out. But not this time! She loved every minute of the 8 rides we took. And even wanted to have more! Everyone got in on the action at one point or another and we just laughed and had a wonderful time. Once we were able to peel her away from the carousel and horses, she played for a little while on the playground. Mike, Jeff and I also had some playtime on the swings. I had forgotten how much I liked to swing and it was so relaxing. All in all it was a fun and enjoyable afternoon. I am sure on our next trip to Florida, we will make the short drive to St. Augustine just so Arabella can ride the carousel again!
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