August 21, 2012

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Ft. Matanzas

Day 5 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds BB at Ft. Matanzas National Monument. Fifteen miles away from St. Augustine, it was a nice leisurely Sunday drive, especially with Carlitos and his guided navigation. Ok si, a lo bueno se acostumbre facil. I am quickly and easily spoiled by the finer things in life.  But can you blame me?  Look how purty he makes it!

Colorful Composition by Carlitos

And talk about purty-  look at this pic of Ft. Matanzas.



Of course this shot was taken when the ferry was close to the fort.  Queee?? You didn't know it was only visitable via ferry?  Here, a little video to give you a taste of the waters and what's ahead. 

 

Now remember the part about the narrow opening at the top to go to the flag...

We arrive at the actual fort, Fort Matanzas. 


A National Monument for its' history, its' longevity and its' service to our country.  
As told brilliantly by this Park Ranger.


In the fort-  

On the ground floor we see how soldiers may have been housed 
and the different uniforms used by various troops who served at Ft. Matanzas.


the view from inside-


the second floor- 

These stairs Babushka had no problem with.



The sentry's quarters.

Now, remember what the ranger had said about a narrow opening?  
BB had no problema with the stairs going to the second story, but the ones going to the roof?


Babushka's Cuban Cadera (Caboose) going through there?

JU SO FONII!!!


BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) on Ft. Matanzas National Monument

* Back door protector for the city of St. Augustine
* Under Spanish govt. Gov. Manuel de Montiano commisioned the fort 
* In 1740 construction made from coquina taking 2 years to complete
* Never overtaken by battle
* Acquired by US in 1819  Declared a Ntl. Monument in 1924

*Can only be reached via ferry- so take precautions if you get seasick.
*No entrance fees but donations are always welcomed
*Is very relaxing and if you want to make a day of it you can go fishing, hiking, and picknicking. (of course check out licenses for the first one- the other two are done near the visitor center.)




So tempting and sooo perfect for this Sunday afternoon,
but Carlitos was ready to navigate to Ybor City, and at this point I happily let him.


Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.


P.S.  I had such a lovely time and the surroundings were beautiful, plus I actually had a good camera, so look at the photos on my Feibu page- they're very good- if I say so myself.  
; )


and don't forget my YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/bohemianbabushka


P.P.S.  Thanks once again to the Beautifuls at Florida's Historic Coast for all their hospitality in this part of my travels.

P.P.P.S.  And of course, to the wonderful major sponsors- Mil Gracias.  The views expressed in my posts are always mine (who else would claim them?) but there'd be no roadtrip w/out them.  Thanks.






Bohemian Babushka
Bohemian Babushka

Groovy Spanglish speaking Grandma of 6 who loves life and all its adventures. Motivational while still keeping it real, Babushka shows how all things looked at with gratitude are good, and how to say to la vida- JU SO FONII!!!

28 comments:

  1. Your adventure is so interesting and fun at the same time. What a great experience!! Congrats and enjoy all that comes with it! :)

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    1. The really interesting part was doing all this in era costume while still trying to appear cool! heje Seriously though, it was an unforgettable experience and I'm very grateful. And I'm very grateful for your comment too; gracias Maria.

      BB2U

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  2. Replies
    1. Gracias Melissa- ya can't ask for more than that!

      BB2U

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  3. I am a huge fan of road trips, this is such an amazing expirience- thanks for sharing it with us!!!

    xo
    Cherrie
    www.chicacherrie.com

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    1. It truly was an amazing experience and I thank you for dancing here & commenting.

      BB2U

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  4. I am so happy that you got to do this trip, it seemed like you learned a lot as well as had lots of fun...kisses amiga!

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    1. Farah- a learning experience on sooo many levels, I too am glad I got to do this trip. Thanks for coming by y muchos abrazos.

      BB2U

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  5. I went to St. Augustine when I was in FL finishing a clinical rotation and loved it! When are we going to go on a road trip BB? :) xxo

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    1. Mujer, as soon as the temps go below 80 road trips on!

      BB2U

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  6. Replies
    1. Gracias- and so are you for stopping by and commenting!

      BB2U

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  7. What a beautiful spot. Thanks for the tour!
    Marissa

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    1. It really was- nice place for a low key family outing. Thanks for commenting.

      BB2U

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  8. It looks very beautiful and also pretty educational too. How wonderful you got to take such a great trip. Except for the ferry! That would freak me out.

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    1. It was everything you said, and the ferry- nice slow and smooth, no worries.

      Thanks for dancing w/me. BB2U

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  9. Wow, that's beautiful, love some good old fashioned history :)

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    1. Yep, that's BB- good, old fashioned, history. ; )


      Grateful for the comment and hope you dance w/me again.

      BB2U

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  10. Beautiful! I can't wait to read up on your other road trip stops.

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    1. Gracias- hope you like them, they were a joy to experience.

      BB2U

      P.S. Thanks for the comment.

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  11. So pretty! Hope you're having fun BB!

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    1. Ashley what a trip!! And I mean that in every sense of the word. ; )

      Thanks for the dance. BB2U

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  12. Amazing photos and videos of your experience at Ft.Matanzas National Monument!

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    1. Thank you Isabel! I was like a kid in a candy shop; the camera eqpmt was loaned to me so I was clicking on everything in sight!! jaha Glad you liked them.

      Gracias por el comentario. BB2U

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  13. what an awesome road trip! i would have loved to join you hehehe. growing up we drove from here (vancouver) to new orleans, nashville, and honduras!

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    1. Wow Nina, now THOSE are roadtrips!! Hope this inspires you to continue your family tradition.

      BB2U & thanks for commenting.

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  14. Lovely!! I am a huge fan of roadtrips!

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    1. Aren't they fun? So are comments- thank for yours.

      BB2U

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Always remember- If someone doesn't see YOUR brilliance, just look at them, smile, and say- JU SO FONI!!!