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.  

; )

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513410638685909.133240.258124544214521&type=3

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.

American Latino Heritage Fund- De Soto National Memorial Bradenton, Fl.

Day 3 of  the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip in Florida and BB's in Bradenton visiting the De Soto National Memorial. Queee?? Ok si, Babushka passed Bradenton enroute to Tallahassee, and it would have made more sense logistically to stop there first pero the interview I had wasn't until Friday  and I'm sure you'll agree once you see the videos, it was worth the wait.  Also, by Friday  Babushka is more familiar with the video camera and with interviewing sooo... If a picture can say a thousand words, imaginate how many words are in a video!

Babushka will leave this post in the very capable hands of Park Ranger Jorge Acevedo, Chief of Interpretation of the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton Florida.

Esta bien, ok si,  BB did have a brief cameo.  

You didn't really think I wouldn't say anything did you?

JU SO FONII!!!

As you could probably tell by the video, this was just a taste of the tales Ranger Acevedo was to share. The full length first intro is on my youtube page and has lovely paisajes as well as interesting facts.

And now the second video showcasing the De Soto Memorial Museum/Theater, because it's interesting, expertly decorated, and last but definitely not least- air conditioned!  Oh yeah.

Nice right?  At this point BB had rehydrated and we were ready to continue visiting the rest of the site. Thankfully the rains were keeping away and Ranger Acevedo had commandeered a golf cart to visit the vast territory. On Babushka's Feibu page you'll see the fotos of this visit- worth the peek.

And now the De Soto National Memorial- for the young and young at heart:

The BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) on the De Soto Memorial:

* Commemorates the years of Conquistador Hernando De Soto's expedition for riches in La Florida. 1539 - 1543

* Through records of the expedition we are able to learn about the natives of this land.

* Houses a tasteful and very well structured museum and theater.

* Is very active in the Jr. Ranger program and in serving the youths of the area.

* Has year round activities http://www.nps.gov/deso/planyourvisit/events.htm 

* Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/De-Soto-National-Memorial/140942332612993

Maravilloso Memorial verdad?  What's also the verdad is that although BB was more familiar with the operation of the camera, the editing options are still out of my grasp.  Lucky for us though, knowledgeable guides have been on hand and their talks have been interesting enough to compensate for my film making follies.  Besides, the bloopers are so BB!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. I was bestowed the title of Jr. Park Ranger- oh yes I was!!  Please look at the video showing the nombramento; I'm so honored.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=278469602253719

P.P.S. I'd like to express Mil Gracias to Park Superintendent Scott Pardue for graciously letting me monopolize Ranger Acevedo during my visit, and to the other rangers who were always ready to help.  Por supuesto this couldn't have been done without Ranger Acevedo whose dedication to the De Soto Memorial is evident and very appreciated by this Vieja Viajera.  Nos vemos in Tally for VivaFlorida 500!