August 5, 2016

Fort Matanzas

Semi-layover day to visit spots around St. Augustine. 

Drove down barrier island east of St. Augustine.  First stop to see lighthouse.

Then south about fifteen miles to visit Fort Matanzas NM.

Very small fort built to protect ‘back door’ water approach to St. Augustine.  Fort sits on small island across Matanzas River from the larger barrier island.  Reached by shuttle ferry courtesy of NPS.  No charge.

Very small fort. Manned by staff of five.  Four soldiers and an officer.

Approaching  fort

Closer view

View from top (observation) level of fort

Gun level

 

Ranger demonstrating to Sue how easily she can lift a cannon with aid of a lever.

Fort from ground level.

‘Matanzas’ is the Spanish word for slaughter.  If you are interested you can Google how the fort and river got that name.  Pretty gruesome.

The grounds near the visitor center have a board walk nature trail.

Across the highway from the National Monument is a public beach access.

 

Ahhh!

If she were wearing long pants you would not know.  Very natural gait in all activities.  A little while later she was in water up to her chest.