A few days after Christmas, my friend, Mr. Jamaica, his family and I went camping in Anastasia State Park (more about the park to come.) Now this delicate flower city girl don’t take a cotton to camping, however, the advantage was that we were so close to not only the old city of St. Augustine (the oldest city in the U.S.) but the beautiful St. Augustine Lighthouse as well. The city of St. Augustine is located about 30 miles south of Jacksonville, Florida. From where I live, St. Augustine is about a 2-2 1/2 hour drive north.
The original idea, since we’d spent a fun-filled but grueling day exploring old town St. Augustine, was to walk around the lighthouse and take photos. We went around to a service side entrance, hopped a low gate and began snapping. No one shooed us away. Then Mr. J’s college aged son noticed that no one was standing guard by the open gate in the side yard. So we decided to be mischeivious and sneak inside.
As you can see—A LOT of stairs.
At first I wasn’t sure I was up to walking up all those stairs, but I knew if I didn’t try, I’d never forgive myself for missing the opportunity.
The lighthouse has large windows, perfect for taking photos out of. As we climbed higher, the upper windows were open.
Yep, that’s me, lagging behind to catch my breath and rest my legs under the guise of snapping photos.
Once we reached the top, the view was spectacular and well worth the punishment.
This is the view from the top looking north. The lighthouse sits a tiny bit inland. I’m not sure what this waterway is called, but just about two miles south of the lighthouse, the waterway opens up into the Atlantic Ocean. A yacht club sits off to the east almost directly behind the lighthouse (or in front, however you choose to look at it.)
We were lucky enough to hit the top of the lighthouse around sunset. This is the west view, and it looks off towards St. Augustine, Mantazas Bay and Ponce Inlet. Both the San Marcos Fort and Ponce de Leon’s “Fountain of Youth” are there on the other side of that waterway.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets sales to climb the lighthouse stop at 5:45 p.m. They are open until 7 p.m. during July and most holidays. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets range in price from $5.50 to $9.00.
If you’re ever in the area, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is well worth a visit. For more information on the lighthouse, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum website.
by LisaMarie, on February 11 2009 @ 11:00 pm
Ok, so fess up. How bad did you legs hurt the next couple of days after your trek up those stairs???
Gorgeous pics — as usual.
I like your new home here.
by lala, on February 11 2009 @ 11:32 pm
No lie, Lisa, they hurt (bad) for 3 days! And then the next day, we walked around St. Augustine again.
by grottogirl, on February 12 2009 @ 1:26 am
Aw, but walking (and climbing) is so good for you! I’ve been doing the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home program since it’s so cold here right now and I’m stuck in the house.
Anyway, wow, what a gorgeous place! You’re so lucky to be able to visit places like this. I love the pictures…very creative:)
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by lala, on February 12 2009 @ 2:42 am
I know, I was lucky. I mean I lived in the area for 7 months and chose “The Fountain of Youth” over the lighthouse. Sorry choice.
A great time was had by all and soon I will post photos from St. Augustine and the San Marcos Fort.
by D, on February 12 2009 @ 10:17 am
ha. i used to use that excuse, even though i didn’t have a camera. “I AM ENJOYING THE VIEW!” hehe. nice hat, btw.
by lala, on February 12 2009 @ 11:57 am
Hi D! *waving*
by betchai, on February 13 2009 @ 12:24 am
the view from the top is really breathtaking, worth the climb. actually, like you, i use my camera as an excuse too to rest
betchai’s last blog post..Anza Borrego Desert State Park