Read more about the article Mt. Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota

We finally arrived in South Dakota – a trip two years in the making due to the pandemic. After settling into our cabin in Hill City, the first thing on our agenda was to see nearby Mt. Rushmore. 

As a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s “North By Northwest,” I’ve always wanted to see the iconic monument dedicated to the four presidents. Although several friends who’d been to Mt. Rushmore said they were disappointed that it only took an hour or two to see, I was still eager to visit.

(more…)

Read more about the article Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – St. Augustine, FL

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – St. Augustine, FL

In a previous post, I described touring Fort Matanzas, which protected St. Augustine’s back door. However, no visit to St. Augustine is complete without touring Castillo de San Marcos. Built over 450 years ago by the Spaniards, the Castillo is the oldest stone fortification in the US.

The Spanish Period

The 20-acre fort, with 30-foot high coquina walls, fronts Matanzas Bay just north of St. Augustine’s city center. Although Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city in 1565, construction didn’t begin until over a century later in 1672. Fortunately, construction finished just in time to protect the city from future attacks.

(more…)

Read more about the article Fort Matanzas National Monument – St. Augustine, FL

Fort Matanzas National Monument – St. Augustine, FL

Castillo de San Marcos in the historic part of St. Augustine remains a top tourist spot. However, many don’t know about St. Augustine’s other fort, sometimes called the “back door of St. Augustine,” Fort Matanzas.

For starters, Fort Matanzas is harder to reach. Located about fifteen miles south of St. Augustine on Anastasia Island, visitors must take a five-minute ferry ride to see the coquina watchtower. Purchasing tickets online isn’t an option either as the National Park Service distributes them on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, with fewer tourists, a visit to Fort Matanzas provides an enjoyable experience.

(more…)