This is the gate to the walled part of the city. Just beyond the wall is fort Castillo de San Marcos. The fort was completed in 1695 and took 23 years to build.
This is Leo standing watch in the lookout post on one corner of the fort.
This fort was incredibly well constructed, with walls as much fourteen feet thick at the base. Is is made of coquina, a stone similar to limestone that was mined from a quarry on a neighboring island. The fort was so well constructed and fortified that is was never taken by force. It is now operated by the National Park Service.
We left St. Augustine on December 4 and travelled about 60 miles to a quiet anchorage on Rockhouse Creek. On the way we passed Daytona Beach and Dan was reminded of the time he spent here on college spring break. Traveling through here on a boat in 2012 is very different.
The next morning we were up and going again at 6:15 so we could catch the 7:00 am bridge opening 4 miles down the ICW.
While we were in route we finally had the dolphin experience that everyone who has made this trip talks about.
This dolphin swam along with us and played in our wake for what seemed like miles.
Since getting further south in Florida, we have been seeing more and more Osprey. This guy was keeping a close watch on us from his perch on this drawbridge.
Around mid day we passed the Kennedy Space Center and the Vehicle Assembly Building. When it was constructed in 1965, it was the largest building in the world. Now it ranks 6th largest. It is very a impressive sight and can be seen for miles.
We arrived at Cocoa and learned that Leo's friends, Bob and Donna had arranged for us to tie up to the dock in front of their condo. They have been terrific hosts! Donna is a great cook and Bob has been a great tour guide and historian.
This is the sunrise view from their condo, with Glory Days tied to the dock in the center of the photo.
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Location:Cocoa Florida
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