The Fort Matanzas National Monument

Are you looking for a great place to visit this Spring? Check Saint Augustine, Florida. There are three places that I can recommend : Fort Matanzas, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Old City or Saint Augustine. Here are some of the photos that I took in Fort Matanzas.

The ferry ride is free of charge.

Obviously, it is windy up here.

The passage to go up here can only accommodate one person at a time.

this is Fort Matanzas.

We are all excited at this pint.

the cannon at the sentry box.

the ferry

awesome view

Taken inside the Fort Matanzas.

The ride going back to the Fort Matanzas Welcome Center is smooth and  free..

What a great view from here.

The top is the lookout area.

Only few of us dare to come up here.

 Here I am at the tower roof. While standing here, hubby was at the sentry box area waiting for me to go down. We stayed in Fort Matanzas for almost two hours enjoying the view and listening to the guide how this Fort plays vital in Florida history.

First Visit to Fort Matanzas National Monument

This monument is a 1740 Spanish Fort located in Saint Augustine, Florida. We live at least 2 hours from here. Our first visit was on a Thursday, less crowded so; it was fun and exciting. We arrived at noon time. The ferry ride was free of charge and it was a smooth ride.

They said that the Fort is busiest on a weekend so; hubby and I were glad that we came here on weekdays. May is hot and humid so; if you plan to visit the Fort, bring a sunscreen and a hat. The Fort has a wooden ladder and stairs so; shoes is the right footwear to wear.

While waiting for the Ferry to comeback from the Fort, I was already excited after reading the Anatomy of the Fort. I can't wait to reach the tower. To reach the lookout area, one will have to climb a ladder, single only. Hubby did not do it. I was at the rooftop and the view was gorgeous.

The Fort was built by the Spanish to guard Matanzas Inlet, the southern mouth of the Matanzas River, which could be used as a rear entrance to the city of St. Augustine. A captain of the ferry narrated the history of the Fort.
We stayed for about two hours just taking pictures. Here are some of the photos in Fort Matanzas.

Check out some photos in this link too : Miniature Display.

This is the information board at the entrance of the Visitor's Area of Fort Matanzas.
 
This is an interesting place and I truly recommend that you should visit Fort Matanzas.

Here's hubby waiting for the ferry on the dock.

So near yet so far. I would love to visit this place one last time before we head back to Mississippi for good.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Despite the Government Shutdown: Kennedy Space Center Remains Open

That is true and Kennedy Space Center remains open despite the Government Shutdown. If you plan to visit #KSC, please do so and be amazed of the many attractions inside the Visitor Complex and more.

 

When you purchase a ticket, your General Admission includes the following:

1. Be there and explore the exciting new Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, the 100 million dollar home of the historic spacecraft.  There are so many amazing state-of the-art multi media displays, exhibits and simulators which I am sure you will enjoy.  Oh and you will love the Shuttle Launch Experience too.

2. For the kids with you, they will surely want to be in Angry Birds attraction for so many hours. 

3. You should check out the movie theater too and watch the Space Encounter on a 3-D IMAX. Watch the Space Station 3-D narrated by Tom Cruise as well as the Hubble 3-D narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. I love both movies and there is no doubt that you will love it too.

4. Check out also the Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted Early Space Exploration 

5. The Rocket Garden and

6. U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

If you asked me which among those are my favorite? I love the Space Shuttle Atlantis, truly AWESOME!

Beautiful Scenic View along the Indian River Drive

I went to volunteer for a Vacation Bible School in our church and it was very interesting. I met 3 ladies who is the director of the event and the other two were parents. It seemed that they knew each other so well and being new I was just observing. It was so nice to be in a classroom again. Anyway, as we head back home, I requested that we drive down the Indian River Drive.

If you happen to visit Cocoa area, these are the usual views that you will enjoy watching from the window of your car. We took the route along Indian River Drive and it was a 3.5 mile long so; I truly enjoyed the ride.

I asked my husband if he won a lotto, would he consider buying a property here and his answer is a big NO. LOL. We live about 5 minutes away from Indian River FYI. Anyway, you probably asked why? I have answer to that. The view here is fantastic and you will always get lucky to find dolphins swimming close by or if you have a private dock, you will see them jumping once in a while.

But, there are certain months that the smell of the river is truly stinky. The bridges have tended to impede the flow of red drift algae, resulting in an odor of hydrogen sulfide in the area. You will never imagine how foul the odor is once you drive down here. The view? Perfect! There are huge and beautiful houses in the area with manicured lawn but, maybe, they get used to the odor.

Driving Down to Indian River Drive

This is the Indian River in Florida. This is part of the Indian River Lagoon system.  This body of water extends southward from the Ponce de Leon inlet in New Smyrna Beach and across the Haulover Canal up to the western shore of Merritt Island. This river was originally named Rio de Ais from the Ais Indian tribe. Indian River is shallow and  it is about 121 mi  or 195 km long.

On this particular day, hubby and I enjoyed our short road trip along the Indian River Drive. Did you know that it stinks here sometimes?  At certain seasons of the year, "bridges have tended to impede the flow of red drift algae, resulting in an odor of hydrogen sulfide in the area".

Along Indian River Drive

It is summer time and I bet, you are dreaming to go to the beach and enjoy the cool breeze of the water right? If you live in Central Florida, you have so many options to either head to the Space Coast or towards the Gulf. Either way, beaches are awesome!

As for me, I can just hit the road and drive down the Indian River and will definitely enjoy the scenic route along NASA Parkway, Indian River Lagoon and Indian River Drive. The photo is a private dock along Indian River Drive. Take note of the names mentioned and if you have nothing to do, come by here along the Space Coast. Enjoy the ride!

A Beautiful Wednesday

How was your Wednesday? I hope you had a beautiful day and are all safe today. As for me, I had a wonderful day despite having this migraine. I was in and out of my desk top. How was the weather in your place? Here in Florida, it was awesome especially down here in Brevard. The day actually started gray. When we went to THE AVENUE MALL at VIERA, dark clouds covered the whole area.  I thought it would rain hard but, it didn't.

On our way home, we drove down the Indian River Drive and I took some beautiful shots of some private docks in the area. I was envious to see their huge and humongous homes hehehe plus, they have boat docks. Of course, most home owners in the area have boats ... nice one. I promise that next time, I will take photos of their houses. Truly beautiful! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your day.

NASA Rocket Launch: ATLAS V I GPS 2F-4 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Living in Brevard County in Florida gives the residents the opportunity of FREE viewing of ROCKET LAUNCHES even right on their property. We can hear the thunderous roaring sound from our place in Port Saint John but; if we choose to experience the magnificent sight of lift off, we usually go to Banana River area where thunderous sound of engines are most exciting to hear.

The ATLAS V Rocket will lift off from the Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The Mission: GPS 2F-4 (Block 2F Navigation Satellite)
The Vehicle: Atlas V
The Launch Site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
The Date: May 15, 2013 , Wednesday
The Launch Window: 5:39 p.m. – 5:58 p.m.

SEE YOU THERE!

Veteran's Memorial Park in Merritt Island

We had to meet a client in Merritt Mall yesterday and after the meeting, we really had no plans where to go next. We saw this place which is just near the area of Merritt Mall. We decided to go and explore the Veteran's Memorial Park located at 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy Merritt Island, FL 32952 and if you wanted to know the direction, call them at tel #(321) 453-1776.

 
CAPTION: " MEDAL OF HONOR : Awarded by the United States of America for "CONSPICUOUS" gallantry and intrepidity at the risks of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States. Established July 12, 1862. "

The three blue logos are Navy Marine Corps , Army and Air Force.

Below caption: Brevard County Recipient: Emery L. Bennett Army Korea 1951

CAPTION: " THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865) The American Civil War was also known as the war between the states for political, economic, and social reasons. Eleven states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America. The secession led to war.

The conflict was the deadliest in American History, and resulted in over 620,000 soldier deaths from battle wounds and disease. Unlike any other war, brother fought against brother and father against son, with the surrender of the confederacy in 1865, the United States was restored. The impact of the war and issues is still felt today." Sponsored by: CSA Indian River Camp #17

CAPTION: " AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR 1776 Dedicated to all our patriot ancestors who sacrificed their lives, families and fortunes to secure our FREEDOM."

There are two logos and the middle has this caption: MINUTEMEN

Sponsored by: BREVARD COUNTY CHAPTERS of The Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution.

The CAPTION with red logo : "This memorial honors all prisoners of war. Remembering the tremendous hardships endured at the hands of their ruthless enemies as they braved captivity. The resilience and strength of the American Service men and women showed great devotion and love for country."

" WE EXIST TO HELP THOSE

WHO CANNOT HELP THEMSELVES."

The logo is the AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

"NOT BY ARMS ALONE"

Sponsored by: Brevard Space Coast Ex-Prisoners of War.

The CAPTION with the white Logo: "The Veterans of Florida dedicate this plaque in gratitude to honor all those who sacrificed their freedom in service of our country: Former American Prisoners of War, Missing in action and those Americans who may still be held prisoner."

 "WE WILL NEVER FORGET" The logo: POW-MIA YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Sponsored by: ROLLING THUNDER FLI

The Veterans Memorial Park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. If you have inquiries, the Veterans Service Officer is available from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, Monday through Friday; the Officer can be reached at 321-453-1776. 

Come visit this place. Thanks for stopping by.

Enjoying the Sunrise Along the Indian River

What have you been up to lately friends? I hope you had an exciting activity and had  fun with your family and friends. I was kinda' busy for the last few days but, I will keep you updated for what had transpired in those days. For now, I would like to share about these great shots that I took while driving down the neighborhood.

I am a nature lover by heart. This place along the Indian River is gorgeous. It would be nice to have a condo along this area because the sunrise is FREE for life (yah know what I mean to say) LOL. If I win a lotto (wink) , I buy me a condo unit that has the view by the water and my bedroom would be on the side where I can enjoy the sunrise and the sunset which means, it should be big :-). I can dream, can't I?

You know when there is a Rocket Launch by NASA? You can see it on that direction where the sun rises. Pretty view right? This area is a boat ramp and is about 5 minutes away from our home. If our house is just like my home back in the Philippines? Oh my goodness, I would enjoy the sunrise everyday without getting up from bed :-) .

After taking some pictures, I look further and saw this boat. This is a small yacht and yep, I dreamed of having one too (again, if I win a lotto) LOL. I will not choose the extravagant yacht but, just the one that is easy to maintain. Or better yet, an RV-Boat combo. If you can't imagine what it is, I will show you next time.

Anyway, that's all for now folks. Sharing you the views and my dreams ... remember, if I win a lotto (LOL) , I will have little luxuries in life ... a condo with water view and a boat ... uhm ... an RV-Boat combo hehehe... Thanks for stopping by and please do visit next time. Mwahhh!

Along Bennett Causeway

Whenever hubby and I decided to visit Cocoa Beach or go to the church in Merritt Island, we always pass by the bridge on 528 or known by the locals as Bennett Causeway. Driving straight ahead would be Cocoa Beach, one of the famous surfing destinations in the US. On this road, the sight of the Port Canaveral cruise ship terminal will be on the left side area. From this bridge, if we turn right, it would be the route towards the parish where we usually attend masses on a Sunday.

The typical daily activity along Indian River is fishing and boating like the photo below.

I like the houses along the riverbanks. Hubby and I drove down there in the neighborhood last December to watch their Christmas Lights. The place is gorgeous, houses are humongous and they have boat docks. The houses in the area are made of concrete that can withstand storms and hurricanes.

If I win a lotto, I would like to live in a place similar to this area where I can wake up appreciating the sunrise and see the glorious sunset in the evening. It would be awesome! What do you think? Would you prefer to live in a house nearby the body of water?  

The Cocoa Beach Pier in Florida

If you plan to visit Cocoa Beach then, check out Cocoa Beach Pier, the view behind me. The parking space in Cocoa Pier is $10 but, if you don't want to pay that amount, check out the parking meter on every street. It is .25 cents for 10 minutes but, make sure that it is working right or else, you will get a ticket. 

It's in the 50's today and breezy so; no one is in the water. On a nice and sunny weather, this beach is fully pack of locals and tourist. The end of the Cocoa Beach Pier is Mai Tiki Bar and in order to enjoy the this place, you need to pay an entrance of $1. When there are storms, this place is close and the entrance is waived. 800 foot long fishing pier

If you love surfing, Cocoa Beach is the place to check out. Food trip? The Pier has 5 restaurants and 4 bars such as Atlantic Ocean Grille, Marlins Bar and Grill, The Boardwalk, and Oh Shucks Seafood Bar so; you will never get hungry here. There's gift shops and free live musical entertainment.

The pier offers beach rentals, fresh water showers as well as regulation beach volleyball courts and lifeguards are available year round. Hubby and I usually come here for the food and just enjoys watching the surfers.

The photo above was taken along the side of the meter parking area along Cocoa Beach Pier parking lot.

Just an hour drive from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a beautiful place for swimming, fishing, surfing and ... sunbathing.