Varied Skies

I’m embarrassed. Years of training and practice have taught me to question “facts,” look at the other side, and probe beneath the surface to find the truth. In this age of instant communication, the truth often becomes obfuscated or is intentionally and entirely misrepresented, but repeated enough to become “truth.” Surely, age-old lessons need not be subjected to the scrutiny required of today’s factual statements. Not so.

If I had asked you to name the first settlement in America, what would you have said? I think some would cite the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, as those guys have received plenty of good press over the years. Some, like myself, would proclaim with certainty, “Jamestown, 1607.” Nope. Only those who said, “St. Augustine, 1565” would be correct. How could my education betray me like this? {Please withhold any wisecracks about my public school upbringing}

I’ve driven I-95 by St. Augustine on several occasions. I’ve seen the signs proclaiming it “the oldest continuously occupied settlement” in the U.S. That always sounded like Chamber of Commerce lawyer-speak to get around Jamestown being the actual oldest settlement, after all Jamestown did fizzle out in 1699. But St. Augustine preceded Jamestown by more than 40 years and has been continuously occupied. Kudos to the Spanish. I can only conclude that I’ve been duped by an insular system content to emphasize English history over the accomplishments of other cultures–the victor gets to write the history. Or, maybe I just missed the day my teachers taught the exploits of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in establishing St. Augustine. Either way, I’m embarrassed.

Enough of that. Today, St. Augustine stands as a testament to the unique history of the United States and the varied settlers that opened up the New World to future generations. Stand where conquistador Juan Ponce de León landed and sip from “The Fountain of Youth.”

Of course, your mileage will vary. Ponce de León himself died at the ripe old age of 47.

Walk the grounds of Mission Nombre de Dios, site of the “First Thanksgiving Mass” held 56 years before the Pilgrims touched American soil.

Marvel at the engineering of Castillo San de Marcos and the views from the top of its coquina walls.

Ramble down the oldest streets in the U.S.

Ride the ferry to Fort Matanzas and imagine what life in La Florida was like 275 years ago.

St. Augustine also shines as a more typical vacation destination. You can indulge in simple pleasures like bike rides, beach games, epic mini-golf tournaments, pedal boat rides, and painting classes.

Or, enjoy Pops’ famous shrimp boil and gather family around a fire to reluctantly say “good bye for now.”

Whatever you do, realize that the sun never sets on learning. Question what you “know.” Explore. Absorb. Grow.