Coquina rocks were
used to build Fort
Matanzas, now a
national monument.
the fort, where we examined its
unique building material, coquina,
a type of limestone consisting of
shells and shell fragments. We also
explored the officer’s quarters and
the powder magazine as well as the
observation and gun decks.
As of this writing, in the wake of
Hurricane Irma’s devastation, the
ferry service is suspended, but the
grounds and visitor center remain
open to the public.
Farther south, we stopped at
Washington Oaks Gardens State
Park. Elaborate formal gardens are
the park’s main attraction, with
exotic and native species displayed
around ponds and along pathways.
The park also boasts a stretch of
beach known for its coquina rocks.St. Augustine has weathered
much in its long history, as the
city’s monuments and wild spaces
testify. Hopefully, visitors will
come and perhaps cruise Scenic
A1A for many years to come,
supporting the Florida coast’s
recovery while discovering its
centuries of history and miles of
coastal beauty.56 COUNTRY-MAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018