I took a step into history today, touring St. Augustine, FL. This is the oldest city in North America, founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, although Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513 while looking for the Fountain of Youth in Bimini. And, of course, the Native Americans were already here. He named the place Florida not only because of the foliage, but also because he arrived on Easter Sunday, the season of flowers.

We drank from the Fountain of Youth, but my favorite part of the tour was the old jail. I found out that at one time  “jail birds” were actually hung from trees in big cages like this.                             

Then, while wandering around this Spanish community, I came upon a familiar name. There in the historic district is a plaque commermorating Frederick Douglass. He gave a speech in an opera house there in 1889. Apparently 700 people attended. And we thought Frederick Douglass belonged to Rochester.

I made 2 more Rochester connections today. The host at the restaurant was a young man who went to East High, and one of the workers behind the desk at the hotel used to be a teacher in Pittsford. Rochesterians: they’re everywhere.

Day 61: 12,769 Steps YTD: 550,407 Steps Goal: 572,000 Steps