The Wandering Disciple

The night gives way to to the day as the sun begins to rise over the Atlantic Ocean at Anastasia State Park in St Augustine, Florida. As the sun begins to break the horizon, the dark sky comes to light with the bright colors of the sun.  Anastasia State Park is a coastal park located across Matanzas Bay from historic St Augustine. The park is located on the historic Spanish coquina quarry. From this quarry, the Spanish got the stone needed to build Castillo San Marcos in the old city. Today it is a popular state park with miles of beaches, a campground and hiking trails.  Taken: November 12, 2011 at Anastasia State Park (St Augustine, FL)

The sunrises over the beach at Anastasia State Park signaling the start of a new day in the Sunshine State. Sunrises are proof that no matter how bad a day can get, the sun always rises and gives you a fresh start at making things better. (Photo: November 12, 2011)

The sun rises over the dunes and boardwalk at Anastasia State Park in St Augustine.  The state park along the Atlantic Ocean provides breathtaking sunrises over the beach.  (Photo: November 13, 2011)

The sun paints a colorful sky as it rises over Anastasia State Park in St Augustine. Surrounded by water on east and west, the Florida peninsula provide spectacular sunrises on the Atlantic coast and sunsets on the Gulf coast. (Photo: November 12, 2011)

The sea grass on the dunes at Anastasia State Park sways in the wind at sunrise. Located outside of historic St Augustine, Anastasia State Park features beaches, camp sites and much more. It is located on the site of the quarry in which used to construct Castillo de San Marcos. (Photo: November 13, 2011)

Dunes line the beach at Anastasia State Park in St Augustine. The popular state park on the Atlantic Ocean features water activities and camping just minutes away from historic downtown St Augustine. (Photo: November 13, 2011)

The sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean at Anastasia State Park. Located just outside downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia is a 1,600 acre state park featuring miles of coastline, camping and a archaeological site. (Photo: November 12, 2011)

St. Augustine, Florida: Whether you look to kick back and relax on the beach or get active and enjoy the watersports, Anastasia State Park is the answer for everyone in the family. Located just outside historic St. Augustine, the park features four miles of beaches, a nature trail, fishing spots and camping. Established in 1949, Anastasia State Park has over 1,700 acres of maritime land consisting of beaches, tidal marshes and upland hammock. The park offers great recreation options that include swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, windsurfing and much more. The park also features a 139 site campground. Located within the upland hammock, the campsites are situated along seven loops and provide sites for tents, travel trailers and RV’s. Each site is equipped with electricity and running water and are within walking distance to the beach. Near the entrance to the park is the coquina quarry. From here, laborers mined the coquina rock that was used to build the Castillo de San Marcos ...

St. Augustine, Florida: Today we embarked on a weekend trip to the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida for a camping adventure at Anastasia State Park. We decided to go off the beaten track for our trip.  Instead of taking the I-74/I-4/I-95 track that was recommended, we opted to go through Ocala National Forest. A short drive through the National Forest made it feel like we were no longer in Florida.  Rolling hills, trees with fall colors and the brisk cool breeze from the recent cold front made it feel like we were in Tennessee rather then the Florida peninsula.  We did not stop within the forest, but it is definitely a place I wouldn't mind visiting in the future. Once we left the forest, we travelled through the town of Palatka.  What a neat little town.  The brick buildings and break streets felt like the city was frozen in time in the 50's. Not much longer and we arrived at our destination, Anastasia State Park.  We checked into the campground and be...