Outdoor Wednesday: Let's Go Stalking... Uh, I Mean Walking!

Today is Outdoor Wednesday at my friend Susan's blog, A Southern Daydreamer, and I thought we might shake off the cold, take a walk, and see what we might see in St. Augustine...

Many of you have seen this photograph before, but I can't help how much I love it. One morning, I had an early appointment, and as I rounded a corner, I saw this...




The sunrise was like fire on the water! I called Mr. Magpie and asked him to grab the camera and race down to the Bayfront to get the photograph, and he obliged. If you click on it, you can even see the light in the St. Augustine Lighthouse. This is paradise to me: sailboats, water, a lighthouse, and God's glorious sunrise combined!

Now, that we're awake, let's avoid the typical St. Augustine sights. Instead, let's go native and look for some of the things people on the tour trains might miss. Like the walk down Charlotte Street. I took you on that walk the other day...



But what we didn't do was window shop...



And this is a local favorite...



Since we're stalking instead of buying, we'll continue on our walk and peep into courtyards...



And check out ornamental cabbages and bright red fire plugs on Ancient City buildings...



And admire the sign for PASTA Gallery...



And their bright red door...



And when we turn the corner, there's something more...



A wonderful set of old pink doors that lead into a secret courtyard beyond...



Because it's a secret, we can't go in! But while we're here, let's take a look at the Purple Queen and fern growing from the masonry on the building.

St. Augustine plants love the climate and have a tendency to pop up in unexpected places...



No, we're not as tidy and neat as some of our neighbors up the street...



We're a little on the artsy side...











And we like to have fun and be just as colorful as our art...







I know, I cheated and went inside, but it was a tad bit chilly. Now that we've warmed up, let's continue down this lane where some of us have been before...



Toward the bay where we can wonder about even more secret gardens like this one which is getting a makeover. I know what's inside the garden gate, but since it's a secret, I'll never tell...



And secluded outdoor alcoves like this one...



And charming doors like this one...



On charming houses like this one...



Who have charming lights...



And charming pipes...



On charming walls...



Of charming stones...



With charming vines...



'Round charming gates...



And lest we be run down by the charming carriage (we've seen him before!)...



We'll hop on the back while he's not looking and hitch a ride part way to see one more house and garden (I happen to have on my camera) that's near the antiques district. This one reminds me of a storybook cottage. Excuse the sun as it glints off the original tin roof...



Made from coquina stone quarried locally on Anastasia Island, this house has always fascinated me. And it obviously is well loved by not only one...



But two furry residents...



What marvelous adventures do you imagine take place behind the whimsical window...



Or better yet, in the garden just beyond the trumpet vine...



I don't know, but the hour is getting late, so we'll stroll back past the fort...



Back into Old Towne, the original residential area of the Ancient City...



And settle in at our own little magpie hideaway-getaway...




Where we can hop on our laptop and visit all of you! If you'd like to see more participants of Outdoor Wednesday, pop on over to Susan's A Southern Daydreamer where all sorts of wonderful folks are waiting to share their special outdoor adventures with you.




Thanks for the visit! I enjoyed showing you around a small corner or two of one of my favorite cities!

Quintessentially,


Mrs. Magpie (Sheila)