Here are some of the locals you will meet during Guy Harvey Outpost’s guided people-to-people expedition to Cuba December 13-18: –The son of Fidel Castro’s official photographer; –the …
Five cool things we discovered in St. Augustine
31 Dec 20188:38 AM
St. Augustine celebrated its 450th birthday in 2016, making it America’s oldest European city.
It’s one of Florida’s most popular destinations and thus many people probably think they know all about St. Augustine. I did too, before I made these cool discoveries on a recent visit.
Ponce de Leon was really short
St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short.
When you visit St. Augustine, you can’t help but soak up the history of the Spanish explorers. It’s everywhere – from the magnificent fort, the Castillo de San Marco, which commands the waterfront, to the narrow lanes that make the historic district so charming.
To read more on the 5 cool things to do in St Augustine and Bonnie’s adventure visit the Florida Rambler!
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![](mailto:?subject=Five cool things we discovered in St. Augustine&body=St. Augustine celebrated its 450th birthday in 2016, making it America’s oldest European city.
It’s one of Florida’s most popular destinations and thus many people probably think they know all about St. Augustine. I did too, before I made these cool discoveries on a recent visit.
Ponce de Leon was really short
St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short.
When you visit St. Augustine, you can’t help but soak up the history of the Spanish explorers. It’s everywhere – from the magnificent fort, <a href="https://floridarambler.com/northeast-florida-getaways/st-augustine-fort-castillo-de-san-marcos/">the Castillo de San Marco</a>, which commands the waterfront, to the narrow lanes that make the historic district so charming.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/st-augustine-ponce-de-leon-Bonnie-Gross.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5285" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/st-augustine-ponce-de-leon-Bonnie-Gross-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="215" /></a>St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
To read more on the 5 cool things to do in St Augustine and Bonnie's adventure visit the <a href="https://www.floridarambler.com/northeast-florida-getaways/five-cool-things-in-st-augustine/">Florida Rambler</a>! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/five-cool-things-we-discovered-in-st-augustine/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Cuba Un-canned: See It With the Locals&body=Here are some of the locals you will meet during <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">Guy Harvey Outpost's</a> guided people-to-people expedition to Cuba December 13-18:
--The son of Fidel Castro's official photographer;
--the director of the Cuba's Masonic museum;
--a rural tobacco farmer;
--a mixologist who will teach you how to make the perfect Mojito.
And the locales you will visit will combine mainstream stops (Floridita --creator of the daiquiri-- and Museo de la Revolucion, stone walls with 1950s bullet holes) with way un-trodden destinations (Cueva El Palmarito --the largest cave system in Latin America, and a fishing cooperative in Cojimar, where Ernest Hemingway's captain spent most of his life).
Your hosts will be Justin White-- operator of <a href="https://www.docfordscubaexpeditions.com/">Doc Ford's Cuba Expeditions</a> and nephew of best-selling novelist Randy Wayne White--and Sports Illustrated photographer Ron Modra.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MG_1480.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4874" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MG_1480.jpg" alt="" width="2100" height="1400" /></a>
"The people we are going to meet are incredible-- interesting, intelligent, diverse age groups," White said. "You'll see the monumental places but the targeted people and events introduce you to real people living their daily lives. The most valuable experience you can have is to be with the people and ask them questions. There are no airs put on."
With new U.S.-to-Cuba travel restrictions set to take effect in mid-September, White is taking special care to stay on the right side of the law: staying only in private lodgings, taking meals in private restaurants; interacting one-on-one with Cuban people; and travelling in a 12-member group.
"We will abide by all the policies and restrictions put in place," White said. "We focus on people-to-people exchanges."
The six-day, five-night itinerary is packed with authentic experiences: poring over photo albums with Raul Corrales, whose father shot reams of images of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and his friend author Ernest Hemingway; walking the docks at Cojimar, the small fishing village where Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea" was set and where the author's captain Gregorio Fuentes lived to be 104; visiting Finca Vijia where Hemingway's boat, Pilar, still sits; touring a tobacco farm and coffee plantation; and hiking to a huge cave in the countryside. It also hits some of the typical tourist spots such as the Tropicana nightclub and Old Havana. And there will be multiple opportunities to ogle (and photograph) all the old cars, with Modra coaching on the finer points of capturing images.
If you <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/expeditions/cuba/">book your expedition</a> by Aug. 31, you'll receive free airfare from Fort Lauderdale to Havana. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.guyharveyoutpost.com">www.guyharveyoutpost.com</a> or call the Outpost Travel Desk at 800-513-5257. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/cuba-un-canned-see-it-with-the-locals/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Calling All Pups: Stand Up for Warriors&body=Prop your pup on your paddleboard and race for fun, glory, prizes and to support a worthy canine cause at the first annual Pups & Sups event July 30 on St. Augustine Beach.
Humans and their pets will compete to see who can ride the biggest wave, take the longest ride, cruise in highest style, and take the best wipe-out-- among other categories-- in this family-friendly competition. Proceeds will benefit <a href="https://www.k9sforwarriors.org/">K9s for Warriors</a> -- a Ponte Vedra non-profit dedicated to supplying combat veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with service dogs that ease their adjustment into civilian life.
Paw-ticipants will be divided into weight divisions: large dogs (51 lbs. and up); medium dogs (21 -50 lbs.); and small dogs (20 lbs. and under). They will be launched by their owner/handler, with winners in each weight division advancing to the finals.
Registration is $40. Check-in time will be 7:30 a.m. at 860 A1A Beach Boulevard-- future site of the <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/lodging/beach-resorts/st-augustine-beach/">Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, St. Augustine Beach</a>. Competition will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pups-Sups-1080-Image.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4825" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pups-Sups-1080-Image.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="996" /></a>
Tahoma Guiry says it should be a fun time for both people and dogs. Guiry--chief marketing officer and education director of K9s for Warriors-- says she and her three kids aged 11-18 really enjoy paddleboarding with their 1 1/2-year old Labradoodle Nash. The family adopted Nash last year after he washed out of the organization's rigorous training program for service dogs --("He got guarded with his toys, so I took him home," Guiry explained.) Today Nash fits right in with the Guirys and their other dog and enjoys SUP-ing on local lakes.
"He just chills out and goes along for the ride," Guiry said. "He loves the water and loves being with people and our family."
Since launching in 2011, K9s for Warriors has matched 323 military veterans with service dogs-- mostly pets from shelters, other rescue organizations, and a few breeders. The dogs perform a multitude of tasks for their warriors who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury and other conditions. The dogs help them avoid panic attacks, wake them from night terrors, enhance their physical mobility, and ease their anxiety in social situations.
U.S. Army veteran Matt Berg of St. Augustine was paired with his Labrador-mix service dog Sunny last year. At 98 pounds, Sunny is too big to ride Berg's surfboard with him, but Berg says "he's a good dog....always there....a good companion."
more information and to sign up for Pups & Sups, go to http://bit.ly/2tKyPA3.
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/calling-all-pups-stand-up-for-warriors/){kind=link}
 and <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/lodging/beach-resorts/st-augustine-beach/">Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach</a> are sponsoring two Waterworld Photo Workshops with Ben Hicks, Florida’s premier surf photographer. The workshops, on July 20 and 21, will be from 7:30 – 11:30 am at the Guy Harvey Resort in St Augustine Beach.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002.jpg"><img src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002-227x300.jpg" alt="" width="227" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5080" /></a>Based in Boca Raton, Ben is a renowned fine-arts photographer who has traveled to exotic locales to capture the beauty of nature, striving to portray the familiar in original ways, but also taking risks to capture the complex, often dangerous, situations including big waves and precarious animal encounters. Many of his photographic works are centered on ocean subjects, and Ben is particularly focused on using his photography to raise environmental awareness, especially the importance of sea turtle conservation since the turtles are one of the most important indicators of the health of the world’s marine and coastal ecosystems. His work can be seen at <a href="http://www.benjhicks.com">www.benjhicks.com</a>
Ben will speak to the July meeting of the camera club on Thursday, July 19, and teach the workshops the following two days. In the workshop, he will be discussing camera techniques, gear, lighting and post-processing. He welcomes photographers of all skills, and says to bring any camera (including smartphones) that you would like to use for the workshop. Ben will also have some waterproof covers to loan registrants. Many of the techniques discussed can be applied to any camera. Attendees can plan to get wet if they have a proper housing or camera, but others can shoot beach and wave photography from the shore line. After the beach photo session, registrants will move inside to hear Ben’s basic editing methods and advanced post-processing tips.
The cost of the workshop is $50 for SACC members, $75 for non-members. To register, go to http://www.saintaugustinecameraclub.com/workshops--fieldtrips.html. To book rooms visit
<a href="http://www.GuyHarveyResorts.com">www.GuyHarveyResorts.com</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/waterworld-photo-workshop-with-ben-hicks-at-guy-harvey-resort-st-augustine-beach-july-20-21st/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Goofy foot sur-furs hit St Augustine Beach for a cause!&body=On Saturday July 21st Dogs and their Owners hit the beach to “Hang 20” for charity at St Augustine Beach, one of the best dog-friendly beaches along the East Coast offering perfect beginner level waves. Gathering directly outside the new <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com">Guy Harvey Resort</a>, beginners, first-timers and seasoned water dogs with their humans, joined Guy Harvey Resorts, <a href="http://www.surfstation.com">Surf Station</a>, <a href="http://www.Titosvodka.com">Tito’s Vodka</a>, <a href="http://www.k9sforwarriors.org">K9s for Warriors</a>, <a href="http://www.fauxpaws1.com">Faux Paws Pet boutique</a>, <a href="http://www.petco.com">Petco</a>, and <a href="http://www.delmarvethospital.com">Del Mar Veterinary</a> to raise money and awareness for K9s for Warriors, a local 501c-3 organization.
K9s for Warriors provides service canines to military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disability, traumatic brain injury, and other traumas as a result of military service post-9/11. They are the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled American veterans and credited with matching 323 military veterans with their service dogs. The dogs are rescued directly from shelters, other rescue organizations, and select breeders. The dogs perform a multitude of tasks for their owners, including helping them to cope with panic attacks, waking them from night terrors, enhancing their physical mobility, and easing their anxiety in social situations.
Four-legged and two-legged contestants alike participated and took the term “goofy foot” sur-fur to another level while entertaining all with their personalities and talents. All shapes and sizes participated from a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Roxy to a 100-pound American Bulldog named Rocky. Dogs competed for prizes and awards provided by Faux Paws pet boutique, Starfish Vision maker of the Guy Harvey dog collar, Jared Jeffs Photography and Petco. There was even one dog loving cat on a leash named Boogie.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_678-706_29849494418_o.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5191" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_678-706_29849494418_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
The Event kicked off with Captain Scott Cushine, the Adventure Coordinator at the Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach and his helpful young mermaid Aria, playing a conch shell, the bagpipe of the sea, to signal the start of the event. A low, haunting blast rolled above the waves then faded into the distance as the competitors lined up and waited to hear their names called.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_709-724_41911065300_o.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5192" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_709-724_41911065300_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
Then, the fun began as sure-footed and not so sure-footed dogs with their owners all competed to show off their style and skills for celebrity judges, who decided was worthy of moving on to the next heat. There was Chris Johnson from American Ninja Warriors, beloved St Augustine Author Gary Williams with his celebrity 4-legged sidekick Guen, and Faux Paws owners Mark and Lynn Small.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_156-151_29849730368_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5145" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_156-151_29849730368_o-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>Celebrity Judge, Guen, looking on at the surf competitors. Photo by Terry Bottom
Many locals cheered on local favorite as Jake Scott, the yellow lab who surfed backwards and held his own leash, which is now affectionally called “The Leash Grab” within the St Augustine Surf Community. But all dogs were not local like first time sur-fur Jinks, who traveled from Gainesville to take park of the event and Lily from Stuart, who brought her own hot pink Hawaiian printed life vest and surfboard complete with custom paw print decals. She could hang 20 with the best of them!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082610_158.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5212" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082610_158-300x183.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="183" /></a>Jinks. Photo by Jared Jeffs
Judges watched for best solo surfing, best tandem, best style, rookie of the year, crowd favorite, best wipe out, best trick, longest rides and more. A fun time was enjoyed by all and Guy Harvey Resorts is already preparing for next year’s event in July 2019. Watch for detail and don’t miss a fun day at the beach with your 4 -legged friends when visiting St Augustine Beach.
Surfing Recap:
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_230954_180.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5210" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_230954_180-300x170.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="170" /></a>Roxie, 1st place overall & 1st place tandem surfur. Photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_593-576_29849543248_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5186" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_593-576_29849543248_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Lily, 1st place solo surfur and 2nd place overall. Photo by Terry Bottom
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_511-500_42816324095_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5173" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_511-500_42816324095_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Paul, Longest Wave & 3rd Place Overall photo by Terry Bottom
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_225014_869.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5209" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_225014_869-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Jake, Best Trick & epically now known for his signature trick the "Leash Grab" photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082312_096.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5208" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082312_096-300x255.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="255" /></a>Queso, Best Wipe-out photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_579-565_42816295155_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5182" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_579-565_42816295155_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Rocky, Hanging 20. Photo by Terry Bottom
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/goofy-foot-sur-furs-hit-st-augustine-beach-for-a-cause/){kind=link}
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