Fort Mose

What:  October plein air Paint-Out
When: Saturday, October 7, 9 AM to 1 PM
Where: Fort Mose Historical State Park, St. Augustine, FL

Those of us who are Old Timers in this group may recall that our VERY FIRST plein air ever, after the FCPS was founded, was to Fort Mose back in February 2012. It's a wonder place, and it was a wonderful day, so it seems fitting to return there in our 5th anniversary year.

(photo courtesy of Deb Fox)

Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-ZAY) is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States, and in 1994 was designated a National History Landmark. It sits on the salt marshes to the north of St. Augustine proper.

It has a couple sets of boardwalks that lead out over the marshes, and out to am amazing rookery for herons and egrets on a large hammock.

It's also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and for several years great horned owls have nested in the park, so you don't know what wildlife you might see. 

Thanks to Deb Fox for setting this up, and Deb has also included sets of directions depending on the location you are coming from, so for directions keep reading. Note that Deb says:

We should meet in the parking lot at 9:00 a.m.  There are picnic benches for us for lunch and there are restrooms in the lobby of the visitor center.  Admission to the park is free, but there is a $2.00 fee if you want to go into the visitor center to see the exhibits. 

From St. Augustine: From downtown St. Augustine, drive north on A1A. At the carousel (you read it correctly), continue straight north on San Marco. (A1A turns right towards Vilano Beach. Don't go that way.) San Marco merges with Hwy 1. Shortly after the merge, look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

OR: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. (note: those of us coming from the west just turn left onto US 1 from Hwy 16)

From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Fort Mose Trail. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

As usual, feel free to bring a picnic lunch so we can all gather together for a meal after a fun morning of painting. Show and tell of artwork also for those so inclined.

October often brings lovely weather. Everyone keep your fingers crossed, and NO MORE HURRICANES!