No complaints this year about the weather!!! Sunny and warm day after day after day...the locals are saying it is wonderful ...with temps above normal. I do notice the afternoon breeze here which gives some relief from the heat.
Sat Dec 17th we drove into Bradenton to visit their Village of the Arts. We didn't notice the tourist map orientation til we'd parked...north was at the bottom...so we were not where we wanted to be...the gallery we'd parked beside was closed...and then there was someone yelling further down a street. I was not comfortable with this so we went back to the car and moved further into the Village of the Arts. Saturday afternoon and many places were closed? Then we were welcomed warmly by the owner/chef , Jim Copenig of Sweet & Savory Bakery and Restaurant. He showed us around. He cooks the savory things and Tara Sell does the sweet things. We got to sample some of his breads and mmmmmm good. We then looked at 2 galleries that were open...excellent work in both. Enjoyed talking to Sandra French about her stained glass work. http://www.villageofthearts.com/
Sunday Dec 18th we drove north to check out rv parks for January that fit our budget...many of the charges in parts of Florida double in Jan. We looked at Zephrhills rv parks...this area had been recommended by a long time rver in Canada. We saw a couple of parks that we liked and walked about a little. After a quick but timely lunch (I needed to eat!) we drove toward the Gulf of Mexico...just north of Tarpon Springs to an rv park that we had phoned back in October. It is called Seven Springs Travel Park in New Port Richey. The office was closed but we parked and walked about. Chatted to a number of residents...very warm and friendly people. As we went toward the car...passing a fishing pond...we noticed someone taking a picture of a water bird sitting on the edge of a boat. We were very quiet til the picture was taken and then the bird opened his wings...and my jaw dropped...it was an anhinga!!! I asked the photographer if I was correct and yes...an ANHINGA...wow I saw one in London yrs ago but I could never confirm it...but to see one again...I was so happy. The photographer told me that they are also called a snake bird. They are dramatic and unusual and they smack the fish after catching and then swallowing them...unfortunately this bird had followed the directions on the nearby sign that said "Catch and release"!! We took some pictures as well and I will try to post them soon.
Monday morning we phoned and booked in to this park! Yes!
Our return drive was close to the coast...we went through parts of Tarpon Springs...lovely town...huge Greek community...tourists,fishing and sponge industry. I look forward to seeing more of this place.
When we returned to Horseshoe Cove...the Christmas parade was getting lined up...all golf carts lovingly decorated. We parked and walked over to take pictures...great fun! Then when the parade was touring the park...the lights were amazing...there were treats tossed for the children...and many Holiday wishes exchanged. Again when my tech guy returns from playing bridge we do have some pics.
Tuesday Dec 20th...sunny and warm again...we drove to Siesta Key Beach where our research said the local kite club flies. We had prepped for flying and put on lots of sun block. Met a lovely couple from St Catherines in the parking lot. There was a steady wind and huge sandcastles and people clustered about them...so we found a good spot to fly our kites further away...also away from a film crew. Beautiful beach...white white sand...clean...family friendly. Pure play after that...one of my kites wasn't happy with the strong wind so I put up the soft kite and then put on the 'laundry' which is a long wind whirler that gets attached too my original line. Great fun to just play in the wind and watch people and the clouds!! My husband flew his stunt kite which was fun to see and hear. We were enjoying the afternoon when a film crew guy walked right into the area my husband was flying his stunt kite and plunked a tripod down then got other film crew to join him...my husband safely brought down his kite when he could see the crew were settling in. He did go over to talk to them...they had ignored us. 'They were filming'...'everyone knew about this event'...(forget that we were tourists and not aware of a travel film being made). They had no regard for what people were doing around them even after we gently complained. We packed up and left...along with another group of people.
We went for a late lunch to the Alpine Steakhouse in Sarasota which was recommended by Diners & Dives...great meal and experience!!
We then did some shopping on the way back to the rv. I was very thirsty that evening so I must bring more water with me and drink it when flying kites.
Today has been sunny and hot with rain forcast for Christmas day and later...so soaking up the rays while I can. Listening to Christmas music and thinking of family and friends around the world...wishing everyone safe travels & great gathers during this holiday.
Love Joy Peace
Anne
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