Be if ever so humble there is no place like Tampa Bay and other cities so close they’re just a car ride away. This was an Ann-Venture that was terribly overdue and very necessary. Nothing was really planned and those are the times I figuratively throw a dart at the GPS dashboard and away we go.
Taking friends along for the ride for a Sunday morning brunch at Ginny and Jane E’s on Anna Maria Island was a delicious way to start the day. Then, finding the new City Pier open was such a nice surprise. Even better were the memory boards that became part of a new fence and part just across the street. It may not have been the sunshiniest day but a wonderful way to begin.
Myakka River State Park. What can I say but it’s one of my favorites even if most of the paths were flooded out. Never ignore the “scenic drive sign" because it definitely lives up to its name. The views are soothing and relaxing and perfect for a day drive.
Ft DeSoto is a beautiful park at the southern end of Pinellas County that is host to Fort DeSoto itself. Historic, scenic and stairs that will make you miss an elevator. But at the top you can see the ships coming in and out of the Port of Tampa and it’s pretty breathtaking. Hiking, biking, a nature trail and wide open spaces that you’ve been yearning for are right here in Pinellas County.
The final two pictures are from a trip up to Mt Dora and are from a small cemetery in Tavares. Most of the headstones are very simple with only a name, no dates. One are has a mother, father and three children. Again, no names, just “children” from the late 1800′s. So many of the stones are worn down to the point where you can no longer read the inscription. But it’s still a place to respect, pause and reflect upon harder times.
If you have special places you’d like to share with me, please do. I love a good Ann-Venture and look forward to another staycation soon. Enjoy the show.