2017 - New Chapter in ours lives - fresh start!

We had planned to arrive in Bradenton, FL on January 1st. However; because of problems with our motorcoach, we had to leave Gulf Shores, AL on Wednesday, December 28th to head to Tampa General RV for repairs. We spent the night in their driveway so that we'd be 1st in line when they opened. They were very accommodating and made most of the needed repairs. We are still waiting for a few parts & will have to return when the parts come in.
    Our site at Pleasant Lake RV Resort is spacious.

   We spent the first few days setting up and settling in. We had a fun New Years Eve beginning with a drive out to Bradenton Beach for a beautiful sunset dinner at the Beach-house Restaurant. Our table was right ON the beach.

   Afterwards we joined about 60-80 people at our Clubhouse for dancing, munchies and drinks. We sat with our new friends, Tom and Marci, along with 6-8 other people. At midnight the hole group held hands in a circle and we sang "God Bless the USA" and the National Anthem.
   We spent a few days trying to shop for organizing shelving options and supplies. We spent a day driving to Sarasota's Welcome Center and drove out to Anna Maria Island and had lunch at the Sandbar Restaurant.
   On Friday, Jan.6th we road bikes on the Venetian bike trail around Venice and had dinner at Sharky's with our friends, Marci and Tom. Fun day!

On Wednesday Bill and I drove out to Ft Desoto, an Island west of St Petersburg that has over 7 miles of paved bike trails. We biked 13 miles and then sat on the North Beach to watch the sunset. Afterwards we had a scrumptious dinner at Billy's Crabshack.
     Pics from North beach on Ft DeSoto

Thursday we stayed close to home and went to see the movie "Inferno" after meeting Tom and Marci for a yummy pizza at Demetrios.

On Friday we loaded the bikes on the Jeep and drove out to Bradenton Beach for beautiful, fun & eventful day. Tom & Marci road their Jeep out there as well. We all biked 11 miles, a little hiking & beach walking. Then we road the free trolley from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria where we had dinner at the Rod & Reel Pier.

Cortez Drawbridge

Anna Maria Pier

Saturday through Monday. 

We had a pleasant, mellow few days. We went to a pool party at our clubhouse Saturday. A musician played guitar & keyboard & sang. He was pretty good. We met a few new people there as well as some we've met previously. Sunday we went to the Gem & mineral show. It was very nice, but much more pricey than out west. We're not in the buying mode, just looking. Monday we walked 1.5 hour around the neighborhoods in the area. Shopped at Bealls a little.  Then went for dinner at Geckos.