Myakka River State Park, Robinson Preserve, St Patricks Day, etc., March 30th update

We are focusing on heading north next week. We plan to be in GulfShores, AL on the 8th for a week.

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March 29th we hiked again at Robinson Preserve followed by dinner at the Rod 'N Reel Pier Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. We didn't take any pictures as we have already been there and posted pictures.

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March 22 we drove to Port Charlotte and to Boca Grande Island to explore the area. We had lunch at South Beach Grill at the southern tip of the Island.

South Beach Grill, dining on the beach.

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St Patricks Day we passed on the corned beef n Cabbage at the club house and went to Old Town Bradenton for the celebration on Main St. There was a pipe band and also a Raggae band. People were dressed in green and some were dancing. It was very festive. Before that we had dinner at Pier 22 on the Bradenton River.

Main Street, Bradenton

Dinner at Pier 22

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We finally made it out to Myakka River State Park on March 16th. It's east of Sarasota about 20-25 miles. There is miles of hiking trails and biking on the roads through the park. There is a raised board walk in between two viewing towers.

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March 15th we went for a walk at Nathan Benderson Park. It's a nice place to get a brisk walk in around a lake. This is where they have the row boat racing teams. Kinda fun to watch while we walk.

Row Boat Racing teams

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March 5th our friends, Jeff & Deb came over to visit and tour Pleasant Lake RV Resort. We then had lunch at Pier 22 in Bradenton. Afterwards we golfed at River Run. After hours in the sun we were all hungry again so we went for burger night at Geko's near our home. 

If you look closely, you'll see an alligator behind me in the pond.

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March 4th we hiked at Robinson Preserve. It has over 4 miles of trails, some paved & leads to Manatee Rd which will take you over the bridge to Anna Maria Island.


The Tower

 View from the tower looking west over the Gulf.

If you closely, you'll see the huge bridge in St Petersburg.

Sarasota Circus on Valentines Day, Biking Ft Desoto, Ringling Museum, February 28th Update

Our friends Roger and Kathy from Michigan were in the area visiting. On February 27th we spent the day at the Ringling Museum followed with dinner at Barnacle Bills. It was so good to see them. Bill and Roger have bicycled many, many miles together over many years.

Special memories.

More pictures yet to be uploaded.

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Our friends, Sue and Richie from Michigan were staying in St Petersburg area so they came over to visit us Wednesday afternoon. We had a great time catching up and playing a game of Euchre. I forgot to take pictures. It was so good to see them.

A picture of the 4 of us tailgating at the MSU Spartan football game in October 2016.

Go Green!!!

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On Tuesday, the 21st we met with our new friends, Jeff and Deb from Wisconsin at Ft Desoto county park. It is on an Island off St Petersburg. There is 10-15 miles of paved biking trails, as well as a Historical Fort with a museum, a campground and a few beaches.

We biked 10-12 miles and toured the Fort followed by dinner at another Billy's Seaside (Seafood) restaurant.

More pictures yet to be uploaded.

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Our friends,Ted and Kathy from Michigan were staying in the area. We had a nice visit with them at our home followed by dinner at The Beachhouse. It was so good to see them.

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We had wonderful seats for the Sarasota Circus on Valentines Day.

Such amazing talent and strength. This was one of the best circus we've been to. Although I missed seeing the elephants & tigers.

Pictures yet to be uploaded.

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Greek Festival, February 12th update.

The Greek Festival at St Barbara Orthodox Church was fun & interesting. We enjoyed Gyros, blakliva & chocolate cake while watching the Greek dance performance. We went to the church tour where the priest described the history, beliefs and symbols of the Greek Othodox religion.

                  Inside the church.

                  Looking up at the ceiling.

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Sunday, Feb.12 we biked around the neighborhoods near our home.

We came across a cool little nature park called Jiggs Preserve along the Braden river. They rent kayaks & cabins & have a boat launch open to the public.