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3/3-11/2018
Florida 2018
sunshine state
link to Pompano 2018 PHOTO FOLDER
Opportunity of a lifetime unfolded in front of me on our Florida vacation on the west Gulf of Mexico side. A family disruption developed for Colleen as she had to spend several days caring for family members at the Tampa General Hospital. I was on my own and took the Sun Coast Beach Trolley ($2.50 unlimited for seniors) from Indian Rocks Beach to the St. Petersburg Indy Grand Prix race. A rare chance to watch the best of American racing. Seen many sports car races but never these guys. Tickets were near $100 for the main event but I scalped a ticket for $10 for the first day. The best part was in the Paddock where they are fan friendly and let the public in on the this day. You are within an arms reach from the drivers, mechanics and crew chiefs. Chip Ganasi, A J Foyt, Tony Kaanan, Graham Rahal, David Letterman etc.
So, on the way down to the race thought I might as well visit the world famous Dave Chihuly Collection. His blown glass art is exhibited around the world from Venice, Italy to here. Only two U.S. collections; St. Petersburg and Seattle. The colors and shapes are breath taking. The tried to get some people in the shots to show the scale; many pieces like the one above are 10 feet tall.
While awaiting Colleen to pick me up with our rental car I happened by the St. Petersburg Brew Fest at Cycle Brewing. It was a festive crowd and met people from around the world. The I.T. guy from the Netherlands came specifically for this event. He felt that America has the best, most varied, and interesting quality brews. A guy from Salty Nut Brewery in Alabama politely would not rank his product against this local brewery but just enjoyed the differences. I stayed with the lagers and pilsners. Exotics not for me.
We had started out on the east coast side at Pompano Beach at Colleen's Seaside Beach Club Condo time-share affiliated with RCI. Weather was gorgeous and the sun shines right in our patio in the morning. I guess the moon is on the same celestial axis as this moonlight shot indicates. Our second floor vantage point allows for a great perspective. Learned there about 2500 species of palm trees and they all grow in Florida.
Our plan was mostly to walk the beaches. Averaged 5 miles a day. The sand here is just soft and good for bare feet. Landing at Ft. Lauderdale airport we first hit the Lauderdale River Walk where the annual Art Fair was hopping on Los Olas Blvd. Lunch at Lauderdale by the Sea. Joined in with the local Immigration protest and got into the National Geographic Gallery to view their beautiful photography.
The waves were up from a recent storm out to sea. There were a few dozen kiteboarders or (kitesurfers) up the beach near the inlet. Tremendous energy, like surfers on steroids zipping around cruising, splashing, and jumping. I rescued at least one board enabling the owner to get a successful launch.
For a change of pace from walking the beaches we had hit the Butterfly World. The largest butterfly display in the world. Hesitant to cough up the $27 entrance fee, but once inside it was worth it. All kinds of beautiful colorful critters were all around us in their tasteful tropical setting along with tropical birds. To be surrounded by hundreds of these delicate creatures floating around you is a unique feeling. These morpho peleides are more common to Mexico and love the warm bananas. Learned the shocking truth that the average lifespan is a mere 10 days. How can they then migrate thousands of miles on those tiny wings?
Summary: Tid bits too numerous to mention. On the way to Einstein Brothers Bagels stopped at the world's largest Ferrari dealership. La Crepes great breakfast. Biscuit and grits southern breakfast. Applebees happy hour Margaritas where the barmaid was from teensy tiny Dryden just 5 miles from my tiny home town. Navy Seals training on Clearwater Beach near Pier 60. Just a few spring breakers including some Amish folk. Cafe de Paris for nice egg and spinach soufflé and Almond Croissant. Johnny Pass Village and Boardwalk at Madeira Beach. My first delicious beef pad thai. We bought hand rolled cigar at Cuban Paradise Cigars in the village. Met some Everglades alligators and swamp creatures on the Alligator Alley route across the state. Overnight stay in an RV in Palmetto. Eggplant Ravioli at an authentic Italian Restaurant. Bible belt Heavenly Pizza was excellent. Way disappointed in Marco Island Tigertail Beach with crunchy seashells so rough you can't walk barefoot, but still bette than the foot of snow in Albany. There are road signs warning of wild panthers crossing the roads. Crabby Bill's delicious crab cakes. Brief overnight stay up by Tampa Busch Gardens. Brief drive through Treasure Island.
Did I mention Tiger Woods was playing the Valspar Championship at nearby Palm Harbor, the Phillies were at Clearwater Beach for spring training, Yankees were around. Could hear and see their Maseratis dashing about.
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