Well, for the most part. It rained for about an hour on Sunday morning but then the sun came out with a biting wind. It has not been above 65, the wind has lessened but it is still cool. Therefore, Barb and I have put off visiting some of the local pristine beaches.
This area has been in the national news. The boat carrying 4 men, 2 of which were NFL players, which capsized in the Gulf, launched just a few miles from us. Also, the drought looms large here. One river which is usually a major supplier to the local water supply is flowing at 1% of normal. Needless to say, water restrictions are in place.
After church on Sunday, we drove 5 miles north to Tarpon Springs, which, in 1890, became the sponge capital of the US. Greeks flocked here to participate in the business and the town still reflects that culture. A beautiful Orthodox church sits near the Greek restaurants, curiosity shops, sponge factories, and marinas full of charter boats and, still, a few sponge boats ready to take anyone out in the Gulf.
Monday, we drove the 20 miles to St. Petersburg. The bike rentals were closed due to the cool weather so a ride on the popular waterfront trail was not possible. Thus, I accompanied Barb to the Salvador Dali Museum. An excellent choice. I now have a new found appreciation for his talent. He is a man who defied convention in his art and in his life style. However, the museum brought it all together in reflecting this man’s genius.
On Tuesday it only warmed to the mid 60’s. But the blue skies and sun warmed us as we rode the Pinellas Bike Trail to Dunedin. The 34 mile trail travels from St. Pete’s to Tarpon Springs passes by our condo. We rode the 6 miles, with a few side trips, to Dunedin, a small town with a Scottish heritage. Typical of urban trails, the trail snaked between commercial districts, marinas, and neighborhoods.
Interestingly, the term “Pinellas” is common here. We are located in Pinellas county. Lou Piniella grew up in Tampa but there is no connection with his name and the area. Pinellas means, in Spanish, “piney point” which the early explorers designated this area as such.
Our current setting is in stark contrast to the last two weeks in Daytona. It is so quiet. We are staying in a 3 bedroom house nestled within a group of about 40 similar structures. The units are set between a bayou, lake, and the gulf and look out into tall stands of mangroves. There is a central clubhouse that includes a pool, kayaks for the gulf, and other amenities but we find no time to gather as there is so much to see in the area.
Many pristine beaches and a spring training game are on our schedule for the next 3 days. Again, NASA will determine where we go on Saturday.
Pictures: St. Petersburg skyline and the bike path causeway out to Honeymoon Island.
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