Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

I will never forget the first time I experienced the wide open blue; the smell of the ocean breeze, the sand beneath my toes, and the salty feel of the water.  We arrived early Sunday morning and found the perfect location to set up "beach" camp. Chairs, the umbrella, towels, a cooler of Island Coastal Lager, and my new pirate flag...you know, the essentials.  There was a slight breeze and the sun was just starting to warm the sand. 

Before too long, we all made our way into the water to cool off taking turns keeping an eye on our new little mermaid. I don't think I was quite as brave as my niece was as she didn't want to leave the sea and was swimming around like a little fish.  I am so happy she was able to go to Florida and spend a day at Clearwater, one of my favorite places to be.

After a few hours of swimming, building sand castles, and picking up seashells it was time for lunch. There is only one spot for this, Pearly's Beach Eats.  Fish tacos, nachos, and local beer by the Pair O' Dice Brewing Co. are the must-haves when you are visiting Clearwater.  We hit the local shops to pick up some new beach gear before heading to Pier 60.  The pier offers an outstanding view of the Gulf and it was perfect timing too because we were able to watch the afternoon rain showers as they made their way inland.

We headed back to The Plantation for our traditional evening golf cart ride followed by burgers on the grill.  And on our last day in Florida, we spent the morning playing Pickle Ball and relaxing from a busy past four days before catching our flight back to the Land of Oz.

Cheers to another successful Florida Adventure!

Shona

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Vitamin Sea and 56'

My recent trip to Clearwater Beach was a bit cooler than what I have experienced previously.  The water temperature was 56' but that didn't stop a few brave souls from splashing around.  I had no intention of taking a dip but rather wanted to feel the warm sand beneath my toes and get my feet wet as the waves rolled in.  A quiet stroll down the coastline, coffee in hand, with my Mom was the perfect way to spend the day.  I enjoyed the sounds of seagulls flying overhead while a few were "sunbathing"  and the shore filled with seashells and the air which smelled of salt.  The beauty of the ocean and the sound of the waves always gets to me; this is one place where I feel quite at home.

After taking in the ocean views, we made our way over to Papaya Street as it was time for lunch!  And there is one place I will always go, Pearly's Beach Eats. Their Fish Tacos are amazing and you can't go wrong with their Gnarly Nachos, big enough to share for sure!  They offer local beer and one I have come to love is the Clearwater Honey Cream by Pair O' Dice Brewing Company.  Their surfboard tables and vibrant beach colors make this place a must-stop spot to visit in Clearwater. Jimmy Buffett playing the background only added to the atmosphere.  If only Uber-Eats could deliver to Kansas City!

Before heading out, we took a quick walk down Mandalay Street popping in and out of the local beach stores before heading to our next destination.  We decided to drive the coastline which was a great way to enjoy the palm-tree lined streets and quaint sea-side towns.  It was a great sunshine-filled day.

Until the next time in paradise...🌴

Shona

Sun, Sand, and Dive-Bombing Seagulls

I'll do just about anything to get to the beach...a two hour drive with two of my favorite people just to see and feel the salt filled ocean and sand between my toes.  We decided on Clearwater Beach since neither of us had been there and since it's supposed to be one of the best in Florida, we headed out early to spend the day soaking up the sun.  Besides, I had already checked out the places to eat and found the cutest little joint just two blocks off the beach.

After finding rock-star parking, we found our perfect spot for the day and set up. Three beach towels, one umbrella, lot of sunscreen, snacks and water...because they don't allow "drinks" on the public beaches. But don't worry, we took care of that beforehand.  The water was the perfect temperature, not too hot or cold and I found that most people spent their time there.  It was nice to lay out for a while but the salt water was too nice to pass up...and the views of passing sailboats was just the view I needed.

But then this happened.  As we were eating our cheese, crackers, grapes and pineapple...because I can't imagine eating anything else at the beach, the seagulls started to surround us.  Almost as if they were talking to each other, like..."these people have food, get here quick before it runs out."  At first, no big deal...and then it happened.  Out of no where, one dive-bombed down and took the cheese right of Shelli's hand..as in beak-to-hand and I have never seen her jump up so fast in my life.  Apparently there was one hovering over my head but I was laughing so hard at what had just happened I had no clue.  Literally one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life and apparently everyone else around us found it just as funny.  And so that was the end of lunch...it was either that or Shelli wasn't going to return to the beach towels...she hates birds.  

After gaining our composure and spending a few hours at the beach, we wandered around the local shops before hitting up Pearly's, which was perfect timing too...as it started to downpour right when we got there.  Seriously the cutest little beach bar, all outside seating, surfboard tables, bright orange and teal chairs and serving local beer.  We opted to share the Gnarly Nachos and a Blackened Fish Taco and I tried the Clearwater Honeycream Ale, which was perfect for a sunny/rainy/humid afternoon.  On the way out we stopped by Whiskey Joe's, it was Happy Hour...and enjoyed a few cocktails on their outside patio before heading to their Beach Bar where you could enjoy more ocean views with your feet in the sand.

A day on the water is always a good day.

Until next time Clearwater Beach...keep the seagulls at bay. 

Shona