Monday, January 31, 2011
Ride to Gasparilla Island
January 31, 2011
Today some riders started at the motel, some at Lemon Bay Park. I drove down to Gasparilla and parked in front of the restaurant where we were going to have lunch. Got out my Trike and rode 12 miles on the paved bike trail. The riders from Lemon Bay caught up with me about 2 miles from town.
We had lunch at the Loose Caboose, which is at the end of the old train station. Then we went to a place on the water called Whidden's, which sells bait, tackle, and lots of junk, as you'll see in the photos. There is a museum, of sorts, there, too. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Then we visited the Gasparilla Inn, the old hotel in town. Really is a beautiful place, and pricey in season, Rooms $375.00 a night. This is also on the Register of Historic Places. Larry played a few tunes on the piano which was in one of the large sitting rooms.
John and I went to dinner at NTino's, a small place across the street. Then to the grocery store for a couple of things.
Ride tomorrow will be on Longboat Key again.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
January 30, 2011
While most of the riders went north and rode 61 miles, John and I went south. He was taking an R and R day because of his cold.
We drove to the city of Cape Coral. Following Jim McCormac's directions, we were able to locate several Burrowing Owl nesting sites. Managed to see 5 Owls. One was flying and landed on the wires. The others poked their heads out of the holes and stared at us. This was my 244th Florida state bird.
We then traveled to Corkscrew Swamp and walked the boardwalk. John did the long walk of 2 miles. I did the short one of 1.3 miles. Painted Buntings were feeding in two different areas. There are 3 Red-shouldered Hawks nests in the area this year. A few warblers were feeding in the trees, Black and White Warblers, Pine Warblers, Yellow-rumps, Palms, and an early Louisiana Waterthrush. Also seen Great-crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, as well as several Herons, Egrets, and Woodpeckers.
On the way back to Venice we had dinner at a Bob Evans.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 29, 2011
Today the riders rode 30 some miles. They stopped at Bud Scott's home for fresh squeezed orange juice. Then some of the riders rode the afternoon ride also.
Fran and I went to the Farmers' Market this morning. Took a picture of a couple who looked like they stepped out of the early 1900s. Then to the Bakery for scones and tea.
After that we went to 2 thrift stores and the Goodwill.
In the afternoon I rode down to the beach, which was very crowded. Not many birds to be seen except for Laughing Gulls. Took some pictures of the Circus Bridge going up and down to let two sailboats with tall masts pass through.
For dinner tonight 20 of us went to the Gold Rush restaurant again.
After dinner Karen, Sara, Paul, Al, John and I played cribbage. Guys 2 Gals 1.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Longboat Key
January 28. 2011
Today 11 of us drove up to Longboat Key for a ride. 10 riders left from the parking lot at the Mote Aquarium and rode north. 5 riders did a shorter ride and had lunch at Mr. Bones Restaurant. 5 riders rode to the end of Anna Maria Island. I met them at the Sandbar Restaurant, which is right on a white sand beach on the northwest side of the island. We arrived back in Venice about 5:00.
The rest of the group rode south to the Rotonda and Manasota Key.
Tonight we are all going to Ophelia's Steak House for dinner.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
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