Sunday, November 14, 2010

Orlando - Tampa - Sarasota - Big Bend, Fl

(Related links can be found by clicking on anything underlined.)


First on our agenda was a trip to The Mall at the Millenia, and the Orlando IKEA store. This was easily the nicest mall we've ever seen. Not the largest, but certainly very large and filled with top of the line stores.

Unexpectedly, later in the day, some of the best seafood of the trip came at McCormick & Schmicks Seafood, located on the perimeter of this mall. 

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Many years ago, on our first trip to Orlando, we stopped at the Bahama Breeze one evening for dinner. This trip would not have been complete without a recreation of that night. This restaurant is always very busy and full of it's own unique Caribbean ambiance and atmosphere. 


We had one day of rain this entire trip, and that was in downtown Tampa while viewing the beautiful, old homes and neighborhoods along Bayshore Boulevard. 


Mike & Carolyn

Mark & Paula
Sarasota, FL



After arriving in North Port and meeting Paula and Mark, we set off on a trip to Naples to see how the other 1% live. Trust me, they live "VERY" well!

While in North Port, Mark offered me an opportunity to join him shooting sporting clays at a local charity skeet shoot. This was the first time I had shot a shotgun in many years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "Thanks Again Mark!"

Carolyn and her long time friend, Paula


We stopped and walked the beaches of Sanibel Island, looking for sea shells and viewing the lighthouse.

Shelling on Sanibel Island


"Worlds finest, whitest sand," 



Pine Island Sound, Captiva Island

Captiva Island, Florida


The Green Flash Restaurant provided a moment of fun when I was using the rest room, without realizing they had a one-way mirror mounted above the urinals. Imagine how I felt when the bartender walked up and waved to me just on the other side of that window! 


These "Captivians" do have a sense of humor. I still have not understood why they have a table for two set up in the mens restroom?



The Bubble Room - Captiva Island, Florida

The Bubble Room is filled with movie nostalgia and a variety of quirky memorabilia. Dinner at The Bubble Room included some new found friends, Sam, our waiter Jason, and Sue. 

Charlies Fish House, Crystal River, Florida

After leaving Mark and Paula's, we turned north toward home with the goal of exploring The Big Bend Area of Florida, particularly Steinhatchee. We spent the night in Marianna, Florida and then completed the ride home the next day, stopping in Birmingham for lunch.

Our original goals for this trip included seeing the Discovery Space Launch, exploring more of Florida with emphasis on both coasts and The Big Bend Area, and spending some time with our friends Mark and Paula. 

Obviously, I was disappointed we did not get to view the launch, but looking back, we realized the delays offered us more opportunities to do things and see places we would not have otherwise done. So, all things considered, we think the trip worked out very well.

We had a great time, seeing much of Florida at a very relaxed pace and visiting with good friends. The seafood was delicious and the weather could not have been better. 

Now we look forward to Texas in two weeks!

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"It's only far if you don't go"   ~Danny Liska ~

Learning is not compulsory, neither is survival.  ~W. Edward Deming~ 



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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Lake Wales - Ft Pierce - Melbourne, FL

Once again NASA announced another shuttle launch delay. This time for two days. 

Carolyn and I saw this second delay as an opportunity to explore more of Florida that we would not normally have visited. One of those opportunities was Bok Tower and Gardens, located in central Florida at Lake Wales, recommended to us by our good friend Paula. 

(Related links can be found by clicking on anything underlined.)


In all the natural beauty of the Gardens, Edward Bok believed something was missing. Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Netherlands, he decided to build a beautiful Singing Tower as the focal point of the Gardens which would be crowned by a large carillon
Bok commissioned fellow Philadelphian, architect Milton B. Medary, to design and build the majestic Singing Tower. Medary drew his main inspiration from the Gothic towers and churches of Europe, but wanted to adapt his design to the characteristics of the Florida landscape.

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The carillon at Bok Tower Gardens consists of 60 bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons. The tower chimes on the half hour with longer sessions twice during the afternoon. The tower is truly an amazing structure, especially considering it was constructed in the mid 1920's. 


Bok Gardens is a unique, beautiful, garden certainly worth the time to visit.



Bok Tower and Gardens is located on one of the highest points in Florida, and is surrounded by citrus groves.


White swans seem to pose in the waters surrounding the tower.






These gigantic lily pads were believed to be strong enough to support a small child.






After leaving Bok Tower, we returned to the Atlantic coast, where we spent the night in Ft Pierce. 


While eating at Mangrove Matties, (Ft Pierce) I was fortunate to see a Manatee surface near this sign.

The next morning we turned north, exploring both Hwy 1 and Hwy A1A, on both sides of the Atlantic Inter-Coastal Waterway.










We explored the Atlantic Florida coast, north to Titusville and The Indian River, within eyesight of The Space Shuttle Discovery.




Late in the afternoon, we returned to Orlando to spend the night, and await any further announcements from NASA about the launch.

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"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."  ~Louis L'Amour~

Never argue, never justify, never defend.  ~Unknown~