Orlando - Tampa - Sarasota - Big Bend, Fl

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The Mall at the Millenia (Orlando, FL)

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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Bahama Breeze (Orlando, FL)

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. 

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (Tampa Bay, FL)

Mike & Carolyn

A Monumental Valentine’s Day Kiss in Sarasota, Florida

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

Sanibel Island 

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

Shelling on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island Lighthouse

Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida

"Worlds finest, whitest sand," 

Pine Island Sound, Captiva Island

The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant

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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