Sarasota and Memories

With the sun shining and the winds calm we decided to leave the beach at Englewood to head for Sarasota early in the morning on March 23, 2009. It was going to be a short ride but we wanted to make the most out of the time we were going to be there. Remember when we said the waters were a little shallow on the west coast. Thank goodness the bottom is mud, although we carefully followed the same route out, we touched bottom. The mud didn't really worry Dick, it was the crab pot right next to the boat that popped up,, YIKES! That's the other problem, where ever there is sufficient water for boats, there are the nuisance pots. So, we avoided the pot line and made it out of the mud easily. Our trip to Sarasota was very easy.Upon arrival there was a little drizzle and some wind which made it fun, but sometimes mother nature likes a little chuckle.

Before the fun and exploration it was catch up on clean up. Out came the hose and brushes for the deck, and the inside was also tended with vacuuming and cleaning. So, after lunch, out came the laundry and then the bikes for shopping,, Publix here we come!!!

Marina Jack is a beautiful clean marina right in the heart of town. At the dock there was a restaurant that was quite busy all the time that offered all kinds of dining experiences, from casual bar style to the upstairs more formal dress required. There was music offered 6 nights a week, which we really enjoyed hearing right from our boat as we enjoyed our appetizers and cocktails.

Sarasota is adorned with many statues, Greek gods,art deco, and statues representing times in history. You don't have to go to an art museum to appreciate them.
Sarasota brought back many memories for Dick for his in-laws lived on Lido Key. We took the trolley to St. Armand's circle where we walked and window shopped and ,of course, stopped for an ice cream, YUMMMM!!!! Also did a little walking on Lido beach where Dick shared stories.The next day we again took the trolley to The Ringling Brothers museum and complex. Could have spent the whole day exploring there,VERY FASCINATING. They have a new building where they have a miniature circus grounds set up explaining how and where everything is done. Again Dick related the story of the 1944 circus fire in Hartford, CT where he lived as a boy. The magnificent Ringling mansion can only be described as elaborately detailed as you see in the picture below. The inside was just as exotic. Sarasota will be one of the highlights of this trip, so on again we go. So watch for the next installment.