Fourth of July and Beyond

In spite of the fact that I've been behind in postings, mom and I have been busy working our way south through Holmes Beach to the intersection of Gulf Drive and Marina. Right now we're finishing up Key Royale, which will take us four days in and of itself.

We had a huge rain delay over 4th of July weekend. I felt horrible for all of the guests who checked into our properties for a big holiday weekend in the sun, only to find heavy skies, heavy rain, and heavy seas all the way through Monday evening. Thankfully, the weather cleared up long enough for Anna Maria Island's annual 4th of July Parade, which I photographed as it passed my office on Pine Avenue. The skies also cooperated for fireworks all 3 nights...Friday at MarVista on Longboat Key, Saturday at The Beach House in Bradenton Beach, and Sunday at The Sandbar in Anna Maria. What a treat, in spite of inclement weather!

But as for walking early in the morning, my alarm went off every day at 5:30, accompanied by the sound of a steady downpour. After four days I was beginning to forget what my mother looked like, and one more day of rain may have found us unable to remember how to walk. Happily, we were able to resume our explorations by Wednesday morning (a 7am periodontist appointment on Tuesday ruined our normal schedule), and found beautiful blue skies and surprisingly cool temperatures!

So now we're back on schedule, having fun discovering all the delights of this lovely island!