The Complete Anna Maria Island

Today's Catch

2010-09-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

Having walked almost the full length of the beach now, we can report excellent shelling in the stretch of shoreline from The Sandbar Restaurant south to Bali Hai in Holmes Beach. At other times I've noticed that shells are quite prolific down on Coquina Beach as well. Of course, I just found an enormous shark's tooth in the shell path at my house, so you never know where you'll find treasure! These olive shells, lightning whelks, scallops, and assorted mollusks were collected this morning.

Mountaintop View

2010-09-09T08:56:00.000-04:00

Who knew that we have a real hill on Anna Maria Island? Visit Leffis Key and experience it for yourself! Located across the street from the public parking at Coquina Beach, Leffis Key is a nature preserve filled with boardwalks and informative signs explaining the various habitats found on a barrier island. Climb the hill (manmade from dredging deposits years ago) and get the best views on the island! Just be sure to use your bug spray; mom and I had mosquitos chasing us out of the preserve because we forgot ours!

Pelican Roost

2010-09-09T08:53:00.000-04:00

We loved this flock of pelicans roosting on one of the groins jutting out into the water at Coquina Beach. Mom and I have noticed that the birds seem to naturally segregate themselves: pelicans on one groine, seagulls on another, herons on yet another.

Danger, Will Robinson!

2010-09-09T08:51:00.000-04:00

Beach warning flags are useful things with which to familiarize ourselves. Thankfully, the beach has been almost perfect all summer long...no flags necessary!

Heading Out to Sea

2010-09-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

While finishing our first section of beach walking (we're now walking the entire length of Anna Maria Island's 7 miles of beach), mom and I spotted this vessel heading out for a day of adventure.

The End of the Island

2010-09-09T08:46:00.001-04:00

We made it all the way to the south end of the Island! Hard to believe we've walked every single street on the Island...and we're ready for more! Tomorrow we set out to walk the entire beach.

Harvey Memorial Community Church

2010-09-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

Head north from Bridge Street down Church Street toward the Bradenton Beach Marina, and you'll find this charming little church tucked away near the end.

Marina Docks

2010-09-09T08:41:00.000-04:00

Our friend Kathryn Sandberg joined us on this particular morning as we explored the marina.

Bradenton Beach Marina

2010-09-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Walking early in the morning makes it easier for us to explore places that would be crawling with "official" people during the day. We loved visiting the Bradenton Beach Marina, a place we always see from the Cortez Bridge but have never seen up close. It's a fun place, with lovely trompe l'oeil paintings on diesel tanks and walls, and docks with all sorts of vessels.

House Boat

2010-09-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

Currently on shore, this house boat at Bradenton Beach Marina gives new depths to the "house" part of the moniker.

Moon Over Bradenton Beach

2010-09-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

We've begun to notice that the days are getting shorter, as this full moon over the clock tower at the Bradenton Beach Pier attests. Ten minutes to seven in the morning, and the skies were dark and the moon was shining!

Fire in the Sky!

2010-09-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

Wow! While mom and I were walking the streets of Bradenton Beach, we saw some lovely sunrises...but none so amazing as this one, taken while we walked out on the Bradenton Beach Pier.

Too Clever!

2010-09-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

Why can't I ever think of these great names? This sign adorns a tiny cottage barely bigger than the sign itself!

Cute as a Button

2010-09-04T09:50:00.000-04:00

Bradenton Beach features a wonderful assortment of tiny vintage cottages evoking images of a much simpler time. Hopefully there will always be plenty of owners who believe it's important to keep these marvelous examples of our sleepy beach heritage.

Soaring Box

2010-09-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

You don't get a lot of space to work with in Bradenton Beach, so these owners did a clever job taking things up a notch by building their piece of the American Dream straight into the air!

Cottage Cute

2010-09-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

Mom and I love the adorable pint-sized cottages in Bradenton Beach!

Peerless Piers

2010-09-04T09:38:00.000-04:00

As the many bayfront piers attest, Bradenton Beach visitors have lots of options for getting out on the water without the benefit of a boat!

Mangrove Walk

2010-09-04T09:35:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about walking every single part of the Island is that we get to see what's in back! Taking a stroll through the parking lots of all those condos lining Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach has revealed beautiful Bay views, most of them enhanced by piers stretching far out into the water. A sunrise excursion on boardwalks winding through mangrove forests is a sublime experience.

The Cactus Blooms Again

2010-08-18T14:49:00.000-04:00

It's hard to remember why we don't like cacti at the beach when they bloom like this. The bees were in bee-heaven!

Another FABULOUS Sky Greets the Day!

2010-08-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

In spite of these enormous "red" clouds over the Gulf this morning, it's dry, dry, dry today! I ate lunch with some friends at the Sandbar Restaurant this afternoon, and the water was pure aqua and the sand was great...who needs to go anywhere else?

Morning Has Broken

2010-08-18T14:46:00.000-04:00

The sun was just peeking over the horizon as mom and I finished our walk in Bradenton Beach this morning.

The Cat's Meow

2010-08-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

Mom and I never tire of the imaginative mailboxes on this island! We spotted this one early this morning in front of a little resort on Gulf Drive bearing a name that has something to do with cats...I'm desperately searching for it in the Chamber Guide and the Yellow Pages, but with no success. The resort, like its mailbox, looks cute...every room is named for a cat!

Sunday Afternoon Traffic Jam

2010-08-17T09:56:00.000-04:00

I was on my way home from church on Sunday afternoon when I got caught in a traffic jam in Holmes Beach. At first I thought it was the Island Trolley making its stops, but then I noticed cars lining the street and people looking out over the canal just north of Seaside Gardens. I decided to join the crowds and see what they were watching. As it turned out, a mother manatee had just given birth to her baby, and she was showing off her pride and joy to excited human onlookers. How glad I am to have stopped!

Mommy & Baby

2010-08-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

How exciting to watch mommy and her brand new baby as they slowly moved around the end of the canal.

More Mommy & Baby

2010-08-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

Baby is the darker, shorter spot above the big blob. The baby stayed right under his mom's nose, swimming wherever she swam, and breathing whenever she breathed.

We've Made it to Bradenton Beach!

2010-08-17T09:17:00.000-04:00

Mom and I are all the way south in Bradenton Beach now...it's hard to believe we've walked every single street in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach! The further south we go, the more we find things that surprise us, even having done this walk once before. Yesterday morning we caught sight of this cute house on Avenue B north of the little trailer park at the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach line. We love how they turned their garage into a bar, extending the fun out into their garden.

Avenue E, Probably our Very Favorite Street

2010-08-14T09:56:00.000-04:00

One of the things mom and I love about these walks is that we've discovered our preconceived notions about portions of the island were all wrong. Avenue E is a perfect example: we'd never bothered to explore, because who would think something so lovely would be called "Avenue E," or that it would be just one block west of one of the busiest portions of Gulf Drive?

This charming little street runs from 28th Street at its southern end to Gulf Drive as it winds around the back of the Walgreen's parking lot. Along the way there are vintage cottages, really nice new homes that don't all look the same, fabulous beach access paths, a retro beach cabana, brightly painted natives, tucked-away lodgings, and everywhere the sound of the surf and white sands that make this island so special. Avenue E is one of our favorite "discoveries!"

Tiny Island Home

2010-08-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

Thank you to the owner of this original island cottage...mom and I are so glad you consider history worth preserving!

Sprouting Mailboxes

2010-08-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

This cluster of mailboxes reminded us of so many mushrooms sprouting on the side of the road!

1920's Cottage

2010-08-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

Another one of the Island's numerous vintage cottages from the days when traveling to Anna Maria was an arduous undertaking, including riding a ferry across Tampa Bay. No bridges were built until the late 1920's, which meant that building supplies also had to be ferried across and then loaded on wagons for the final leg of their journey.

Beach Plums

2010-08-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

Mom says you can make jelly or jam out of these golf ball-size fruits. Edible or not, they make a lovely addition to the landscape at this time of year.

Our Very Favorite Beach Access Path

2010-08-14T09:41:00.000-04:00

This perfect beach access runs off of Avenue E across from 29th Street.

Funky Details

2010-08-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

The collection of neon-colored houses on the island aren't to everyone's taste, but we've noticed that the attention to funky details on these homes is really impressive. In this case, hand-painted awning supports feature a collection of instrument-playing island natives. Very fun!

Private Beach Cabana

2010-08-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

One of the things mom and I love about Avenue E is that there are surprises with each new property we pass. A blustery morning yesterday made this cabana look especially cosy.

Red Sky in the Morning

2010-08-12T15:53:00.000-04:00

A tropical depression brewing somewhere out in the Gulf made for fabulous clouds Tuesday morning as we crossed the wooden bridge from Sunbow Bay into Sandy Point.

Roseate Spoonbill

2010-08-12T15:50:00.000-04:00

These are supposed to be common around here, but this is only the 2nd or 3rd Roseate Spoonbill we've seen on the Island. This one was showing off his/her colors this morning in front of the Sunbow Bay Condominiums across the street from Publix.

Old Man Pine

2010-08-12T15:47:00.000-04:00

Mom & I were amazed by the burls in this wonderful old Australian Pine at the Gulf end of 38th Street.

Luxury Beach Home with a Sense of Humor

2010-08-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

It's nice to know that even in a tough economy, some vacation homeowners still have a sense of humor!

A Bevy of Beautiful Birds of Paradise!

2010-08-12T15:40:00.000-04:00

Looking perky in the early morning light, this Bird of Paradise in front of a Holmes Beach condo sported a whole flock of blooms.

Sleepy Island

2010-08-11T11:42:00.000-04:00

I took a wonderful bike ride on Monday from my house in Anna Maria down to the area we've been walking in Holmes Beach (behind Hurricane Hank's). What I discovered was that we've all of a sudden gotten really sleepy around here! It's been a super busy summer; my office had the most July bookings in our history. Now, however, families are heading home to start school, and things are winding down. It's a treat to have moments when we feel like we're the only people left on the Island!

At the other end of things...

2010-08-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

So, who says simple touches are the only way to go? We like this jaunty number across from The Martinique South on 52nd Street in Holmes Beach.

Simple Touches Make All the Difference!

2010-08-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

We love these seagull shutter on "Seagull Cottage," located on 4th (or was it 5th?) Avenue. The little street is a treat to discover, with wide beach access and a few cute cottages reminiscent of unspoiled Old Florida.

Adorable Historic Cottage

2010-08-11T11:28:00.000-04:00

Mom & I found this cutie on 48th Street in Holmes Beach, just two or three houses from the beach.

Yummy Colors!

2010-08-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

After mom's holiday sailing in the British Virgin Islands, we're back on the road, starting south of Hurricane Hank's and west of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. In her absence, I mostly relied on an old step aerobics video tape, but I did take one terrific walk on the beach from the Sandbar all the way around the northern tip to Lakeview Drive. That doesn't sound too interesting until you realize that I did the ENTIRE walk on the beach! Actually, I hopped off at The Rod & Reel Pier in order to avoid walking under the pier, but the rest of the walk was entirely on the beach. Those of you who've been concerned about erosion at the north end will be delighted to hear that nature is rapidly filling in what it had devoured last year.

Seagrape Jelly

2010-07-29T17:48:00.000-04:00

Seagrapes are in season these days! Everywhere mom and I walk we see these plants bursting with fruit. I always thought they were merely ornamental, but apprently you can make a good jam from these island delights. I've taken this recipe from "Gourmet Bahamian Cooking" by Marie Mendelson & Marguerite Sawyer:

1 quart seagrape juice
5T lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 package powdered pectin
5 c sugar

To make the juice, wash the grapes and place in a large pan with half as much water. Bring to a boil, mashing often with a potato masher. Continue boiling until fruit is reduced to a soft pulp, about 25 to 30 minutes. Drain through several layers of cheesecloth. Place 1 quart of the juice in a large saucepan, adding remaining ingredients. Bring to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary. Pour into hot, sterilized jars and immediately seal lids.

Lisa Sharrow, This is for You!

2010-07-29T17:30:00.000-04:00

Visitor and friend Lisa Sharrow wanted to know the name of this lovely tree blooming abundantly at the corner of Marina Drive and Key Royale Drive. I contacted another dear friend, Sandy Moses, owner of Sandy's Lawn Service, and she did quite a bit of research to discover that this tree is a lovely example of a Mexican Poincianna. No wonder the foliage looks so much like that of the Royal Poincianna! Thanks, Sandy!

Key Royale Golf Course at Sunrise

2010-07-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

These kind of views make us wish we played golf!

Contented Cat

2010-07-16T10:03:00.000-04:00

We found this happy cat gazing out over the Key Royale Golf Club.

Oak Grove at Anna Maria Elementary

2010-07-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Last time we walked right by AME, not wanting to violate any laws about being on school grounds during the school year. However, yesterday we decided we were dying to get right in and see the campus after driving by countless times and admiring it from Gulf Drive.

Of course, the school is closed for the summer, but if I were a student I'd be eager to return to this wonderful spot as soon as the doors re-open. This beautiful stand of live oaks shading picnic benches is just one example of truly idyllic surroundings.

Another Favorite

2010-07-16T09:49:00.000-04:00

We spied this wonderful new pool through an open fence at a construction site near Publix. Around the corner is more pool fed by a spa and a waterfall tumbling down over four rock steps. The old rectangular job at home will never look the same!

Early Morning at the Manatee Public Beach

2010-07-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

Mom and I took our walk yesterday morning accompanied by ominous rumblings of thunder and dark clouds over the Gulf.

Curious Osprey

2010-07-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

One thing we're always amazed by is the number of birds of prey here on the island. This osprey was supposed to give me a grand profile, but instead he carefully followed me wherever I went.

Yesterday mom and I spotted two Red Tail Hawks sitting by the pool at West Bay Moorings!

This is How Pomegranates Grow

2010-07-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

Who knew? Mom and I were amazed to stumble across this tree in a yard on Key Royale.

View from the Key Royale Bridge

2010-07-10T18:33:00.000-04:00

We never tire of the views of water, water everywhere!

Fourth of July and Beyond

2010-07-10T18:26:00.001-04:00

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!

Look Closely for Something Amazing!

2010-07-09T16:48:00.000-04:00

A careful look at this tree will reveal one of our favorite Island wonders, the strangler fig in all its amazingness! Notice that the green, leafy "tree" doesn't really have a trunk...it's sharing a trunk with the neighboring palm. We love these things!

Anna Maria's Favorite Citizen Readies for the Parade!

2010-07-09T16:44:00.000-04:00

Greta Holland, our favorite Anna Maria cutie-pie, was ready to roll when the 4th of July Parade made its way past my office on Pine Avenue. The parade, an annual tradition attracting locals and visitors alike, started at the south end of the Island at Coquina Beach.

Holmes Beach Canal at Dawn

2010-07-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

The streets running perpendicular to Marina Drive are each backed by a canal allowing unimpeded access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. I love to imagine that someone could hop aboard one of these boats docked in this little Holmes Beach canal, and from there travel around the entire world!

The Lush Florida Landscape

2010-07-01T21:52:00.000-04:00

This magnificent tree spreads its branches over the entirety of a Holmes Beach residence.

What's Really Going On Inside Your Head

2010-07-01T21:48:00.000-04:00

We love the fun array of succulents riotously poking out of this very controlled head...a good reminder that even people who appear to have everything together have a chaos of thoughts and emotions stuffed inside, ready to poke their way out without warning!

Morning Geckos

2010-07-01T21:38:00.002-04:00

Mom and I liked these two geckos enjoying the morning sunshine.

The Last Day of June, 2010

2010-07-01T21:35:00.000-04:00

A fabulous sunrise to begin the very last day of June. We've had some great sunrises this week, but this one was by far the most spectacular. As for the "red sky in the morning" warning, it proved accurate. We had an enormous storm late yesterday afternoon, and Vinnie and I were without power for almost 3 hours.

Sunrise Over the Library

2010-06-30T17:31:00.000-04:00

This kind of glorious sunrise makes getting up early to walk worth every bit of effort!

We're Big Enough to Laugh at Ourselves!

2010-06-30T17:30:00.000-04:00

Mom and I think that this may qualify as the Best Bumper Sticker Ever!

Pink & White Polka Dot House

2010-06-30T17:26:00.001-04:00

Yep, it's true...Anna Maria Island has its first pink polka dot house, and it's wonderful! This is why we love living here...there's a pink polka dot house and it actually works.

Perfection in Purple

2010-06-29T18:06:00.000-04:00

Mom & I found this perfect purple orchid on display at the Island Garden Villas.

One of Our Favorite Things

2010-06-29T18:00:00.002-04:00

Top on our list of favorite things on Anna Maria Island are the perfect beach access paths that dot the landscape. We found this one at the end of 70th Street in Holmes Beach.

No Fries?

2010-06-29T17:58:00.000-04:00

No matter how many times I see these signs, I always read the instructions as No Dogs, Litter, or Fries...and always wonder why we can't have fries on the beach!

The Argument Against Post Office Boxes

2010-06-29T17:55:00.000-04:00

Somehow, my utilitarian box at the Post Office (the only way to receive mail in the village of Anna Maria) seems terribly dull next to this fabulous specimen. Possibly reason enough to abandon the north end and move to Holmes Beach?

June 21st through the 24th

2010-06-24T17:13:00.004-04:00

We've been walking! First we headed down Gulf Drive from Haley's and hit every little street and parking lot west of Gulf all the way up to the traffic light at Holmes and Palm. Then we walked the length of Holmes Boulevard, and now we've finished every single street between Holmes Blvd and Gulf Drive, even the little streets between Gulf Drive and Palm at the north end. Phew!

Ready for the Fourth

2010-06-24T17:13:00.000-04:00

We love this house with the big front porch nestled at the beach under the Australian Pines.

Garden Party

2010-06-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

We couldn't get enough of the garden at Island Garden Villas! Someone's gone to an amazing amount of work to create this wonderful Eden right here in Holmes Beach.

Shell Art

2010-06-24T17:07:00.000-04:00

While on the mailbox theme, we love this one decorated with found objects from the nearby beach.

Happy Things Only

2010-06-24T17:05:00.000-04:00

It's hard to imagine that this wonderful mailbox ever has yucky bills inside! Mom and I like to think that only fun invitations, large checks, and handwritten letters from friends ever rest inside!

Fairy Tale Cottage

2010-06-24T17:02:00.000-04:00

Mom and I have discovered fairy tale settings right here on Anna Maria!

High Rise Condos, Anna Maria Island Style

2010-06-24T16:59:00.000-04:00

Plenty of woodpeckers have made their homes up and down the length of this palm trunk totem pole!

June 18th

2010-06-19T10:25:00.003-04:00

It's been a hectic week, making it hard to keep up with anything except walking. Mom and I are happy to report, however, that as of today, we've completed the town of Anna Maria, having walked every street, all of the beach, and many of the beach paths in its borders...hooray! It's a really satisfying feeling to know that we've really experienced an area, rather than wondering what's down a certain street, or what the beach looks like on the Bay side.

We made tiny inroads into Holmes Beach before we headed home today, but lots of new adventures await...starting Monday!

Oleander & Poppy Path

2010-06-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

A wide walkway lined with pink oleanders and purple Mexican Poppies took us to our first beach stop in Holmes Beach.

Red Sky In The Morning

2010-06-19T10:19:00.000-04:00

Fabulous colors in yesterday morning's sky...and sure enough, we had rain!

Colorful Quotes

2010-06-19T10:18:00.000-04:00

Walk the beach access off of Peppertree, and you'll discover these colorful quotes dotting the path. These kindly owners have also filled their property with interesting statues, so it's worth a visit!

Carrotwood Allee

2010-06-19T10:12:00.000-04:00

A long, tree-canopied driveway is an unusual sight indeed on Anna Maria!

Haley's Fish

2010-06-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

Early morning sun brightens up the wall of fish at Haley's Motel.

Favorite Pint-Sized Pool

2010-06-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

How cute is this little pool?! Love the umbrella in the water!

Simpler Times

2010-06-18T16:41:00.000-04:00

This rambling bungalow has always been one of our favorite houses on the Island, conjuring up images of lazy summer days at the beach swinging on the front porch with a good book.

Seagulls in Feeding Frenzy!

2010-06-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

These seagulls were causing quite a ruckus this morning, foraging for berries on this giant banyan tree at the end of Beach.

Banyan & Giraffe

2010-06-18T08:40:00.000-04:00

There's a fabulous piece of property that runs along the beach between Park Avenue and Beach. I couldn't get the REALLY big banyan in a decent picture, but if you're in the area, make a point of driving down Park for a breathtaking view. This banyan can be found at the end of Beach. Mom and I love the "giraffe!"

Sculpture Garden

2010-06-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

Find a marvelous collection of sculptures at the end of Beach on Sunset.

South Pacific or Gulf of Mexico?

2010-06-18T08:37:00.000-04:00

Early morning at the Siam Gardens (now Sunset Gardens) in Anna Maria. Great property for a larger group to rent (think wedding parties!). I had a chance to tour the entire property, and it's a really lovely spot.

Twisted Pine

2010-06-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

Another of Nature's wonders, plus a man-made delight!

Anna Maria's Most Creative Garden

2010-06-18T08:31:00.000-04:00

If you travel to the north end of the Island, you can't help noticing the adorable Spanish Colonial-style house at the corner of Maple and Gulf. The gardener's imaginative use of colorful plates as a border, combined with a wonderful variety of plants, makes this a place we always want to notice.

Secret Path

2010-06-18T08:26:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite places on the Island, the "Secret Path" follows the beach from Gulf Boulevard at the north to Maple Avenue at the south.

June 17th

2010-06-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

Busy with birthday celebrations, I have neglected my bloggin duties for several days...but the walking has continued! We've walked the beach, as well as east-of-Gulf portions of Hardin, Magnolia, Palm, Oak (where we met the nicest woman walking her 14-year-old Bischon), and Periwinkle Plaza. I vow to write every day so I can keep better track!

Lovely Color Combos

2010-06-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

I love this happy accident of electric blue plumbago blossoms next to the purple Mexican poppies. I know they weren't planted next to each other on purpose, as this photo was taken in my front yard!

The Breakfast Bunch

2010-06-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

This flock of Ibis had no problem finding plenty of breakfast with their busy beaks.

Tarpon Caught by Hand!

2010-06-17T19:34:00.000-04:00

Strange but true! Actually, mom and I spotted this 4-foot tarpon resting on the bottom just a few feet off the shore. Thinking it might have succumbed to some oil spill-related health problems, I waded in to bring him onto the shore. Talk about heavy! And slippery! I barely managed to get him out of the water before taking this picture. Just before I pulled him in, a 3-foot shark gave him the once-over, clearly deciding he was too big for breakfast. Local crabs, however, had no such compunctions, and went scurrying when I moved the large fish.

Breakfast Prowl

2010-06-17T19:31:00.000-04:00

This blue heron twisted himself into all sorts of unusual positions as he eyed his catch.

Dave & Tami 6-6-10

2010-06-17T19:24:00.000-04:00

Mom & I spotted this charming reminder of a recent wedding while enjoying a walk on the beach Wednesday morning.

One of Anna Maria's Best Treasures

2010-06-17T19:22:00.000-04:00

This little museum at the corner of Crescent & Pine is one of our favorite Anna Maria treasures. A visit to this free museum will give you glimpses into a fascinating past, including photos and memories of the movie "On An Island With You," starring Ricardo Montalban, Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, and other big post-war names. Curious to see what Anna Maria was like before all the development? You can rent the film at Netflix!

Lake LaVista Reflections

2010-06-17T19:17:00.000-04:00

Crossing the humpback bridge on Crescent, we spotted this lovely reflection. It's amazing how absolutely still the water can be at times.

June 14th

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

Mom and I took Saturday and Sunday off while I prepared for the arrival of family and friends. Then it was back to walking on Monday morning! We finished a couple of spots north of Pine, walked the length of Pine and Spring, hit every tree street west of Gulf, and walked the "secret path" we love so much.