Oak Grove at Anna Maria Elementary

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

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

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

Curious Osprey

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

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

View from the Key Royale Bridge

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

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!