Sarasota Short Stop

After the hurricane, we were dropped in Miami and left to fend for ourselves. So, after a call to our good friend, Paul, we were off to Sarasota for two weeks. This was my first trip to Florida and I must say I was duly impressed! We were told by more than one resident that Sarasota is the best place to live in all of Florida. We will agree.

After a couple of days recuperating from the travails of sleeping in my office, and travelling for several days to get to Sarasota …

Recuperating in the lanai

Home of the lanai – Paul’s house

… we went sightseeing. Our first trek was to the Ringling Museum.

Ringling Mansion

Ringling Mansion along the water

After the death of John Ringling in 1927, the Family donated their house, grounds and art collection to the Stata of Florida.

The museum wing

The estate contains very impressive gardens …

A beautiful flower in the garden

… and a great collection of trees – or one great tree.

This is one giant tree

Sarasota also contains some amazing beaches along the numerous keys that run parallel to the coast.

Birds on Siesta Beach

More birds on Siesta Beach

While I am mentioning birds, we came across a number of very interesting species including…

Big bird on the golf course – not afraid of us!

Pelican cruising over Tampa Bay

Pelicans

Pelican

Lots of life in the air

… and in Myakka Park we saw a number of vultures and eagles cruising overhead, perhaps looking for the remains of an alligator’s dinner.

Hawk or vulture

And while we are on the topic of gators, we did come across several while in Myakka Park. Apparently, according the guide every fresh body of water in Florida contains gators.

Don’t get too close

Could be a log floating by

A highlight of our time was a trip to Tampa to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Tampa Bay Lightning. Unfortunately, as has been the case often this year, Pittsburgh lost.