Day 223-235 Longboat Key December 28 2018 to January 9, 2019

Day 223-235 Longboat Key December 28 2018 to January 9, 2019

Warm and sunny days mid 70 and low 80s - ahhhh warmth - Still!!

Note: Add your email above to receive email  of postings. Must be in "Desktop Version" to see Email sign up line. If using mobile. there is a link beneath the Home button at end of the post.  Be sure to verify confirming email - check spam if you don't get one


Well time for an update. The days have been wonderful in the sun. We have really enjoyed the exercise that we have been able to get from a fair amount of pickleball (great fun), walking, swimming (yes we are using the heated pool), bike riding, and simply getting out and about.

While we didn't get the car to go mall schlepping, we did go the big mall in Sarasota called University Town Center or UTC to the locals. It is impressive - even having valet parking. The reason we went is there was a watch repair shop inside. My watch that I have had for ten years lost a pin in the special wrist band - and I got it fixed for $10! And that was all we spent. But if you thought malls are dead, then look at the photos below of an early of the week day. And the shops were not at the low end of the retail chain. It was fun. And we had to have a photo at granddaughter Maddy's favorite store. And there a number of stores that I was not familiar with that sisters Lauren and Bree would love to explore!
 

The mall was also a step up in the architecture as seen below.

And a very nice playground. Grandkids Mitchell and Charlotte would have a great time here!

And a huge atrium - Lion King anyone?

Back at the marina, we even found a nearby breakfast place that had a nice breakfast sandwich - Faye said that daughter-in-law Dawn would really like this place.

We did some more exploring of Longboat Key and found a few wonderful places to have a beautiful and long walk - the Joan Durante Park is outstanding.

A pavilion for special events

And they even have very nice trail maps

From information in the trail map, the area was at some time covered with cabins.  The property was acquired by the Town and the husband of Joan Durante provided funds to restore the property to its natural condition - really a great project!!

Great raised boardwalks through the mangrove areas.

There were a number of overlooks on the water

There were wonderful walkways in the woods

 And even the parking lot is nicely landscaped even with a ........

foundation.

And I did some bike riding around the area of the marina.
There are some very impressive condo buildings on the marina site.

And the shot below is taken from the same place as above, but looking across to the entrance to the marina where we are docked.

I had commented before about Longboat Key Marina and the associated resort facilities. I knew there are a number of tennis courts down at the companion Resort that is on the Gulf. I just found out that there are even more here just behind the marina. Here a few shots of the facilities - 24 courts and free to play for us!!

And finally the last of the fun boat names from my walk of the marina.

Notice it does not say Goodwrench - my first thought. Notice the II. Wonder if this is for the second boat or the second wench?

And Island unto himself

I shivered just thinking about how we felt this in the winters back home.

Notice the III under the name. Wonder if third time is the charm

Wonder if this means the boat or the significant other?

No comment needed

Wonder if this is referencing a Captain that goes out on faith alone?

And I thought this would be a good one to end on - the same to y'all!!

I wanted to do this post tonight since tomorrow we will be headed to The Villages to visit with Jim and Justine, and of course Rocky the wonder-dog. They are our friends we met on the Loop. Will make a nice post once we experience their fine hospitality and see for ourselves what The Villages is like. So since we need to get up at a decent hour in the morning, it is time to say .......

Good Night and May God Bless