a little fun in the sun
While in Sarasota I'm usually on the beach at sunrise, and on this particular morning there was quite a bird show.....
.....with the usual precocious gulls.....and lots of these orange beaked birds (below) that I had never noticed before - but have probably always been around (usually I'm scouring the water for dolphin sightings).
None of them were budging from their spots for passers-by, so it was easy to get close pics of them. 
Also while in FL this trip, my son and family were doing the Orlando scene before embarking on the Disney Cruise, so we all went to Discovery Cove.
This is another one of those places I had never been to, despite living in FL so many years, and it was a pleasant surprise.
It's a bit pricey, but if hassle-free, water-themed relaxation is your goal (and you can't get to the Bahamas) this is the place to be. Classy and accommodating from beginning to end!
All the (pretty decent) food you can eat, wetsuits, snorkel gear, towels and lockers are included in the price, and they limit the number of guests, so no standing in lines or fighting for beach chairs.
You can do the optional dolphin encounter, or just hang out with the fish and rays in the reef pools. There is an interesting walk-through aviary, long winding river float, and shark encounter (behind glass) in the reef pools.
All in all, a fun time for kids and adults alike. 
But alas....it was inevitably back to the gray, drizzly skies of the ATL. (I'm just glad it's a warm winter, anyway!)
While in Sarasota I'm usually on the beach at sunrise, and on this particular morning there was quite a bird show.....
.....with the usual precocious gulls.....and lots of these orange beaked birds (below) that I had never noticed before - but have probably always been around (usually I'm scouring the water for dolphin sightings).
None of them were budging from their spots for passers-by, so it was easy to get close pics of them. 
Also while in FL this trip, my son and family were doing the Orlando scene before embarking on the Disney Cruise, so we all went to Discovery Cove.
This is another one of those places I had never been to, despite living in FL so many years, and it was a pleasant surprise.
It's a bit pricey, but if hassle-free, water-themed relaxation is your goal (and you can't get to the Bahamas) this is the place to be. Classy and accommodating from beginning to end!
All the (pretty decent) food you can eat, wetsuits, snorkel gear, towels and lockers are included in the price, and they limit the number of guests, so no standing in lines or fighting for beach chairs.
You can do the optional dolphin encounter, or just hang out with the fish and rays in the reef pools. There is an interesting walk-through aviary, long winding river float, and shark encounter (behind glass) in the reef pools.
All in all, a fun time for kids and adults alike. 
But alas....it was inevitably back to the gray, drizzly skies of the ATL. (I'm just glad it's a warm winter, anyway!)
Wow, a wonderful adventure.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have some fun on the beach! I so love the ocean, but rarely do I get to go!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, glad you had a great time!
tot
Oh how I miss Florida! I used to live in that area and I miss those beaches!!
ReplyDeleteEverything a sea witch adores. What a great time you had. I'm heading out to Playa del Carmen in May for beach time. Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have found your blog through Susie-My Home To Yours. I want to be where you are! I used to live in Fl and transplanted to the Midwest when I married my hubby...but the South keeps calling my name. However, with a bunch of grandkids here I can't quite make the move. We were just all on vacation down there a couple of weeks ago. I love Sarasota and it is where my hubby and I would take the bike on weekends (from Ft. Myers-Think 1970s). It is a wonderful city. I am glad to have found you! Hugs- Diana
ReplyDelete