A Warm and Short Winter

Settling In, Cat Fashion

We really had a good time in Sarasota, and spending time with our friends in Siesta Key, the beautiful southern portion of the barrier island in the Gulf off Sarasota. Because we had Bubba with us, we weren't able to take them up on their offer of lodging, so instead we wracked up points at our pet-friendly hotel. Bubba loved the big beds and all the extra pillows-- the better for hiding a small animal! What he never enjoys is that we were away for most of the days, and out for breakfast and dinner besides.

Me and My Pink, No-Gear Bike

Our friends recommended a bike ride on one of the area's paved trails and with only a little arm twisting, I was able to convince Paul it would be fun. We opted for the 10 mile round trip on the Legacy Trail, heading south towards Venice, with an incentive of lunch there.


It was a fairly warm and windy day and we were ready for a break by the time we reached Venice, which was very noticeably populated by older people than we've seen anywhere else in Florida. The trip back was easier and despite our distance being more like 14 miles, we all had a great time. I can't speak for my spouse, but I'm ready to ride bikes again.

One of the things I always enjoy about our marina here is the occasional visit by manatees. One recent afternoon we spent a half hour being amused by a group of five manatees, including a couple who were well over 7 feet long. They were feeding on the long grass that washes in across Biscayne Bay when the winds are from the east. Paul's photos don't quite capture their peculiar noses-- and manatees don't make photography simple, but I think you'll get the idea.

Marina Mascots

The week after we were in Sarasota, we had visitors from home, escaping the not so cold winter in New Hampshire. It's always fun to have guests, and I particularly enjoy having female company, especially an old friend with whom I go way back.

We did some leisurely sight-seeing, including a visit to the Deering Estate in Cutler, once the site of the only inn between Miami and Key West. Despite it being a very warm, almost hot day in town, the estate on Biscayne Bay near Coral Gables was cool and breezy. We took a nature walk, enjoyed the more planned landscaping-- and truly enjoyed the rockers on the back porch overlooking the water.

Stone House, Deering Estate

The buildings at the estate were much simpler than the grand mansion, Vizcaya, built by James Deering, the half brother of the environmentalist and art collector, Charles Deering, who developed this estate. But it was easy to imagine the rooms filled with art, as they frequently are when used for local shows. The building did include one memorable feature, a porch ceiling which had been decorated by pressing shells, sand dollars, star fish and even sea weeds into the wet plaster. (Thanks to my friend for the photo.)

Shell Ceiling, Stone House

We also made a pilgrimage walking down Ocean Drive in South Beach, admiring the beautifully restored Art Deco hotels and taking full advantage of the amazing people watching opportunities.

It was a quick visit-- and now we're home alone again and our time in Miami is growing short. It's been a quick and a warm winter here and we're beginning to make lists of things we think we want or need to get done here. Then we'll start up the waterway again towards Jacksonville, where we'll spend a few weeks--  before heading seriously north.