Our Last Week in Bradenton

Isn't he cute with his little sunglasses!

Dogs having a brew while on the internet at the local pub

The rest of the dogs sculpture
Having a brew

Caffeine addict - my fav

Minions!

A look down the street with all the artists hard at work

Very cool

This one really jumps out at you

They just kept getting cooler!

Very cool place among the trees

Is this not cool!

How about this one!!

One of the last sunsets before we left

Sky is on fire!

This is what greeted us on our first day back
to NautiNell

What Missouri looks like in November

Pretty colors on the Smith Ranch

 The winding path to the Smith Horse Ranch

Our trip to Joplin was great but way too short.  We didn’t get to visit with everyone as much as we would have liked.  Hopefully we’ll stay longer next time!  Time goes by so quickly!

Once we arrived back to the boat we began getting her ready for the trip south.  We had planned to leave in just a couple of days but it turned out to be over a week.  There is always something to do when you live on an old boat – actually any boat I suppose. Staying in one place for a length of time makes for a busy time in packing and loading all our “stuff”  - our scooters, our dingy, a dockbox full of “important items” etc.  Anyway, we worked about every day until we left.

I say about because we did take a day or two off from “work”.  One of those days we made a full day of play.  It started with a great little brunch at the Pier 22 for all the slipholders here at the marina.  Then a quick trip to the Farmers Market.  After that we joined up with Rick and Susan – another couple here at the marina that also has a Jefferson.  We headed to the Chalk Art Festival in Sarasota.  That was simply amazing!  When we were there most of the artists were still working on their masterpieces.  However, it was still interesting to see how the process comes together.  They block off a street in the “Burns Area” of town.  You can walk along up and down the street and watch the artists perform their magic on the asphalt.  This area of Sarasota is a really neat.  I guess this guy “Burns” built a lot of these little bungalow type homes back in the ‘20s.  Most of them are businesses now or art galleries.  He and John Ringling really were instrumental in developing this area of Florida.  The streets are really cool and there always seems to be a lot going on here.

After we had seen all we wanted to see we headed to Siesta Key where the Sand Sculpture Competition was being held.  First though before we went to the beach we stopped in for some nachos and a cold beer.  Siesta Key is a very cool place.  We had not been here before.  To anyone that is looking for a nice little summer getaway – check it out.  The downtown area is really neat along with the “huge” beach!  Did I say huge?  It is amazingly huge and the sand is so soft.  Anyway – check it out…..  J

The sand sculptures were fantastic.  I can’t imagine being able to do that.  There were several sculptures  - it would be hard to pick a favorite.  And to think  - just like the chalk art – the masterpieces don’t last! That would be hard to take – for me anyway.

Oh, and one more thing we did – there was this ice cream place called “Sub Zero” there on Siesta Key.  Quite a different concept when it comes to ice cream.  Not the ice cream itself but the way it’s made.  They flash freeze it by hand in less than a minute using liquid nitrogen.  You create your own recipe by choosing the flavors and a liquid mix and then watch the fog billow out as they freeze it.  They told us they were on Shark Tank but I don’t know who, if anyone bought into it.  If not, they should have.  Really cool!  And very tasty!

After some last minute shopping and Mike finishing his “to do” list - we are finally ready to leave the marina.  We’ve met a lot of folks here and made a lot of good friends.  Most of them are leaving soon heading south or to the Bahamas.  I’m sure our paths will cross again sometime.

The next time I post I’ll probably be in Marathon (in the Keys).  Stay tuned!

Till next time!

Admiral “C”