Sarasota, Florida

Jim and Lee have a home in Sarasota with just enough room in their driveway for their motorhome.  They were kind enough to make arrangements for us both to park our RVs at a friend's home.  Bill and Sue's home is on six acres and our spot there was in front of the pond.  We ended up staying there for most of January.  I discovered that Sue is also a scrapbooker and she took me to scrapbook night at their church where we scrapped till nearly 2 in the morning.  They also bought an RV at Lazy Days while we were there.  After Jim & Lee moved their motorhome back to their house, Bill and Sue were our neighbors on both sides!  Now we claim them as our friends as well.

Another great spot to park       Bill & Sue buy a motorhome

Jim took us on a ride through Myakka River State Park near Sarasota.  No alligators in sight, but they are plentiful.  The Myakka River flows through 45 square miles and has two shallow lakes that attract many wetland creatures.  

Myakka State Park          Myakka State Park Waterway

One of Gerry's last Navy bosses in Corpus Christi, Captain Charlie Akins, also has an RV and is planning to travel full time the way we are.  They were at a Rally at Lazy Days near Tampa and we drove up to say "Hi". 

Della & Charlie

From there we drove on over to Orlando to see Vicki, who just happened to be at a conference there.  She didn't realize we were close enough to pop over.  We stayed for dinner and overnight at her hotel.  What a wonderful, unexpected surprise!

Vicki          Vicki and friends from the conference          Vicki with Dad and Mom

Neither of us realized that the Ringling Brothers had so much history in the area.  For many years the Ringling Brothers Circus kept its winter quarters in Sarasota.  The Ringling Mansion is one of the THE places to see. 

Ca d'Zan, The Ringling Mansion         Banyon Tree

Bill's father had a Danish Bakery in downtown St. Petersburg for many years and Bill has his knack with a dessert.

Bill's 7 layer cake - scrumptious!

Bill also knows his way around the area and took us on several tours around the area.  One picturesque island was Anna Maria Island with many bungalows, cafes and brightly-colored shops.  Many residents and visitors explore the island by bike.  We had a late lunch at a restaurant right on the water there.   We got to De Soto National Memorial Park late in the afternoon just as they were closing, but we got to walk around the grounds and Bill told us about the area.

City Pier Restaurant on Anna Maria Island       De Soto National Memorial Park