Winter getaway - first half

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This is our first winter in six years NOT living aboard Gust O'Wind.

We decided to try life ashore in the attractive smallish city of Dunedin, on Florida's Gulf Coast, just north and west of Tampa.

It has worked out very well so far....biking, beach walking and playing pickleball have all been weekly activities.

With frigid weather continuing at home, we are in no hurry to go back and will stay here until the end of April.

Here are a few pics.

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Photos

Back view
Our townhouse backs onto a creek and waterway that lead out to the Gulf of Mexico

Golfing
We try to take advantage of special deals to offset the drop in the value of the Canadian $ against the U.S. $

'Gator
A common"hazard" on Florida golf courses

Honeymoon State Park
Our rental townhouse included a pass to this great park which has several beach and nature walks

Horseshoe crab
On one of our early sails up the Gulf coast we came across hundreds of this ancient looking crabs, washed ashore.

Burrowing owl
Standing guard at the entrance.

Great Horned Owls
Mother and kids nesting not far from busy residences

Biking
One of the best features of this area is the network of bike trails. With friends Ross and Brenda, here we are at Safety Harbour on Tampa Bay.

Live oak
Just love these amazing trees draped with Spanish Moss. Called 'live' because they are not deciduous.

Ah, oysters!
It wouldn't be Florida without a feed of oysters!

Tarpon
A great little fishing & sponging community just 10 miles north of Dunedin.

On the beach
With friend Pat, from Winnipeg. Also escaping a harsh winter.

Green turtle
One of several found, disoriented, close inshore

Pickleball!
We have taken to this racquet sport, ideal for seniors and also a good social event for us. We play twice a week.

Ouch!
Barrie has similar temperatures to our home at Sauble Beach.

Comments

[Donna Denny]

Green things! Live nature!
So great to get pictures....My landscape is one colour WHITE.. Stay until well into April...no promise of up to 0 until one day next week!!!!