Blogs from Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida, United States, North America

We're home, we're well, and we're wishing you a very Merry Christmas.... read more

We arrived here last week in Sarasota and were at first a bit disappointed. This is a huge park, very densely populated. However, the pools, hot tubs, and other amenities make up for the tight un-landscaped sites. The people are also very friendly: we were warmly welcomed into the shuffleboard games held each morning. Our first venture out and about was to Siesta Key Beach, named the #1 beach in the country. The sand is indeed white and soft. Yesterday we visited the John and Mable Ringling estate, a beautifully landscaped 66-acre complex. We first toured his extravagant Venetian style mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay. All the furnishings are originals as John and Mable were the only owners. After their deaths the house was gifted to the State of Florida, so every thing we saw was as ... read more

The Siesta Key Bungalows we're staying at have two kayaks that guests can take out on their own. As Jo napped this morning, Andrew and I decided to take them for a spin. I lowered myself into the red kayak as my mom and Andrew held it still. Once I was in, I could see all sorts of clams and barnicles attacked to the dock posts. I could also see small fish and lots of kelp. The lagoon is salt water! The sun beat down on us, but we enjoyed ourselves. We went north and saw some herons. Then, we spun our kayaks around and headed back south to see how far we could go. Andrew developed some blisters from his oar and decided to get out when we passed by the bungalows. I continued on ... read more

We've enjoyed chilling at our Siesta Key Bungalows all weekend. There are little lizards everywhere, and, as long as they're not jumping out at me, I enjoy hunting for them to snap photos. We had a gecko visit us in our bungalow yesterday. Our rental complex is filled with palm trees and has a running fountain. At the lagoon, there is a dock to stand at to watch local birds (ducks, pelicans, and more) as well as jumping fish. One bird makes a really loud call, and Oliver gets excited whenever he hears it. He tells me it's a monkey, and that he loves the monkey. Along the lagoon, they built a sandy area for sitting and relaxing. Oliver enjoys filling his bucket and dumping it back out.... read more

My parents are treating us to a long weekend in Siesta Key, Florida. We arrived yesterday afternoon, and, already, I'm adapted to the warm weather, lush vegetation, and humid environment. Vacation enduces such contentment. The kids were really well-behaved on our nonstop flight to Tampa. They slept for our hour and half drive south. Our destination was the Siesta Key Bungalows. We jumped on a Groupon deal, and my parents got our bungalows for half off. The complex is laid-back and exudes some beach bum elegance (is there such a thing?). We're right on a a salt water lagoon (Heron Lagoon) that is teeming with jumping fish and pelicans. There was a light rain last night, and Andrew and I sat outside of our bungalow in our white, wicker chairs, soaking it all in (literally). When ... read more