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Published: February 10th 2009
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Suncoast Bird Sanctuary
Nathanael at the entryway. Monday, February 2, 2009
Nathanael and I got up early and rented a car for our drive to Indian Shores on the west coast of Florida. Happily our 'compact' vehicle was upgraded to a 2009 GMC Equinox, a wonderful treat for us since our own vehicles are 15 to 25 years old, with no extras. Nathanael was excited with the remote button door lock/unlock, electric windows, CD player and sensor air bag in the front seat. Sadly, after we got back to the Dobberstein's and as soon as we were all packed, the key got locked in the car and it was over an hour delay before someone arrived to open the car for us.
We had been invited to visit our dear friend, Virginia MacLatchey; her mom, Grace; and her cousin, Ruth, at the Sandcastle III estates near Tampa. The trip took three hours and we arrived by 13:15. The rain increased as we got further west but by the time we finished a late lunch at the apartment it had stopped and we were able to enjoy some of the sights. Nathanael loved the swimming pool which was 78 degrees Fahrenheit but Virginia and I were drawn to
A Spoonbill
An excellent view of a spoonbill. One of many species of birds being rehabilitated at the sanctuary. the hot tub which was 100 degrees.
We visited the Sun Coast Bird Sanctuary and saw many species of wild birds which had been injured and were being treated by the volunteers at the sanctuary. There were pelicans, cormorants, osprey, spoonbills, oystercatchers, various species of herons, owls, birds of prey, and many others.
We also took a stroll along the Gulf Coast beach and searched for shells. It was a lovely walk but cool and windy. There was sea foam and seaweed which had washed up on the shore and there were beautiful whitecaps on the breakers. The colours of the sand, waves, and sky were beautifully muted and made me wish I had brought my painting supplies along.
We went to a local restaurant called P.J.'s for supper and the food was truly excellent!!! I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Nathanael ordered 'gater bites,' which were actually allegator tidbits deep fried in a batter. (They tasted like chicken, .... ha-ha, not really. I can't honestly describe the taste and they had a bit of a different texture. Nathanael loved them.) I had coconut shrimp which was also delicious. P.J.'s decor was unusual, having
Fly Pelicans!
Nathanael on the beach, chasing the pelicans. Don't look up with your mouth open. hundeds of U.S. dollar bills autographed by customers and stapled to the walls.
When we got back to the Sandcastle III, we played 'Bananagrams' and 'Hit the Deck.' We also watched old reruns of ''Andy Griffith'' and Nathanael really enjoyed them. When they first came on he said, ''Mom you've got to come and see this, it will remind you of the days of your youth, it's in black and white.'' What a laugh he is!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The day dawned cool, but bright and clear. Virginia, Ruth, Nathanael, and I drove to Busch Gardens in Tampa. This was a treat from Virginia to Nathanael and he had a super time! It was a long day of walking but we saw many wonderful sights, animals and shows. Our favourite exhibits included the gorillas, orangutans, and tigers. Other animals included flamingos, giraffs, zebras, rhinosauri, hippopotami, alligators, turtles, and more.
There were plenty of rides to keep Nathanael busy, as well. The cost for most of them was included in the price of the entrance ticket so Nathe got to ride over and over and over again. Bumper cars were a big hit. He also enjoyed
My Little Fish
Nathe truly enjoys the pool, even if the air temperature is too cold for Mom. the Merry-go-round and the Tree-top Trail (a climbing structure suspended from the tree-tops, ... it was amazing). His favourite ride by far, however, was a roller-coaster called "Cheetah Chase." It was kiddy-sized and quite tame compared to some of the others in the park, but exciting enough for Nathanael. We also got to see a "4-D" movie about stolen pirate treasure which starred Leslie Nielson as the pirate captain. The 3-D effects were amazing but what was the fourth dimension you may ask? Well, at various times during the movie, blasts of air and water spray hit the audience from in front and behind to correspond with scenes taking place on the screen. It was the first time any of us had experienced such special effects and we really enjoyed it.
Another feature that was super fun were some costumed entertainers on stilts that wandered around the park interacting with patrons. Their outfits were incredibly colourful and imaginative. They did not speak but waltzed around people, enveloping them within the flowing fabric of their costumes. It was quite a sight.
It was almost closing time as we left the park and on the way out we caught one
P.J.'s Seafood Restaurant
The entranceway to a marvelous little eatery. of the many musical acts that perform daily. We were given a blast from the past as the group sang popular numbers from the late '50's and '60's. It was a great ending to a wonderful day.
The next morning, after a last swim for Nathanael and another walk along ghe beach, we returned to Port Orange. Nathanael was chipper after our trip to Busch Gardens but it took several days for me to recover from horrendously aching legs. We are grateful to Virginia for such a wonderful invitation and gift. We are glad we could get together in sunny Florida.
Upon our return from Tampa, Nathanael and I packed up the camper and moved from the Dobberstein's laneway to Our Savior's church parking lot. Beth's parents are in town visiting so their place would have been very crowded with all of us there. I am going to work on flowerbeds while staying at the church. It's wonderful to be able to do so in February!
I will try to publish another entry in a day or so and fill everyone in on our jaunt to St. Augustine. Bye for now and God bless.
Our Hosts
Grace Acheson, Ruth (Virginia's cousin), and Virginia MacLatchey, enjoying supper at P.J.'s.
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Jennifer Gadde
non-member comment
Looks like your trip is awesome so far
Just got caught up on your adventure...what a wonderful experience. Take care.