Sarasota Siesta Key Turtle Beach

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Today, while returning to our pool-side beach chairs from the snack bar with a big order of onion rings, Wes, all alone and vulnerable, was compromised by two "cougers." The babes' MO was brilliant - the more senior "cutie" broke the ice by saying - "Got one of those for me?" (meaning the onion rings I think). The somewhat startled; but ever gracious Wes nodded OK. Then the other woman (Junior "Cougar in training" perhaps a daughter of cougar senior) said "Me too?" and began her own nibble. At which point, the more senior cougar said "See, that's how it's done!" True story from Sun n Fun...but this entry is about Turtle Beach Camp Grounds on beautiful Siesta Key. Our site was just steps away from this beautiful Gulf of Mexico beach; somewhat wild and simply gorgeous. The only drawback for me -was that my AT&T connection didn't have a consistently strong signal (Verizon people like Wes were better served). The only drawback for all of us was the weather - windy, cloudy and rainy. Among the plusses of the park include the proximity to good restaurants and attractions. Turtle Beach Pub and The Turtle Beach Club are right across the street. Coasters restaurant is within a few miles on the other side of Little Sarasota Bay. Patrick's, a favorite downtown restaurant, is easy to get to. And, we had another great Cuban meal at Columbia on St. Armand's Circle on nearbt Lido Key. We maximized a rainy day enjoying the Ringling Museum complex (where we spontaneously ran into Jay Musler from home). We spent another day with the Jeep on a loop from the downtown Saturday Farmers' Market (where we bought jumbo shrimp) to a Good Will store (to supplement our cold weather clothes and buy a cooler to put the shrimp in), to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and back to St. Armand's. Turtle Beach is great for shelling; and we finally got a few good sunsets; one which was the background for a wedding on Valentine's weekend!

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Photos

Chuppa in the Sunset
There was a beautiful sunset for the charming wedding on Turtle Beach.

Our Turtle Beach Neighbors
A family from Colarado were tenting next to us at Turtle Beach! Very hearty family!

Dressed for the Beach
Dressing for the beach has taken on a new meaning...hat, socks, lined jacket!

Looking up to Eddie Arcaro
A Norman Rockwell show with his prints and corresponding b&w photography by Kevin Rivoli opened at the Ringling Fine Arts Museum. Sort of nice to see art that doesn't need a complicated explanation.

The Brooks Robinson Quesion
Wes noticed this print of Brooks Robinson signing an autograph left handed didn't ring well with the right handed 3rd baseman's position (and glove as shown). Probably one of those mixed dominence kids forced to comply in a right handed world!

Restoration Studio
The "Ringling's Wisconsin Pullman" private train car is being restored on site! Very interesting commentary from Don, the restorer.

Miniature Circus Detail at Ringling Museum
The details of the Howard Bros. Miniature Circus are amazing! Well researched visual commentary on circus life!

Tiki Office
An out of doors laundry; my out of doors office --- trying for connectivity by moving the PC around!

View of Little Sarasota Bay from Coasters
Great food; great location; outside dining bay side weather permitting.

Coquina Beach Anna Marie Island
This is a beautiful beach - the sand is like talc. We will come back here during "beach weather!"

Kilwin's on St. Armand's
Too cold for ice cream; wonderul fudge weather for Valentine's Day!

Thieves Market
The Pirate's Thieves Market on Anna Marie Island had its characters, including this fringed dolly who seems to be eyeing Wes! Is there a theme going on her?

Comments

[Clare Walker]

Wonderful ...
description and photos of Siesta Key, Anna Marie Island ... what wonderful memories for me! Know what you mean about the beachwear though ... hopefully the weather's starting to warm up again this weekend. Thanks for keeping me up to date with your travels, take care x

[Jayne]

Beautiful shots
Hey you two - you are in my favorite part of Florida and I'm here - but was in FL for 10 days recently and froze. Still, played golf and had fun with friends and family. You two are enjoying every minute of life and that's perfect1 thanks for sharing with all of us - love it. Wes - the onion rings weren't the attraction - just the bait These women know a great guy when they see one! They just don't know he's married to a Barracuda :) (poor things!) Jayne

[Silver Back Cuda]

Onion Rings as Bait!
Jayne - right on - otflmbo!

[Mark]

Brooks Robinson
I really liked your picture of the Norman Rockwell “Thanks Brooks”. Brooks is a great person and ballplayer. Brooks was ambidextrous and did most things left handed; oh, except when it came to baseball where he threw and batted right-handed. By the way…you travel in a 34” Motor Home?!? Thanks for the great photo and fond memory of Brooks. Regards, Mark

[Silver Back Cuda]

Brooks
Thanks for the comment, Mark. Glad you found the blog. Yes, we travel in a 34' motorhome. It's been lots of fun! Many interesting places.