Tornado Watch

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After a massive breakfast at the attached restaurant, we checked out of the nondescript Best Western, pleased that we weren't charged extra when I admitted that CJ had 'posted' the 2nd door card between the airconditioning louvres.
We drove along the coast up to St. Pete's Beach, which sits at the bottom of a chain of islands roughly half-way up Florida's West Coast near Tampa. The beach sand was amazing - almost like bleached flour. I needn't have worried too much about the motel I booked in advance. It was divided into 2 rooms (always a bonus!) and was clean, if a little tired, on a main highway in Clearwater.
The whole area reminded me a lot of Perth, with its water and causeways and laid-back atmosphere. We played minigolf on the first day and found a fantastic seafood restaurant on the waterfront that really catered well to kids (so good we lunched there both days!). The next day we had a look at St Petersburg's Pier and then I took the opportunity to do some much-needed laundry.
On our last night, there were tornado warnings on the TV for our area. It was pretty windy, but my optomistic/cynical side said 'no worries, mate!'. The next morning we found out that two big tornados hit an area about 30 minutes drive north of us and at current count, 19 people are dead.
We decided to do a hard day of driving to see how far North we could get, thinking maybe we could get just over the Florida/Georgia border before retiring. As I type, it's 4.45pm and we got as far as Perry, GA, just south of Macon (a lot further than anticipated). It's considerably colder up here, but the motel rates are considerably cheaper too (phew!). Mind you, the motel we're in proudly advertised their free wireless internet and heated pool, but when Nic asked why he couldn't get it to work they said it had an 'intermittent problem'. Oh, and the heater in the pool is broken. Never mind - it's quiet, clean and comfy, and CJ has his own bed. That's all I can ask.

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Photos

Turtle on the Pier
St. Petersburg

Shells restaurant
Clearwater

Comments

[M,C,H+S]

Sooo jealous!
Hey you guys - looks like you are having a fantastic time - you all look so relaxed and Happy - hey Nic, not sure about that tattoo though!!! Hannah is sooo jealous of the picture with McQueen - we are STILL watching the movie EVERY day!!! She has been really poorly with a chest infection, but getting better slowly. Bet you don't miss the uk weather one bit! Love to you all - keep writing Claire x

[Margot]

Brilliant Blog
Hi darlings! Glad to hear you didn't have to report being in a hurricane. There was a bit of consernation here, believe me. But I knew you'd be OK - I have enormous confidence in you. It's great to keep up with your adventures. You must be enjoying so much water and great scenery. Can't wait to see you. Keep up the commentary - it's a brilliant read and the photos make us feel we're travelling with you. Much love, Aunt Maggiebelle. xxxxx