DAY 147: THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020: TOOTLING AROUND BRADENTON AND PALMETTO LOOKING AT. SITES TO VISIT WITH JUDY AND MICHAEL

Running around the resort was great. It was warm, but a strong breeze helped. The restrooms here are great, but there aren't many completed ones yet. 

We began the day at Popi's with a great breakfast. The waitress was very sweet and attentive. The omellettes were delicious. From there were started on the list of stores and sites listed in our Tides Resort folder. First stop was the Farmer's Market next door to the restaurant. We found the freshest organic veggies we have seen in a long time. 

PERFECT VEGETABLES FOR GRILLIMG WHEN JUDY AND MICHAEL ARRIVE

From here we found Detwilers Farm Market.  It was larger but similar to Trader Joes or Whole Foods. 

We found some great fresh meats and cheeses. The bacon was called Corn Cob :

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I fried it tonight. It is differently delicious but I have no idea why it's  called that. It is a thick cut bacon with a smokey flavor. 

We went to Walmart to see where it was and pick up regular things like peanut butter and ground coffee. We will save the Coconut Bay Trading Company for another day. Enough of food stores. At least we shopped after we ate. 

We headed to the Bay and found Paddle Pug SUP and Kayak Rental. It is in the Robinson Preserve, the opposite side of the ocean so it is calm. The ocean side was wild. Rough waves and strong winds had boats bouncing all over the Bay.If Judy and I choose to do this, we have to reserve on Sunday for a Monday use. 

TAMPA BAY

TAMPA BAY

Next was the Robinson Preserve in Manatee County. It has many shortband long long walking paths and a fitness loop that is two miles. Does that sound like Judy and me?

I watched someone launch a kayak. Looks like a beautiful place to row! But, you have to bring your own kayak.

The Botanical Park was our next stop. It looked beautiful. 

GORGEOUS BLOSSOM

On the way back to the resort we checked out a few restaurants to possibly take Michael for his birthday.

Great menu — We heard the service is slow, but who cares. Food is suppose to be good. Although, I asked the waitess if they had steak just in case someone didn't want sea food. She said no! I looked online and found their menu. There was steak on it. Oh well!!

Tom stopped at Ace Hardware. It turns out it was attached to a gift shop. Pretty neat.  I did finally find clothes to properly clean my stainless steel refrigerator. 

AT ACE, MORE THAN HARDWARE......


GREAT SPOT.... FRIENDLY FOLKS

An item from the store:

A COOL PLAQUE FOR OUR FRIEND RAY: HIS BOAT HAS THE NAME LITTLE NECK

We returned to the resort and I asked Lindsay in the office for dinner requests. She said Woodys River Roo and Anna Maria Oyster Bar would better choices than the Sea Hut but any of those places has good choices. 

Tom washed the Rv and I did the laundry when we returned at 4:45 from a day of exploring! 

It has been quite a day.  A great day.

We made dinner plans with Anna and Greg from MYC for tomorrow night. They will come to the Tides. 

We checked in with Bill and Jann about plans and reservations for after the Alaska trip. Jann has been amazing creating spread sheets for the journey. We can't thank Bill and Jann enough.

A quick check in with Joan. We are happy they got out to the sandbar. What a great place to swim. 

Now it's time to sleep: 10:31. Yikes!