It’s been pretty cold here in the Tampa area the last few days.  Not cold by Minnesota standards, but cold by Florida standards.

For the senior rate of $2.50 each we can ride the Suncoast Trolley and any connections to it all day long. This is not a narrated tour trolley, but rather transportation along the coast by Tampa. Since it was so cold we thought this would be a good way to explore.  We began our ride at Clearwater and went south from there along the Gulf of Mexico.

Suncoast Trolley

Clearwater Beach has a huge white sandy beach with lifeguards on duty all year round. The red flag was flying which means it’s not a good day to be in the water…and the beaches were empty of people. It was windy and cold and the water was pretty choppy.  Needless to say, we didn’t stay long, just a quick picture and off we go to wait for the next trolley to pick us up.

Clearwater Beach

We had thought the ride along the coast would be scenic, but the ride took us through usual city developed areas with very few peeks at the Gulf of Mexico. At St. Pete Beach we changed over to the Central Avenue Trolley and rode that East to historic downtown St. Petersberg. We did not explore the town this time, but instead went to have a look at the historic St. Petersberg Pier.

St. Petersberg Pier

The Pier, a focal point for tourism, closed last year due to structural difficulties.  Plans are to replace it soon. For now pedestrian traffic is allowed and we walked out to the “inverted pyramid” that used to be shops and restaurants.

Our friends, Linda and Larry, have generously allowed us to park in their drive for a while, so we will be there for the next few days.

Home Sweet Home

When the water gets cold the manatee like to come to the power plant to enjoy the warm water it dispenses. Over the years tourists have discovered this and go there to see them. So the four of us went to have a look. But no manatee when we were there. There were people fishing, and we saw a few birds, and enjoyed the beautiful view, but that’s it.

Fishing Pier

• Gasoline Expense:  none
• Lodging Expense:   none