Anna Maria Island, FL

I can't say for sure what this is.

There's a pier at the north end of Anna Maria Island, where you can walk out to the bar at the end and enjoy a Landshark beer.

This was swimming around on one side.

Any guesses?

Lido Beach, FL

The north end of Lido Beach, which is located just past the yuppie kingdom of St Armand's Circle.

Far away from the parking and tourists, there are no lifeguards in this area. You can relax in the sun without being bothered.

And maybe see the occasional bit of nakedness.

Lido Beach, FL

Cruise ship on the horizon.

Legacy Trail, Sarasota, FL

Somewhere, south of Sarasota, an old railway line has been removed and turned into a trail. You can walk, bike, or blade all the way to Venice.

I made a six mile return trip. There's a rest spot every mile, but it was flippin' hot the day I went out.

Two weeks later, intensely hotter.

Lido Key, FL

Three days after taken possession of my house, and doing some intense removal of crap, I'm at Lido Beach, just off St Arman's Circle.

The weather was hot, and has become fucking hot since I got here. Sweet!

Smokey Mountains

I did a little sightseeing on the way to Florida, and I found myself going through Pigeon Forge, the home of Dollywood. Very commercial, and very slow. Couldn't wait to get through.

The road took me to the Smokey Mountain National Park, where, despite wind warnings, lots of fog and rain, I made it to the top. Then the long journey down. Although I entered the park in Kentucky, to my surprise I exited the park in North Carolina.

Next, on to Sunny Florida!