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 Day Off Adventure 7-24-2024

By Lance Roy



Well, now, let's see. It was one of those mornings where a fella could've sworn knew I could sleep in on my off listening the soft snores of my faithful companion, Yoda. The little Chihuahua, bless his heart, is more of an alarm clock than any of those infernal buzzing contraptions. A gentle nudge and a hopeful gaze for his morning walk, and there I was, upright and facing the day.

Breakfast was simple but satisfying: a piece of toast with strawberry preserves and a good, strong cup of coffee. The morning slipped by with a few household chores and a load of laundry that, frankly, couldn't be postponed any longer.


The last few days had brought the usual Florida spectacle of 15-minute afternoon downpours and the occasional five-minute evening shower, leaving the grass lush and green and the air filled with the scents of blooming flora, much to the chagrin of allergy sufferers. The sky wasn't completely clear, but the heavy clouds were putting on an art show of their own, and the temperature was hovering in the high 80s. Floridians have a name for such days: "Florida-Humidity-Tiddies" for the ladies and "Swamp-*ss" days for the men.


With my morning tasks behind me and a whole day off from work ahead, I decided it was time to head to Anna Maria Island. As a resident of Bradenton's Bayshore Gardens, I opted for the scenic route along beautiful Bayshore Drive, which turns into El Conquistador Parkway. The curvy lanes, lined with matching condos and oak trees draped in Spanish moss, eventually gave way to newer homes and tall palm trees that signaled I was nearing paradise. Traffic was light, a pleasant surprise compared to the usual weekend or holiday rush, as I turned onto Cortez Road and headed west, passing bicyclists and e-scooters along the way.


Crossing over Sarasota Bay on the Cortez Bridge, I watched the rippled water below, dotted with fishing boats, family pontoons, and tourist dolphin-watching tours. The sight always has a magical effect, washing away my worries and clearing my mind. I hadn't strolled the shops and sights along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach for a while, so I decided that would be my destination for the afternoon.


I parked along the beach multi-use trail, a short walk from the shops, which gave me a chance to add some steps to my day. An iced coffee from Back Alley Treasures & Coffee Bar in hand, I set off on my journey. I browsed the shops, looking for a vintage nautical map for my condo, and eventually found myself under the famous clock gazebo. From there, I admired the still water of the bay, the boats anchored in the distance, and the Sarasota skyline on the horizon.


Continuing my walk, I passed guests at the AMI Oyster Bar enjoying stone crabs and lobsters, while fishermen cast their lines from the pier. Families relaxed on swings at the end of the pier, children laughing as their fathers tried their luck at fishing. On my way back, I couldn't help but chuckle at the quiet patrons of Drift Inn, all intently listening to the afternoon Bingo caller, each hoping to win enough to cover their bar tabs.


With the day winding down, I decided to drive north to the City of Anna Maria. Many visitors think a trip to Anna Maria is all about hauling chairs and umbrellas to the beach, only to end up sunburnt and covered in sand. But in my ten years as a Florida resident, I've found joy in midweek drives through the island's quieter neighborhoods, discovering new sights and sounds with the car windows down, the salty air filling the car. I had to laugh at myself—61 years old, cruising around listening to Pearl Jam and Metallica on Tampa Rock 98.


As the day came to an end, I headed back towards the Cortez Bridge, watching the sunburnt beachgoers, exhausted and ready for a nap, dragging their chairs and beach supplies. They'd soon be cleaning up for dinner, likely spending an hour deciding where to eat. And as I drove home, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment. It was just another simple day on the island, but it reminded me how good life is and how blessed I am to be surrounded by such beauty.

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