Today we headed over to the Gulf coast of Florida for a day at Clearwater Beach. It’s a fabulous, very long, white sand beach, on a barrier island linked by bridges and road bridges to the mainland. Quite a long way offshore from the mainland. The trip takes about 2 hours from Orlando by road.

We set off about 815 and we were there by 1015. Parking was easy right behind the beach – about $3 per hour. We were in the mid section quite near Pier 60 and in front of the Wyndham Hotel. There were loungers and umbrellas to rent. 2 loungers and an umbrella was $35 for the day. Not cheap. If you were coming for several days, it would be better to buy your own at Walmart.

We pegged out in the sun with our books. The sand was like talcum powder. It was quite busy down there. Busier as the day went on. The sea was really cold. I went in a few times but it was icy. Only for the brave.

We got a hot dog and chips for lunch and got attacked by seagulls who stole some of our chips!!! What a todo! We beat them off. Horrible things. We couldnt hold the food openly and had to eat it out of a bag,kept shut.

Had walks across the beach quite a long way. There are some amazing homes towards the north end.

I hadnt been to Clearwater Beach since 1980ish when I visited with my parents. We were staying in a hotel one road back from the beach so to give you an idea of the layout, there was the beach, the beachfront hotels, quite a busy road, then the grounds of our hotel and our hotel. Anyway, we had no clue how the weather could be in the autumn, and we’d heard there might be a hurricane in the gulf but it would miss us, so we went to bed and didn’t worry. When we woke up, there had been a storm surge, and the sea was right up to our hotel and about a foot deep over the terraces. We had all to be evacuated back to the mainland over the only bridge that was still open. It was quite an experience.

Set off back about 415 and made good enough time that we went to The American Social restaurant/bar and got there for Happy Hour which went on till 7. It was a very lively atmosphere but well spaced out. They had a special menu of drinks and food for Happy Hour which was very good value. We had margaritas which were only $5 and Stuart, Bob and i had fresh oysters on ice which were $10. I had a mini chicken quesadilla for $3 and a special cheeseburger for $6. They were all small plates but just the right size really and very tasty and great value. All the food was very good and we’d certainly go back again.

Picked up our tickets from the concierge for an outing tomorrow. We are going on an airboat ride through the swamps!!!!