Stripes On Tour (Mar 2002) - 13.Goodbye,Clearwater

[SpottyDog]

Stripes On Tour

Previously on Spotty’s holiday ……

1.The night before

2.The Journey

3.Me first full day

4.There’d better not be any queues

5.We've time fer a coffee

6.Yesterday, we went to EPCOT

7.MGM

8.Wet n Wild and Bomas

9.Kennedy

10.Chef Mickey’s;Gatorland;Boggy Creek Airboats;Disney Quest

11.Clearwater Beach via Busch Gardens

12.Clearwater; A Dolphin Encounter

13. Goodbye, Clearwater

Sun up 6.30am, and we’re back on our balcony for the last time. We’ve only been here for 36 hours and I’m gonna miss it.

As I sit here talking to you, it’s hard not to gaze out over the bay just in case a dolphin goes by – everyone else’s seen one!
When we went to watch the sunset on the beach last night, Julie wouldn’t budge
(a) coz it would be dead borin
and (b) coz Buffy was on and it was her favourite episode EVER (they all are).
So there she was lyin on the bed watchin telly and this dolphin just swims up the inlet right outside our bedroom winder – she was a bit excited when we got back.

Me, V and the Boy had walked along the beach to Pier 60 and soaked in the atmosphere – the boy was well impressed and wished he’d stayed home to watch Buffy and annoy his sister. We walked up and down the pier and browsed the sidewalk traders – very hippyish in content – and settled down at the beachside to watch this world-famous sunset. It was nice but not as ‘memorable’ as I expected, but I probably expect too much. I was surprised it didn’t go dark once the sun disappeared over the horizon – think I was expectin an eclipse effect. Still, it was nice and a pleasant way to spend an hour or so.

Back to the hotel, we let the kids go in the pool for an hour so I could get some IceHouse practice in. Then the family golf tournament took place at Captain Bligh’s. V and the kids love crazy golf but I hate the tedium of waitin for yer shot- it took 1 ½ hours!
I didn’t record the winner so it mustn’t have been me.

It was just gone 10 when we finished the course and we weren’t that hungry. Those subs at lunchtime were very fillin. We got Gaz a cheeseburger, coz he can always eat, and went back to the room.

We savoured the night sky view one last time. There are much cheaper billets here but a hotel on the beach; with a corner sea view were a priority for V. I’m glad they were.

It’s the last stages of dawn as we sit here this morning and I’m watchin a small cruiser put out to sea.

Peaceful – that’s the word.

Time to go rouse the rabble, pack the car and set off back to Busch.
Astrid’s due to arrive at ASMu around the same time as we’ll get back tonight so you should get a joint report in the morning.

I think I’ll just sit here awhile and absorb the view and peace for a few minutes more.

Goodbye Clearwater, I’m glad we came.

 

[Astrid]

Crazy golf, dolphins, sunsets and (more!) beer, Clearwater is obviously the place to visit, it certainly appeals to me.

Thanks for your reports from here, it's lovely to read about somewhere so different.

Oh dear, can see I'll have to get a shift on with my reports or you'll start over taking me now!

Astrid x

 

[mike230652]

Blimey, dave ...you're getting more chilled by the day mate!! more chilled in fact than a chilled man in a deep freeze.

And don't forget I know what your initial reaction was when V insisted on a few days in Clearwater...I trust you were man enough to tell her just what a brilliant idea it was!!


mike

 

[Scotfan]

This certainly brings back memories, we were there a fortnight before you and got the ferry from Honey moon Island to Caladesi Island where we sat on the beach watching the Dolphins swim past, south in the morning, obviously feeding, jumping and playing, and in the pm going leisurely north. It was all I could do to stop Jamie swimming out to join them!
We saw some stunning sunsets, although we had to go to the beach to see them, no luxury of a sea view room for us.
The break away from the frenzy is great.

 

[WDWfan uk]

....... the last report was quite short so I came back strightaway for more
I think those sunsets vary - depends if there's a haze!
Looking forward to the Busch report!
So glad you enjoyed Clearwater

 

[Carol Ann UK]

Nice to see some more reports Mr Spotty!

I am one of those guilty of not replying to every trip report when I have read one, but that is not to say that they are very much appreciated.

Carol

 

[squitty]

Another great day... Sounds really nice thanks for sharing

 

[keith&carol]

I'm enjoying your trip reports so much again Dave!
Glad you liked Clearwater. We love the West Coast and go there a lot now.
The best sunsets are when there is a veil of cloud around, just thin stuff. You wait until the sun has gone down and then it seems to bounce the vivid red colours all over the sky. My little piece of Heaven. Off now to read more,
Love,
Carol

 

[AlisonB]

Another great day Dave!

Looking forward to the next day of your trip reports - they're so entertaining!

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for the wonderful report - luv reading them!!!