Summer 2013 Family Trip

 This was my ideal vacation...a beach, water, spending relaxing days with my boys.  I don't expect a trip like this very often, but it was simply wonderful.  The Clearwater beach just west of Tampa was amazing...warm water, clean & pristine beach area, not crowded (except on Memorial Day), shells (but no jellyfish), calm waters.  No wonder USA Today ranked it as Florida's #1 beach.

We took a few excursions, but otherwise just relaxed on the beach.  Our great friends took us to Florida's oldest restaurant - Cuban/Spanish - with amazing food.  There was a meeting close by on Wednesday & it was really special to meet new friends. 

The excursions included:  Tarpon Springs - a Greek town where they dive & harvest sponges, the Clearwater Marine Center - where we met Winter & other sea animals that have been rescued.