Weeks ago I started tracking the weather for all the places I planned to stop on my trip and although the forecast for Sarasota looked a bit on the dismal side, I nonetheless held out a bit of hope that by the time I got here, the forecast might have improved. But, alas, it rained through the night and well into the morning continuing overcast throughout the day. The perfect day to finally get into The Cellist of Sarajevo and since I had purchased groceries last night, I had no need to go out until supper time.
By 3:30 the rain had stopped completely and things had dried up a bit so I headed out to some of the shops near my motel. Then, I hopped on the trolley to get to the village. The trolley is really great. It is totally free (no tipping) and it had its plastic windows rolled down to keep the cold wind out. Because of the windows, I wasn’t able to get any good photos but coming back later, I got a ride back with the Frog Hopper. It too is free but you tip the driver. It had no windows and it bounced around a lot and went way faster than the trolley. Did get a few good pictures of interesting buildings.
Met some people I chatted with. One was from Michigan and came down on business but is staying on a week longer. He had lost his wallet the night before on the trolley and was trying to get it. A couple of ladies asked about the trolley and were going to try to make it to the next stop before it came. They were only about 16 yards away when I saw it coming so I called after them and they hurried back.
The Village is pretty neat — lots of shops and restaurants, some window fast food places and ice cream shops. Lots to see, lots of people milling about, and everyone’s friendly. I was able to get a nice beach sweater and I had a philly cheese steak sandwich at an outdoor restaurant there. They all had huge heaters on their patios because it was such a cool day. (17°C)
Tomorrow I switch motels — just to another one on the same road — but I can still use the pool and beach after checkout here as long as they know and give me a new parking permit because checkout is 10 a.m. and checking is 3 p.m. but it’s supposed to by sunny so I’ll check out the bird sanctuary and then get my Gulf swim in.
Once again, two weather photos for today — morning and late afternoon.
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- Weather Sarasota a.m.
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- Weather Sarasota p.m.
Cheers from Sarasota!
On The Road with Ms. M. 