December 14, Day 184 – In Clearwater

We woke up early this morning as we were going with Dan (of Biddi and the Beast) to Enterprise to pick up a rental car. He was returning his, so we rode over with him; then he rode back with us. Worked out well.

Back at the marina we met up with Jana and Michael for breakfast at the marina café. Once again, great food for a great price.

After breakfast we all headed out for our Segway tour. We had taken the Segway tour in Chicago and had been trying to talk the crews of Second Star and Emotion III into going on one with us. Unfortunately Emotion III is not with us right now, but the crew of Second Star decided they’d like to give it a try. We took the “extended tour” which lasted 2 ½ hours. It was great fun and we certainly covered a lot of territory. We went over both the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge (the bridge we crossed under when we arrived in Clearwater) and the Clearwater Pass Bridge which crosses the pass to the Gulf of Mexico. In addition we rode through some of the very ritzy neighborhoods in Clearwater, rode along the beachwalk and through Sand Key Park.

After the Segway tour we went shopping at various places (Office Depot, Sams, West Marine, etc.) We each had a few items we needed to pick up.

Back at the marina we watched the arrival of many boats, most of them loopers that had just made the Gulf crossing. They were all very exhausted, but exited to have made it. We went out to dinner with Michael and Jana and another looper couple, Rick and Betsy on Rick ‘n Roll. We’d seen them at several other places along the way.

Gerry ended the night fishing from the boat. He caught quite a few fish, but released them all; then it was off to bed. It had been a busy, but fun day with perfect weather – low 80’s and sunny. Life is good!

Segways down the road

Michael, Jana, Gerry and Linda on the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge. Notice Linda's Segway is decorated for Christmas

Another Causeway picture

Down the bridge ramp comes Gerry

.... and down comes Linda

One of the homes in the very ritzy neighborhood. The tour guide said living in this area came from "old money"

Looking out at the Gulf of Mexico from the Clearwater Pass Bridge

Another view looking out at the Gulf

Here we are at the top of the bridge

A view from the fishing pier

and another view from the pier

We rode past Hulk Hogan's house

Here we are taking a break on the beachwalk

Gerry and his nightfishing catch

Click here to see us having fun on our Segways