Tarpon Lodge

Welcome to Tarpon Lodge, Pine Island!

During this time of COVID 19, we've been going to local places that we've missed experiencing.  Today we drove over to Pine Island to have lunch at the lovely Tarpon Lodge.  We felt very safe in the screened porch area and admired the pretty surroundings.  The food was yummy, especially the Shrimp Poorboy and Key Lime Pie. 

It has been extremely hot here in Florida.  Today the temperature topped out at 95 degrees with high humidity.  This trip was a great diversion and a fun time!

Joanne is looking forward to lunch

Grounds around the Lodge

Linger Lodge

Beautiful Braden River is view from porch

We have time to LINGER now since we are still being very careful with the COVID virus, which is so active in our area.  So, today was the day to discover Linger Lodge, a unique "Old Florida" restaurant on the banks of the Braden River in Bradenton.

We enjoyed lunch from the screened in porch in the back of the building

Our friends, Marilyn & John, treated us to lunch (payback for Sunday Brunch).  Today they whisked us in their car for a ride about 1-1/2 hours north on I-75 to the town of Bradenton.  Destination was Linger Lodge.  Preserved native Florida animals adorn the walls and there are Old Florida favorites on the menu, e.g., Alligator Bites, Fried Green Tomatoes, Smoked Meats, etc.  The place is located next to an RV Campground that is currently under renovation.  It reminded me of a cabin decor that was very inviting on a hot summer day.

We had a delicious lunch of pork barbeque, yummy catfish with lots of fun conversation about a variety of topics.  Check out some pictures below.

Foxy patriotic mask adorn the animal specimens and make for fine viewing

Delicious pork sliders and catfish 

Posing with the alligator

Pork slider bits and yummy sweet potato fries were enjoyed by our buddies

Location on map off of I-75 north 

Checking out Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, FL

Siesta Key, voted the #1 beach a few years ago, is in Sarasota about a one-hour drive north.  Yesterday we decided it was about time to try it.  Beautiful white sand, clear water and not too many there at 8:15 a.m. when we arrived.  We left at 11:15 a.m. when people started to stream in.  We are trying to stay safely distant during this Pandemic.

Not too crowded yet!

8:30 AM and Richard is ready to swim

Almost time to leave!

 

Discovering Barefoot Beach

Pretty sand with lots of shells
bordered by mangroves

Today we discovered Beautiful Barefoot Beach located in Bonita Springs, an easy one-hour drive south.  We were treated to an AMAZING dolphin who was catching large fish by chasing them to the edge of the beach.  She/he would throw the fish up in the air and catch it in its mouth.  So fun to watch!

Amazing dolphin chases large fish to shore

Dolphin SPLASH after it got fish - Quick!

Beautiful Beach - no crowds!

Webb Lake Ride

This morning we hauled our bikes to Webb Lake for a leisurely  ten mile ride along Webb Lake with Michele and Marcia. More than few bikers and fishermen were out to enjoy a partly cloudy morning.  https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/babcockwebb/

Marcia and Michele

Richard & Joanne

Cruise to Marina Jacks

Cruise to Marina Jacks with Blue Goose

Offshore - Leaving Boca Grande Phosphate Docks Behind
Passing Sharkies Pier and  Beach in Venice

Marina Jacks in Sarasota 

Lickity Split and Blue Goose on D Dock

Joanne & Richard at Bayfront Park

Lonely Bike and Bird at Bayfront Park

Sarasota Social Distancing Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo in Punta Gorda Unique Mailbox (sign of the time!)