Clearwater, Florida for a local; Florida photos of fun, sun and surf
The white, sandy stretches of Clearwater's beach are beautiful day or night. All around the "island" you'll find sand and surf, and views as far as the eye can see - or maybe back across the bay and the "Mainland". Photo by Rori Paul.
This evening we had dinner (at the Marriott World Center’s Makado) with a father and his two daughters. Locals from Clearwater, it was enjoyable chatting with them, learning about his work with the roads and bridges around Clearwater, and finding out that like the Chicago locals (where we come from originally) when you live somewhere you rarely do the things tourists do.
Too often we overlook our own backyards. In general, when I write Rori Travels Florida, I’m writing to those of you who’ll be traveling to Florida, are considering a vacation, or perhaps have bee here and just want to remember this beautiful state.
And while I love writing to people who’re just visiting, I also want to reach out to the locals, people from all over the state, to encourage you to try out what’s around you.
Boating is a huge part of life on and around Clearwater. Many own boats, but for those who do not, you can rent or grab a charter. You can also take a range of boating options... Photo by Rori Paul.
Ok, around Florida most locals have a favorite place they’ll escape to. Often those in Orlando dive over to either coast or in Miami the Florida Keys are a getaway, but don’t forget your own backyard.
Anyway… this very nice man told me he didn’t experience Clearwater all that much… so for him, for all those who live in Clearwater, for everyone in Florida, and for all of you out-of-staters, here’s some photos of Clearwater, Florida, one of our favorite (of many) places in Florida…
...boating options such as Captain Memo's Pirate Ship. Fun for kids of all ages, spot dolphins and sea turtles or look for booty as you cruise past the shore. Photo Rori Paul.
Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship was a favorite when my brother & I “discovered” it back 20 or so years ago. I was thrilled to find this rowdy bunch of roagues still sailing the high seas of Clearwater.
Who doesn't think sand, surf and palm trees when picturing Florida? They're all here in Clearwater, with just enough shade to make it nice, but plenty of sun for that tan... (please be careful of our Florida sun!). Photo copyright Rori Paul.
Who doesn’t want a photo of a Florida palm tree in the sand. Almost as exciting to see as the water itself, I always know I’m on the beach and by the shore when I spot my first palm tree of any coastal visit. Clearwater (and so much of Florida) offers plenty posing for a photo.
In the midwest we had snow plows moving our powder around. Here in Florida the powder is still white, but a little different... and they still need plows to move it around. Photo by Rori Paul.
Back home in Illinois we were used to watching plows going at the snow all winter long, but here in Clearwater is a whole new ballgame with the white powder of Florida.
As people gather to catch the world famous sunsets, they'll spend some time looking for seashells... walking along the sand, play and grab a few photos... Photo by Rori Paul.
A favorite pass-time of most anyone who comes to Florida (not to mention the locals) is looking for shells (shelling). While Clearwater doesn’t have as many as other parts of the state, you’re still going to fund something special to bring home. And its a fun way to spend a little time as you wait for the sun to set.
Because he Clearwater views, with that Gulf of Mexico backdrop and the sun dipping into the horizon makes for an awesome shot. Photo copyright Rori Paul.
Don’t miss taking a photo or two – bring your camera, have plenty of flash card space and battery life, because as the sun sets and the colors change, a Clearwater sunset is a spectacular show to behold.
Clearwater Marine Aquairum is nearby, home to Winter the Dolphin (movie star) and other marine residents who've been rescued and willl live out their lives here, educating people on their homes in the oceans and how we can help them. Photo by Rori Paul.
Another great place in Clearwater is our very special, Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Home of the star of the movie Dolphin Tale staring Morgan Freeman and Harry Connick Jr, Winter the Dolphin (on who’s life the movie is based) calls CMA home. She inspires people from around the globe to overcome their challenges and live a full, happy, productive life. She’s awfully cute too.
This sea turtle was rescued from certain death and brought to Clearwater Marine Aqurium. The goal is tro return those that can to the wild, and those that can't will find homes forever... Photo by Rori Paul.
The Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic are home to sea turtles. Too many are hurt by boaters not paying attention, fishing lines left in the water, and cold stress. CMA and other Florida bodies work together to rescue and rehabilitate as many as they can. Those that cannot return to the wild will find forever homes on land. (Marine Mammal Conservancy)
the sun is setting now... everyone is waiting. The show has begun. The colors get richer and deeper... photo by Rori Paul.
As the sun sets deeper, the crowds are gathering along the shore. Photos are being taken, shells found and sunset peeping is occurring. A Clearwater evening is underway.
And a pirate ship journies into the sunset... another day in the books... tomorrow a promise away... another sunset readying to go... Clearwater, Florida. Photo copyright Rori Paul.
And in the distance a single pirate ship chases the day over the horizon. Another day settles into night and Clearwater readies for a beautiful tomorrow…
