Anna Maria Island, Sam's BD, and BIG FISH!

 

For one glorious week in October, we celebrated Sam's significant birthday at this wonderful spot. We walked along the beach, we lounged and admired the beach, we caught seafood. We barbecued seafood. We strolled through Sarasota's magnificent Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

On Birthday Eve, we took a chartered party van into downtown Tampa to dine at Bern's Steak House. This restaurant takes dining to a whole different level. The wine cellar alone has achieved world-wide recognition.

Selfie panoramic in the van (I tried)

 

Bernie's Steak House?           

Bern's has a separate and expansive dessert room.

It was an early rise for the fisherpeople on B Day. The five of us drove to the pier of Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters.

Fish Tales is a 40 foot luxury sport fishing boat. With an enclosed, air conditioned cabin powered by 900 HP of marine diesel engines. It is delightful on calm waters. The waters were calm - initially.

We went out two or three miles and the lines went out. Immediately, there were bites. We were catching them two at a time.

These fish were for bait! Now it was time to go out and catch the big ones!! Although there was little wind, things got a bit rough. They called it chop. We were hanging on for dear life. Only Aunt Erica and I did not get seasick. But we caught fish!

It was a wonderful day of fishing. That said, we were all happy to return to Terra Ferma. We made fine feathered friends while our wonderful crew cleaned and filleted our upcoming barbecue dinner.

Erica looks on as Rodney attempts to

walk to the sunset.