Poor Gecko

Went to open the patio doors only to see a lizard had got trapped between the door and it's runner. Poked it to discover it was already dead and really struck and I hate anything like that when it comes to animals. Got the tool box out and with some pliers tried to dislodge it but it's tail come off and that was it for me, I couldn't touch it again so Sally had to remove it. Once the poor little thing was dislodged I sucked it up the hoover.

Spent the rest of the day chilling at home and around the pool, spoke to my mum on FaceTime which was good. Also got an email from Hansa my agent and she is coming to see the condo tomorrow and to let me know if it's good to rent.

Indoors for a nice home cooked meal and a well earned beer.  

Back Home

On returning home we had a couple of chill/admin days where phone calls and meetings with Hansa took place. Rental all set up now, she just needs to find me a great tenant. Washing machine taken away for repair and is being brought back this Thursday. 

Had a lovely walk round the lakes at Celebration but this time only saw one alligator but lots of wild birds. Camera in hand I got some lovely photos of a heron inflight.

Took a day out to coco bench and the weather was great, the sea was a bit rough with waves crushing in, we just loved it. Down side to the day is I fell over, not just a slip but a full frontal assault onto the tarmac. Jumped up full of embarrassment not realising that I had hurt my knee, foot and arm, limped back to the beach to tell my tale and as I expected very little sympathy. The next day my foot was still sore so we didn't go too far as I was struggling to walk, hope it's a quick recovery as Disney is waiting for me.

Spent a day at the pool and tested my gopro camera, it works well and I can't wait to use it in open water. While at the pool I watched while a insect was being eaten alive by ants and wasn't happy watching this. I managed to clear the ants from the insect and place it on a sun lounger to see if it would live or die. While a watched a bloody gecko came out of the bushes and had it for his lunch, so much for nature..........
Went to the malls to pick up some gifts for the family and off course I couldn't resist a new pair of trainers and tee shirt, I think I have brought a whole new wardrobe.

Coco Beach

Decided that our last day should be spent at the beach and our favourite beach is Coco Beach. Up early and we were there at 10.30, parked the car and had some breakfast at McDonalds. 

The beach was already packed but it's so wide that it can cater for thousands and still you can have your own space. The waves were bigger and more powerful than last time and we had some great fun in them. It was hot again but was sensible and applied lots of lotion as we have a long flight tomorrow.

Brought a few bits from the shops before heading home to start the packing and would you believe it we can't fit it all in our two bags. Going off tomorrow to buy a bigger bag so our smaller bag fits inside it and we can then hopefully fit the rest of our kit in to it, if not I will have to pay for an extra bag.........is it worth it?

Exotic Car Festival

Headed down to Celebration's for there Exotic Car Festival, not really sure what to expect. It was packed with people and lots of really beautiful cars. There was top of the range sports cars, vintage cars, very high priced luxury cars and bikes from Orange County Choppers. The Dad from the TV show was there and I got my photo taken with him, he was a real sport as he spent hours in the sun having his photo taken. 

On a stage there was the Star Wars characters having their photos taken with people for $10 which went to Make a Wish charity. 

Was there all day and it was a real hot day but worth it.

Rented a DVD for the evening, not the best film but it past a couple of hours.

Tarpon Springs

Interesting day, finally got washing machine back so we can now wash some clothes, especially pants. And guess what it still has a small leak but we think it's the water pressure spraying up and over the drum, time will tell.

Off to Tarpon Springs which is north of Tampa and about 100 miles from here. It's a sponge fishing village and it's main population is Greek due to the fishermen all coming over when the sponge beds were discovered. It's a quint little place and it does feel like your walking down a street of a Grecian village. Heading off to Sunset Beach where we relaxed for a couple of hours before the drive home.

Disney Animal Kingdom

Well we woke to the rain again even through the forecast was good, anyway we headed to Disney. Glad we did as the day turned out good, the weather was fine and the park was good. It's divided up into parts of the world, Asia, Africa, Dinoland USA and Discovery Island, my favourite was Asia as it brought back lots of memories to my past travels. In true Disney style the sets were 100% accurate to the real places. Sally did the rides and I watched but I did go on the rapids ride and yes I got soaked. Met all the Disney characters as we walked round and had a very expensive but nice coffee. The African safari was good with wild animals in large area, nearly as good as their natural habitat. Disney do a lot of research here for the conservation of endangered animals with a breeding programme. 

My favourite bit was "it's tough to be a bug" show, with 3D glasses the show comes alive, really good.

Came home for hotdogs, beer and key lime pie, living the American dream.

Crystal River

Reached Crystal River around lunch time so we went of exploring the river, when at a little harbour area 2 manatee's gracefully glided past us. I was amazed as for many years I had been coming here and never seen any. Drove round to the coast area for a nice walk, a few more harbours and a nice little area of the river where people swim and relax, Hunters Spring.

Checking into a hotel for the night and the receptionist said about eating in a place called Cody's. We took her advice and I had a great steak there, while you are waiting they bring you a bucket of monkey nuts so everywhere in the restaurant is covered with nut shells. 

The next day we drove around the same places hoping to spot some more manatee's. Parked up in Hunters Spring and two young girls were in the water playing when a manatee swam right up to them. I was amazed and we just watched this huge creature just sitting there in the water. It wasn't long before I was changed and in the water with this lovely creature. I had dreamt this moment for years and now I was in the water with one. Sally soon joined me and for a good hour we just watched and took photos, our fun was cut short by a jobs worth tour guy with a boat full of kids looking for the manatees. He said we shouldn't be swimming so close to them, shouldn't duck dive to take photos, shouldn't this and shouldn't do this. Anyway the 2 little girls mum went mad at him for shouting at her daughters and then a shouting match started and when yanks get going they don't stop. We slowly slid out of the water and waited until the group had left the area, but sadly so had the manatee. We stayed in the park and got some sun then went to the shops to grab some bits for a picnic back at the park. Some more manatees were spotted so we went to look but the water was very murky but could make out it was a mother and her calf, amazing. Spent the rest of the day there just chilling and watching these amazing gentle creatures.

Very tired and hot we started the last 80 miles home. Sad the trip was over but it's always nice to be home in your own bed.