Phillies Spring Training - Day 7

We got an early start today with breakfast at Lenny's about 8:30 am. We tried to eat here twice before: the first time it was closed - we didn't realize it is only a breakfast/lunch restaurant, and the second time the crowd waiting outside was too large. This time, we got right in and had a great breakfast. We skipped the scrapple and eggs however. The restaurant is kind of a magnet for Phillies fans and there is Phillies memorabilia throughout the interior.

Lenny's Restaurant

We then headed for Caladesi Island for some beach time. The island is a few miles north of Clearwater and is only accessible by ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park. The island is another of the gulf coast barrier islands and has about 4 miles of white sandy beaches, picnic areas, a nature trail, kyak rentals,and some of the best shells to be found along the coast. A state park concessionere, the "Caladesi Connection" operates the ferry boats back and forth to the island. It is about a 20 minute ride and visitors can only stay on the island for 4 hours. The island is part of Honeymoon Island State Park and is marked by low-lying mangrove vegetation, palm trees, clear blue water and one of the best beaches in the area. The island has been maintained mostly in its native state and although carefully preserved by the state park system, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the island and it's available recreation opportunities.

After arriving at 10:30 am, we changed into our bathing suits, rented beach chairs and a umbrella (a wise investment) and relaxed on the beach. While walking along the beach we also found a lot of interesting shells, many more than we have ever found along a Pacific coast beach. We splashed in the water awhile and much too soon had to return on the ferry when our 4 hours were up at 2:30 pm.

Caladesi Island

We returned to the hotel for awhile, then headed for Clearwater Beach for an early dinner at the Palm Pavillion Beachside Grill. We had dinner there earlier in the week and wanted to return for some of their shrimp and crab chowder. We had a great meal under clear skies, temperatures in the high 70s, and a gentle ocean breeze. We had nachos for an appetizer then chowder (It was as good as we remembered for our last visit). Judy also had a salad and Pat had a pina coloda. It was a great way to end our visit to the beach and the Clearwater area.

Palm Pavillion Beachside Grill

After dinner, we returned to the hotel, did a last load of laundry, and began packing for the trip home. Our flight leaves from Tampa at 2:50 pm and will land in Sacramento about 7:15 pm tommorow night. It was a memorable vacation.

Phillies Spring Training - Day 6

We went to the 4th game of our Spring Training Trip today. The Phillies played the Boston Red Sox, another good team in the American League. Roy Halladay, the top Phillies pitcher, was pitching against John Lester one of the best Red Sox pitchers.

It was another record crowd again, under clear and sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80's

Our routine for each game has been to arrive at the game when the gates open at 10:30am, walk around, watch batting practice and have a leisurely ballpark breakfast/lunch before the lines get too long. Today was no exception. We watched the Phillies batting practice then had hot dogs and lemonade for an early lunch

It was interesting to see the players up close as well as see team officials, Phillies announcers, former players (John Kruk), and players from the Red Sox who knew each other spend time chatting around the batting cage. We also saw Chase Utley (a Phillies player who is injured and cannot run very well at the moment) take batting practice.

Our seats were in the same area as yesterday where fans from the visiting team are usually found. A lot of people, especially kids, congreate in this area prior to the game, asking for autographs. We have seen most players from all teams being very willing to autograph baseballs, hats, etc. and often throw balls into the stands and give them to kids prior to the game.

Pre-Game

As expected, the game was a pitchers duell; the Phillies didn't get a hit until the 6th inning (Roy Halladay got the first one). The Phillies had a rally later in the game and won 4-1. It was a nice way to end our last spring training game. Tomorrow is a beach day - we return home on Wednesday night

The Game

After resting back at the hotel, we decided to try a Greek restaurant in Clearwater. The food was excellent (we ate way too much) and the restaurant was very nice. All the waiters and waitresses, as well as many of the customers in the restaurant, appeared to be Greek. Apparently there is a substantial Greek community in the Tampa bay area possibly based on the local fishing and similarity to the climate in Greece.

Greek Dinner