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.