We moved into the condo in Dunedin today. It is a one-bedroom unit with a full kitchen. It is right on the bay, but we don't have a water view from our balcony. There is a nice patio with two pools and a spa right on the water outside the building we are in, however. The furniture in the condo is sort of tropical in design - hard to describe, but "Gilligan's Island" is close.). It is not something we would ever have at home but O.K. for a resort setting. We are about a half mile north of town and 5 miles from the Phillies' stadium in Clearwater.
On the way over the causeway to Dunediin we stopped at a boat launch pull-out to take a a picture of a 24/7 bait, tackle, and Mexican food establishment. Apparently, it is a concession that meets the needs of the local fisherman. We decided not to try the shrimp tacos.
While waiting to check-in, we had lunch in downtown Dunedin. It is a neat little town, home to the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training ball park, There are a lot of Canadian snowbirds in town and many good restaurants and things to do.
Judy is feeling a little better today, but is taking it easy and resting this evening.
There is a game tomorrow with Houston and it is also Phillies alumni day. About 40 ex-players will be at the game signing autographs and mingling with the fans before the game.
Here are a few pictures of the fishing shack. Pictures of the condo and Dunedin to follow in the next few days.
Day 11 Pictures
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 10
As forecasted, it rained today. When we woke up this morning it was overcast and raining. Judy woke up this morning not feeling very good - lots of congestion, coughing and a sore throat, so we found an urgent care center in Clearwater and went there to get her checked out. Sure enough, a real doctor at the center diagnosed a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. After getting the medication at CVS/Pharmacy, we decided to go to Lenny's again, this time for lunch. As was our breakfast, the lunch was excellent, real Philadelphia food.
As the day progressed, the weather got worse. The rain was really coming down and the area was under a tornado warning. We didn't consider the game today could be played under these conditions and were not planning to attend anyway since Judy was sick. However, the weather began to clear after lunch as we were on the way back to the hotel. After arriving, I called the park and discovered the game had only been delayed and was scheduled to start at 2:30 pm. Judy was feeling pretty good, so I decided to drive back to the park while Judy rested at the hotel. I arrived there in the bottom of the 2nd inning and conditions were actually O.K. by then - 70 degrees and partly cloudy. The Phillies were playing the Yankees and played pretty well (3 home runs) and had the lead until 2nd string pitchers blew the lead in the 7th and 8th innings and ending up losing 4-3.
We are moving from the hotel to the condo in Dunedin tomorrow. We have had a good time here but are looking forward to the next phase of the adventure.
Day 10 Pictures
As the day progressed, the weather got worse. The rain was really coming down and the area was under a tornado warning. We didn't consider the game today could be played under these conditions and were not planning to attend anyway since Judy was sick. However, the weather began to clear after lunch as we were on the way back to the hotel. After arriving, I called the park and discovered the game had only been delayed and was scheduled to start at 2:30 pm. Judy was feeling pretty good, so I decided to drive back to the park while Judy rested at the hotel. I arrived there in the bottom of the 2nd inning and conditions were actually O.K. by then - 70 degrees and partly cloudy. The Phillies were playing the Yankees and played pretty well (3 home runs) and had the lead until 2nd string pitchers blew the lead in the 7th and 8th innings and ending up losing 4-3.
We are moving from the hotel to the condo in Dunedin tomorrow. We have had a good time here but are looking forward to the next phase of the adventure.
Day 10 Pictures
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 9
The game today was against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies' big rival in the National League's Eastern Division. Since yesterday's game was a night game and most of the regular Phillies players played, almost all of them were given this day off. Atlanta brought most of their regular players to the game so everyone expected Atlanta to win. Surprisingly, several non-roster pitchers trying to make the team held the Braves hitters to one run through 8 innings. Alas, in the 9th inning the Braves tied the game on an error. After the Phillies were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th inning, the game ended in a tie. In spring training, extra innings are seldom played and games are usually called after 9 innings if tied, unless each team agrees to keep playing.
Before the game today there was a very nice tribute to Jim Fregosi, a former manager of the Phillies in 1992-93 who died last month. He was also a long time scout and special assistant to the Atlanta Braves President. Since the Braves were playing here today, the Phillies organized a tribute to him. His family, including children and grandchildren were in attendance along with many friends, former teammates and associates. He spent over 50 years in professional baseball in many capacities including player, coach, manager, and scout. He was a true 'lifer" in baseball and will be missed. The link below describes more about him and the ceremony today.
The weather today started out partly sunny, slightly humid, 79 degrees and a 30% chance of showers. As the day progressed, it got more cloudy and the temperature dropped 10 degrees. There is a front coming through tomorrow and it looks like a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms. The Yankees will be here tomorrow, so a big crowd is expected. So, we'll see how the weather impacts the game.
Dinner tonight was at Hulk Hogan's again. The food was good and the restaurant not too crowded tonight.
Here are a few pictures from the game and the Fregosi tribute.
Day 9 Pictures
Jim Fregosi Tribute Article
Before the game today there was a very nice tribute to Jim Fregosi, a former manager of the Phillies in 1992-93 who died last month. He was also a long time scout and special assistant to the Atlanta Braves President. Since the Braves were playing here today, the Phillies organized a tribute to him. His family, including children and grandchildren were in attendance along with many friends, former teammates and associates. He spent over 50 years in professional baseball in many capacities including player, coach, manager, and scout. He was a true 'lifer" in baseball and will be missed. The link below describes more about him and the ceremony today.
The weather today started out partly sunny, slightly humid, 79 degrees and a 30% chance of showers. As the day progressed, it got more cloudy and the temperature dropped 10 degrees. There is a front coming through tomorrow and it looks like a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms. The Yankees will be here tomorrow, so a big crowd is expected. So, we'll see how the weather impacts the game.
Dinner tonight was at Hulk Hogan's again. The food was good and the restaurant not too crowded tonight.
Here are a few pictures from the game and the Fregosi tribute.
Day 9 Pictures
Jim Fregosi Tribute Article
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 8
The Phillies played a night game today, so we didn't do anything special this morning except hang around the hotel. I did some desk work and Judy relaxed and sat by the pool for a while. The weather was partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers that never materialized.
We left for the game about 4:30 pm. The traffic was heavy and after going to Dunedin to scout-out the best route from there to the ball park (after we move there on Friday), we arrived at the park about 5:30 pm. We ate dinner there (BBQ rib sandwiches), had complementary Bloody Mary's and watched our first spring training night game (against the Toronto Blue Jays). The weather was cool and breezy. It was 64 degrees throughout the game but it was also a little humid and it felt colder than it actually was.
The Phillies played most of their starters for the first part of the game against one of the best Toronto pitchers. They still don't look very impressive so far but had a lead into the middle innings when Phillies relief pitchers didn't do very well and gave up enough runs for the Blue Jays to win the game, 5-3. They play the Atlanta Braves tomorrow afternoon. The weather again calls for partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and a high of 76 degrees.
Here are a few pictures of the game and one of the Great Hot Dog Race - three guys in hot dog suits racing a young girl. Guess who won?
Day 8 - Pictures
We left for the game about 4:30 pm. The traffic was heavy and after going to Dunedin to scout-out the best route from there to the ball park (after we move there on Friday), we arrived at the park about 5:30 pm. We ate dinner there (BBQ rib sandwiches), had complementary Bloody Mary's and watched our first spring training night game (against the Toronto Blue Jays). The weather was cool and breezy. It was 64 degrees throughout the game but it was also a little humid and it felt colder than it actually was.
The Phillies played most of their starters for the first part of the game against one of the best Toronto pitchers. They still don't look very impressive so far but had a lead into the middle innings when Phillies relief pitchers didn't do very well and gave up enough runs for the Blue Jays to win the game, 5-3. They play the Atlanta Braves tomorrow afternoon. The weather again calls for partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and a high of 76 degrees.
Here are a few pictures of the game and one of the Great Hot Dog Race - three guys in hot dog suits racing a young girl. Guess who won?
Day 8 - Pictures
Monday, March 3, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 7
No home game today, so we slept-in again, did the laundry and had lunch in the hotel.
It was another nice day so we decided to drive over to Dunedin after lunch and check out the resort where we will be staying after Friday. We also went to the Dunedin Post Office to see if any mail had been forwarded to date. No mail yet, but we are in the system for a temporary change-of-address. They do not forward junk mail so that should significantly reduce the amount of mail we will receive while we are here. The resort looked good and we are hopeful it works out O.K.
We then went into downtown Dunedin and had a drink at a waterfront hotel. The hotel restaurant and bar, called the Bon Appetit, is in a nice indoor/outdoor setting right on the bay. We each had a fancy drink (Judy - Pina Coloda, Pat - Mojioto) and listened to another Jimmy Buffett type guitar player with acoustical background music play old favorites for the mostly older patrons.
Since we had not eaten in a couple of hours, we decided to drive over to Clearwater Beach to watch the sunset and have dinner at one of our favorite area restaurants, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill. The crowd at Frenchy's is a little younger, but there is also a mix of families, old folks on vacation (like us), and a millennial/middle age beach party, after-the-ball game sort of crowd, drinking beer and having fun. As always, the place was packed and we waited a little over a half-hour for a table. While waiting, we enjoyed another beautiful Florida sunset. Frenchy's specialty is a fish called a Grouper, a local favorite similar to Mahi-Mahi that is prepared and featured in a number of different ways ( e.g., sandwiches, entrees, appetizers, etc.) In fact, some places down here actually serve Mahi-Mahi instead of the more expensive Grouper to unsuspecting tourists who cannot tell the difference anyway. Before ordering the Cajun grouper sandwich, I was assured I was getting the real thing. Not that I would have been able to tell if it wasn't. It was good, anyway.
Tomorrow's game is a night game (6:30 pm start time) against the Toronto Blue-Jays, so the blog tomorrow will probably be delayed. Other than the game, nothing else is planned at the moment so it should be another relaxing day.
Day 7 Pictures
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 6
Well, we made to Lenny's for breakfast today. As expected, there was a long wait as mostly Phillies fans waited in line for seats. We had an excellent breakfast then arrived at the ballpark in plenty of time for the game. The weather was just about perfect for baseball with sunny skies, high 70's and a light breeze.
I wish we could say the same for the Phillies today. There was no offense again although most of the regulars either didn't play or only did so for a few innings. A lot of the upcoming minor league players for the Phillies did get a lot of playing time, although none of them really stood out against a Pittsburgh Pirates team that also didn't play most of their starters. It was a typical early spring training game that wasn't very exciting. From what we've seen so far, the team has along way to go before they are season-ready or very competitive.
After the game we stopped at Target and a grocery store for supplies. Dinner was take-out Panda Express on the way back to the hotel.
No home game tomorrow so we are going to sleep-in, do some laundry and catch-up with some first-of-the month paperwork. The game on Tuesday is a night game (a first for us here) and games on Wednesday and Thursday. We'll also be moving into the condo in Dunedin on Friday.
Here are a few pictures from Lenny's and the ballpark today:
Day 6 Pictures
I wish we could say the same for the Phillies today. There was no offense again although most of the regulars either didn't play or only did so for a few innings. A lot of the upcoming minor league players for the Phillies did get a lot of playing time, although none of them really stood out against a Pittsburgh Pirates team that also didn't play most of their starters. It was a typical early spring training game that wasn't very exciting. From what we've seen so far, the team has along way to go before they are season-ready or very competitive.
After the game we stopped at Target and a grocery store for supplies. Dinner was take-out Panda Express on the way back to the hotel.
No home game tomorrow so we are going to sleep-in, do some laundry and catch-up with some first-of-the month paperwork. The game on Tuesday is a night game (a first for us here) and games on Wednesday and Thursday. We'll also be moving into the condo in Dunedin on Friday.
Here are a few pictures from Lenny's and the ballpark today:
Day 6 Pictures
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Florida Spring Training Trip - Day 5
No home game today - The Phillies played the Yankees in Tampa and lost again. We decided to do something near Tampa while we are staying over here. We wanted to do another swamp tour this trip and the closest swamp offering tours is about an hour and a half north of Tampa towards Gainsville.
After making a reservation for 2:00 pm, we drove up I-75 in heavy traffic to Exit 321 and the KOA on the lake where the air boat tour is based. The surrounding area is what you might expect to see in sparsely populated north central Florida. Near the KOA were several "RV Parks" with a mix of single-wide trailers, RVs, campers, and trailers in various states of permanent, seasonal, and transitory living/retirement arrangements, There were Moose, VFW, and American Legion posts where we assume adult beverages may be served and, strangely enough, at least 5 beauty salons. There was not much else in town except a beer, bait, and tackle store. We had lunch at the combo Hardee's (Carl's junior)/Subway/Gas Station/Quick Stop near the freeway off/on ramp before our air boat ride.
The air boat ride was great - well worth the trip up here. The boat held 12 people and we shared the ride with other out-of-town tourists. The lake is 9 miles long, 2 miles wide and about 5-6 feet deep. The banks are overgrown with vegetation, cypress tress and assorted water plants and grasses. An air boat is the only way to get around in the shallow water and in and out of the numerous inlets and channels. The boat captain was an old timer who had been driving air boats on the lake for 50 years. He said there are probably about a thousand alligators in the lake, lots of turtles and poisonous snakes, as well as lots of other assorted wildlife such as coyotes, fish, and deer. We saw a lot of alligators, a few turtles, and one snake.
The surprise however, was seeing a pack of wild pigs who live on the islands in the swamp. There were about 7 or 8 pigs in the group, part of a litter born about 2 years ago. The boat captain has been feeding them regularly and when the boat stopped they came to the shore. The captain got off the boat and fed them kernels of dried corn he had brought with him in a can. They were friendly towards him and he even was able to pet them while they ate the corn. I guess you can still call them "wild", and I am not sure they would be that friendly towards strangers. Last year the captain had brought back to the boat dock one of the litter with a broken leg and has paid the local veterinarian to nurse it back to health. He said, "$1,600 later, the pig is in good shape." It's injuries were too severe for it to be returned to the wild, so it lives in luxury in it's own pen by the boat dock.
It was long ride back to the hotel through heavy weekend traffic and road work. We went to the Bahama Breeze Island Grille again for dinner again and early to bed tonight. Baseball game tomorrow with the Phillies playing the Pittsburgh Pirates. The weather was great today - sunny and 75 degrees. Tomorrow should be a little warmer.
More pictures:
Day 5 Pictures
After making a reservation for 2:00 pm, we drove up I-75 in heavy traffic to Exit 321 and the KOA on the lake where the air boat tour is based. The surrounding area is what you might expect to see in sparsely populated north central Florida. Near the KOA were several "RV Parks" with a mix of single-wide trailers, RVs, campers, and trailers in various states of permanent, seasonal, and transitory living/retirement arrangements, There were Moose, VFW, and American Legion posts where we assume adult beverages may be served and, strangely enough, at least 5 beauty salons. There was not much else in town except a beer, bait, and tackle store. We had lunch at the combo Hardee's (Carl's junior)/Subway/Gas Station/Quick Stop near the freeway off/on ramp before our air boat ride.
The air boat ride was great - well worth the trip up here. The boat held 12 people and we shared the ride with other out-of-town tourists. The lake is 9 miles long, 2 miles wide and about 5-6 feet deep. The banks are overgrown with vegetation, cypress tress and assorted water plants and grasses. An air boat is the only way to get around in the shallow water and in and out of the numerous inlets and channels. The boat captain was an old timer who had been driving air boats on the lake for 50 years. He said there are probably about a thousand alligators in the lake, lots of turtles and poisonous snakes, as well as lots of other assorted wildlife such as coyotes, fish, and deer. We saw a lot of alligators, a few turtles, and one snake.
The surprise however, was seeing a pack of wild pigs who live on the islands in the swamp. There were about 7 or 8 pigs in the group, part of a litter born about 2 years ago. The boat captain has been feeding them regularly and when the boat stopped they came to the shore. The captain got off the boat and fed them kernels of dried corn he had brought with him in a can. They were friendly towards him and he even was able to pet them while they ate the corn. I guess you can still call them "wild", and I am not sure they would be that friendly towards strangers. Last year the captain had brought back to the boat dock one of the litter with a broken leg and has paid the local veterinarian to nurse it back to health. He said, "$1,600 later, the pig is in good shape." It's injuries were too severe for it to be returned to the wild, so it lives in luxury in it's own pen by the boat dock.
It was long ride back to the hotel through heavy weekend traffic and road work. We went to the Bahama Breeze Island Grille again for dinner again and early to bed tonight. Baseball game tomorrow with the Phillies playing the Pittsburgh Pirates. The weather was great today - sunny and 75 degrees. Tomorrow should be a little warmer.
More pictures:
Day 5 Pictures
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