A Bike Ride on the Haze Trail

We were up early and had a rather relaxing morning.  We both talked with Lanie, had a cooked breakfast, and packed some snacks and gear needed for our bike ride, and even had time to enjoy a cup of tea outside.  It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 80's, but lower humidity and a nice breeze.

We stopped by Chuck and Melissa's, loaded their bikes, and were off to see Ernie and Noela at Harbor Lakes CG.  We chatted for a little while and then the 6 of us drove to the Haze Trail, about 4 or so miles from their CG.  It was breezy riding the trail especially on the way to Placida, but the trail was fairly well protected with trees on both sides.  It was a 7 1/2 mile ride into the little fishing area of Placida. We did see 2 bald eagles on the trail.

What a well-maintained and level trail!

A nice view from the bridge.....

....including lots of fish!

Always majestic!

And the beautiful trail continues.

By the time we arrived, around 1:30, Ernie was starved.  Actually all of us were happy to go right to The Fishery for lunch and eat on their patio overlooking the water.  Everyone of us had a salad - aren't we good??

Our bellies are full and we are happy!

We took a walk on the fishing pier checking out the large lizards. 

A walk on the fishing pier that offers a nice view Gasparilla Island
and Boca Grande!

Rather cute, don't you think?

They look so prehistoric ......

....but colorful!

At the fish market place, we got a lesson on how to cook crabs -

These are blue crabs like the ones that are caught in our area!

On the way back to our bikes there were 6 ladies playing the drums at The Fishery.  We stopped to listen and I did some hula hooping to the drum beat.

These ladies were entertaining and having a fun time!

I just can't resist an opportunity to hula hoop!

We got back on our bikes and rode the 7 1/2 miles back to our vehicles.  It was a great ride.  We said our good-byes to Ernie and Noela, but plan to meet up with them at least 1 more time before we leave the area next Wednesday.

Travel was so congested on I-75, and instead of taking about an hour, it was over an hour and a half before we got back to the CG at 6:15.  We both took quick showers and Cindy picked me up at 6:30 to go shopping at Bealls Outlet. John and she had arrived at this CG earlier today and will be here until next Wednesday too!   Ken left for his Celebrate Recovery meeting at Bayside Church.

Cindy and I had a fun time shopping and closed the store at 9.  We stopped at Wal-Mart so Cindy could get some groceries, but because I hadn't had anything to eat since lunch, I decided another Shamrock Shake was acceptable.  It was delicious, but I think it has to be my last one.  I talked to mom while I waited for Cindy.  

Cindy dropped me off at Waldo at 9:45 and Ken was in bed reading.  He fell asleep by 10:15 and I read and played Pop Words until 11.