Walk on the Beach, Marineland, and Napoli's- A Full Day

Started out the day with a workout in our fitness center.  Then Gordy made waffles for everyone.



The Senders take over the Beach



For the first time this week, all 10 of us went for a walk on the beach together.  We came across a lot of sea stars (not as many as yesterday).  Also saw some interesting crabs and seashells.



This crab was still alive and moving.



We walked on the beach all the way North to Marineland, about 1 1/2 miles, where we decided to go in and see the dolphins.  This was Gordy's and my 3rd trip to Marineland this month and everytime we go there, we learn more facts about the dolphins.  I love going there.




John looking into the aquarium.  John loves when I put pictures of him in my blog!





Laurie & Mike



Our guide giving Mike a demonstration on how the dolphin's jawbones intensify the sound going to the dolphin's tiny ears.  We were amazed !

This is what the inside of the dolphin's fin looks like- pretty much like a hand.  Way back in time, they actually had legs too.

The dolphins did tricks for us.

After our walk back from Marineland, of course we went to the pool.  The temperatures have been wonderful!

Well, we finished yesterday's match, then played another 2 sets.  The score's getting closer, but the girls still remain undefeated.  Let's see what tomorrow brings!

 We ended the day with a trip to Napoli's - our favorite pizza place.  Everyone agreed with us, the pizza is delicious!

Tomorrow is the last day of their visit and it should be another great day!

A Lot Going on at the Beach

Today Gordy & I, along with Betty, checked out another condo as a possibility for us for next year's stay. It was beautiful so we have some decisions to make.  We are definitely coming back to Surf Club!!

John, Terry, Mike, Chuck, Mary, and Gordy took off for 18 holes of golf.  I have heard that the team of John, Terry & Mike were the winners but they all had a lot of fun.

 The rest of us went for a walk on the beach and it was truly unbelievable!  Hundreds and hundreds of sea stars all over the beach, along with hundreds of crabs, and other sea life.  We met up with a lady who was
from Florida, and she said she had never seen anything like it.  She also informed us that sea stars are not enviromentally friendly, because they eat on the coral.  A fact that we did not know about these pretty creatures.


Sting ray- I had never seen one of these on our beach before.





Our personal favorite!




Another form of sea star.




We couldn't believe the color of this one.





No, we're not in Arizona.




Looks like its the path to heaven, right?  Well, almost.  The beach and ocean are near perfect!

After our walk on the beach, we enjoyed a few hours at the pool.  The weather was wonderful.

After the pool, and when the golfers got home, Terry, Chuck, Laurie, and I continued our tennis competition.  Today's score--Laurie & I won the first set 6-1.  The 2nd set was much closer- we had to stop at 5-5 - Deuce.  To be continued tomorrow.  The guys actually think they're going to win---we'll see!!



For dinner, Mike grilled us melt-in-your-mouth steaks.  Along with Betty's baked potatoes, and a salad, it was a very good meal.

The weather promises to be equally beautiful tomorrow!





A Beautiful Day at Surf Club 2

Started out the day with a workout at the Fitness Center- 3 miles on the treadmill is starting to come a little easier!!  After I was done, I joined Terry, Sue, Mary, & Chuck who had gone down to the beach for a walk.  Pretty breezy-- didn't have a camera to take a picture of Chuck rescuing Terry's hat from the ocean.  After breakfast, we headed to the pool.  First time we've been there this week.


Cabana Boy serving up Bloody Marys at the pool



 The pitcher of Pina Coladas that Laurie & I made was a hit.  Everyone enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the idea of getting some color- even if it was "red".

The guys went to hit some golf balls in preparation for their golf outing tomorrow.  So the girls decided to take a walk on the beach.  It was beautiful.  Very peaceful.



Searching for unusual seashells.




Laurie spotted her first sea star.



Mary goes all out searching for her most unusual seashell.

After the beach, Chuck, Terry, Laurie & decided to get some late afternoon tennis in.  Let's just say Laurie & I are still undefeated! 

Finished the day by going out to eat at Finn's. 

A beautiful day in Florida with awesome company!  Tomorrow looks like it will be equally wonderful!

Off to See the Manatees!

Today 's forecast was for clouds with afternoon thunderstorms, so we decided it was a good day to go to see the manatees.  Of course, the first stop on this trip is always the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Pancake House in DeLeon State Park where we make our own pancakes for breakfast.

 Then outside for our first sights of the manatees and walking around the grounds.



The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Pancake House



Standing in front of the historical Fountain of Youth



The girls!

  Next stop, was Blue Springs State Park on the St. Johns River.  There's always a sign when you enter the park saying how many manatees are there so far that day.  They actually get in a canoe and go down the river and manually count the manatees they see that day. Today's count was 148.



There's actually manatees in this picture, but more impressive today were the alligators we saw. 

  


Baby Alligator





Much discussion was made of why Mary would take a picture of this stump which was in the middle of the boardwalk, so I took a picture of it too.  Isn't it awesome!




The Guys

  On the way home we stopped at the Harley Davidson Store which was huge!  Terry informed us he could stay there all day, but we limited his time to the purchase of 3 t-shirts.

What Mike wants for Christmas



Terry found a bike like the one he already has

  Another stop on the way home was Finn's along the ocean in Flagler Beach for beer and appetizers.



John's favorite drink!  If the sign is gone tomorrow, check out his condo!




We tried to burn off the calories we just consumed at Finns!

Back at Surf Club the guys grilled brats in the rain.  I served my now famous "Day at the Beach" drinks.  Finished off the day by playing our adapted version of Couples Scattegories!  Ask Gordy to demonstrate his version of Pirate language that begins with R.

Needless to see, we love our company!!!!