Florida trip - Star and Pooch - January 1996

The trip started with a special visit from Loki

Pooch's plane was 15 minutes early, Star's was 3 hours late due to FOG in Chicago. So Pooch got to know Tampa Airport well. By the time we had all the luggage the rental car agency was closed, so Star picked another one cause the attendant was cute. Checked into the Adams Mark Hotel at Clearwater Beach

Thursday: highs in the 70s w/light wind

Star woke up early and read the paper on the balcony, then we had Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Decided to turn right out of the parking lot and see what we could find. Tried to goto the Sunken Treasure Museum but it was no longer in business. Headed down to St. Petersburg and went to the Salvador Dali Museum. The entire collection was on display: including 94 original oils, over 100 watercolors, and 1300 graphics, sculptures, holograms, and such. We both highly reccomend this to anyone headed down to the area. Went to 'The Pier' which seems to be a hang out for retired people, but did tour the HMS Bounty. Drove back up to Clearwater beach and had prime rib buffet at the hotel resturant. Way Yummy and had a great server named Dave.

Friday: high in the 60s w/high winds

Clearwater Marine Rescue Facility - they rescue diseased or hurt sea animals, treat them and re-release them, very cool people, very cute sea otters. Dolphins were visiting the vet, but saw the sea turtles. We then tried to go see a move and missed three different showings over the course of two hours, Star got agrivated at driving up and down the same road over and over again. Ate at the Dogwater Cafe - they feed you from dogbowls and their motto is "We treat you like the dog that you are". Drove back to the hotel and walked along the beach to watch the sunset. Skipped dinner but had the dessert part of the buffet and then went to Comedy show that night at the hotel - laughed at the first comic, laughed with the second. Then made catty comments about the band playing afterwards

Saturday: high in the 60s w/light winds

Busch Gardens - very cool combination of wild animal park and amusement park, the Kumba is possibly the best roller coaster we'd ever ridden, Florida natives are silly people that believe such weather is call for gloves, scarves and ear muffs... Had dinner at the pizza place across the street

Sunday: high in the 60s w/light winds

Back to Marine Rescue to see the dolphins - nifty Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise around the bay - very silly but extremely fun we got our faces painted and did limbo and had squirt gun fights. Braved the hot tub for a while, but the winds made getting out very cold. Dinner at Melting Pot - fondue from heaven, Sam and I recommend the Dark Chocolate fondue w/Baileys as a dessert! (well not as good at Geja's in Chicago)

Monday: high in the 70s w/light winds

Relaxing breakfast overlooking the bay then off to the airport.