Back across Tampa Bay on a windy, sunny day. We felt at home with freighters in the channel.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is very modern and often photographed. Yet, we are more impressed by the Might Mac.
This bridge is held in place by gossamer cables, reminiscent of a spider’s web.
Next stop is Bradenton Yacht Club.
They have a nice clubhouse and pool, and bicycles to borrow.
We went inside for a drink and popcorn, and to look around the Club.
As we relaxed on deck, we noticed small sailboats called Optimist Dinghies racing up the channel, next to Monarch.
They skillfully came VERY close to our boat, and then tacked away at the last minute. The harbormaster informed us that the Club has a young girl who is State Champion of this sailing class.
We looked good from the bridge vantage point.
The next morning, we cruised south, passing this interesting bird sanctuary.
Our next stop was the Field Club in Sarasota. At one time, this was the winter home of noted retailer Marshall Field.
It was a pleasant surprise to see this beautiful private home turned tennis and yacht club! The architecture reminded us of the Fisher Mansion in Detroit, with the Spanish influence.
The Olympic-size pool was inviting, as was the adjacent outdoor dining area.
The grounds were lovely, and very large, with a dozen tennis courts. Other beautiful homes were arrayed on adjacent lots, many with walkways to the Club for easy access.
This was the mansion’s gatehouse, now the Club’s maintenance headquarters.
The best feature on the property is the drive-through canal, under the house. We could imagine Marshall taking his beautiful Gar Wood custom boat through it, to dock in the calm pond behind the mansion.
As we went inside the Club for dinner with Bradenton friends (and GM retirees) Mark and Karen Alexander, we were greeted by this beautiful fountain in the inner courtyard.
Back across Tampa Bay on a windy, sunny day. We felt at home with freighters in the channel.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is very modern and often photographed. Yet, we are more impressed by the Might Mac.
This bridge is held in place by gossamer cables, reminiscent of a spider’s web.
Next stop is Bradenton Yacht Club.
They have a nice clubhouse and pool, and bicycles to borrow.
We went inside for a drink and popcorn, and to look around the Club.
As we relaxed on deck, we noticed small sailboats called Optimist Dinghies racing up the channel, next to Monarch.
They skillfully came VERY close to our boat, and then tacked away at the last minute. The harbormaster informed us that the Club has a young girl who is State Champion of this sailing class.
We looked good from the bridge vantage point.
The next morning, we cruised south, passing this interesting bird sanctuary.
Our next stop was the Field Club in Sarasota. At one time, this was the winter home of noted retailer Marshall Field.
It was a pleasant surprise to see this beautiful private home turned tennis and yacht club! The architecture reminded us of the Fisher Mansion in Detroit, with the Spanish influence.
The Olympic-size pool was inviting, as was the adjacent outdoor dining area.
The grounds were lovely, and very large, with a dozen tennis courts. Other beautiful homes were arrayed on adjacent lots, many with walkways to the Club for easy access.
This was the mansion’s gatehouse, now the Club’s maintenance headquarters.
The best feature on the property is the drive-through canal, under the house. We could imagine Marshall taking his beautiful Gar Wood custom boat through it, to dock in the calm pond behind the mansion.
As we went inside the Club for dinner with Bradenton friends (and GM retirees) Mark and Karen Alexander, we were greeted by this beautiful fountain in the inner courtyard.
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