Trip Report Thank Heaven for Little Girls.

A few years back my son and I took a trip out West and along the way spent a few estrogen free days in Disneyland. This year was the girl's turn, even if that wasn't part of our original plans.

Planning vacations as your children get older can be a difficult task. Demands from college, high-school, camps, activities, and even part time jobs end up leaving very few open spaces on the calendar. Lately it seems that mid July to mid August is our sweet spot for getting away and so it was again this year. Based on a great deal on a condo found by my wife Val, we came up with a somewhat last minute plan to visit Clearwater Beach Florida...and oh yeah, we decided to drive down from Pennsylvania. I also had an eye to sneak away to WDW for at least a day during our week stay.

My son Sterg had to bow out of the trip. He's starting college at Penn State this year and since he's on their swim team he needed to stay behind and train. See what I mean about other demand? Don't feel too bad for him however, he has had a few nice trips of his own over the last six months. It may have also saved his life as I'm sure having to deal with him for 18 hours in a car would have stirred some primal blood anger in me.

Without Sterg it would leave myself, my wife Val, my 21 year old daughter Alex (about to become a college senior) and my 13 year old daughter Toni. Not quite "little girls" anymore but as most Dads will attest to; they are always little girls. Anyone who has read my previous reports knows that Val is not the biggest Disney fan - but how could we be so close to WDW and not go? After much deliberations on the scale of the Yalta conference we hammered out an arrangement to make one day on our trip "Chris, Alex and Toni get to go to Walt Disney World" Day. Where there is a will...

The big day came - we departed on a Saturday at 3pm in the afternoon after loading up our trusty stead/Ford Explorer. Leaving Sterg home by himself for a week brought it's own set of issues but he was all smiles and willing to play photographer as we said our goodbyes...

At this point we had no idea what we were getting into...

Sterg's long arms came in handy here...

Alex and Toni settling in for a long voyage and adventure while Sterg makes sure we say our goodbyes to Prince our dog.

We were on our way to Florida!

 

[fractal]

Wow, I love the sailing into the sunset pic! It would totally make a fabulous post card.

Thanks @catmom46 !

OK, I have a challenge for you for your 2017 trip. On Soarin' during the golf course flyover, someone hits a tee shot and the golfball flies right toward you. There is a hidden Mickey on the golfball. I have been trying to get that shot for years, but my timing is always off or the pic is out of focus. So keep that in mind for a photo op next time you are on Soarin'.

I will add it to my list! Didn't know about the hidden Mickey.

Yah yah!!!!!!



The pictures on the beach are awesome. I wasnt there, but now doubt, thats how you end a great day on vacation! Great view

Thanks @coachwnh It was a great day!

While sunset photos are always fun, sunsets and smiles are extra special. Nice shot.

thank you!

Yikes! I was so far behind I was still on the GMR back in DHS. Sorry you didn't make it to MK but it looks like you made some awesome memories with your girls. You got so much done I'm impressed! Your beach pictures are beautiful thanks for sharing.

Thanks @KathyJetson ! I was bummed about MK but happy with what we did accomplish.

I thought you left WDW--so, what's that pirate ship doing in that photo?!! (Love that picture, by the way! )

Lol! "Pirate's Life" kept playing in my head while watching that boat.

 

[cedardad]

I have only been here since 2012 but I really enjoy your trip reports. Your style of writing and wonderful photographs put all of us there right with you guys. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Paul

 

[fractal]

The next day we headed about 40 minutes north to Tarpon Springs. On my very first trip to WDW in 1976 my parents also took us to Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs is a fishing and sponging town. In fact they are know for their Sponge divers and natural sponge harvesting. It is also a town with a large Greek population with numerous Greek restaurants and stores around the inlet. I remember my Dad loving being able to speak his native tongue for practically the entire day. It was also home to the famous "Pappas" Restaurant which at one time was one of the top 10 restaurants in the country. It closed down about 10 years ago and sadly has not been properly replaced.

We decided to spend the first part of our day on a Dolphin watch cruise. Back in 1976 my family went on a similar tour but with a Sponge Diver who was decked out in a diving outfit straight out of 20,000 leagues under the sea. We boarded the boat and prepared for our little adventure.

Some views around the inlet.

Soon we were off looking for dolphins. Then it started to rain.

We caught a glimpse of some rather quickly. Unfortunately it was to be our only dolphin encounter for the day.

I was bummed that this was the only dolphin shot I got. We carried on into the Gulf and drier skies.

A lighthouse which had some historical significance I can't remember.

We landed on a small island and given 1/2 hour to explore and find sea shells.

and update instagram accounts.

Alex enjoyed the sea shell hunt.

and finally motivated Toni to join in.

After about 15 minutes we heard a thunder clap and the Captain decided to call us all in. Amazingly, as we were leaving the island another tour boat decided to tempt the Gods with his tourists as sacrifices.

Cruising back...

I phone selfie

 

[fractal]

The lack of dolphin photos was made up some by a few great shots I managed of an Osprey on her nest.

Apparently, this bridge was in the movie "A Dolphin Tale". The captain announced it and Toni confirmed it.

I think small fishing boats are rather cool even though I don't fish.

Some real "non-Disney" details...

 

[fractal]

Our cruise was worthwhile as it was nice to see another part of life in the Gulf side of Florida. We then wandered along the water looking for a restaurant.

This looks like the guy in our 1976 sponge diving boat.

Sponges everywhere, but no Patrick.

We picked Demetri's for dinner.

It was simple but quaint inside.

The food was plentiful and very good! I order the baked "Porgie" which grossed out the girls, and was almost as good as Yia-Yia's.
It went well with Greek Mythos beer.

"Nobody makes it as good as your Mom" I heard in the back of my head as I complimented on the fish. By the way, just so she can make an appearance in the TR, here is Yia-Yia and aunt Effie from a recent wedding;

 

[Bob]

We picked Demetri's for dinner.

I noticed this place in the background of your earlier photo.

 

[coachwnh]

It went well with Greek Mythos beer

Only time Ive ever had this was in Disney (at the Boardwalk), until this week! Found it in the Lehigh Valley. Really enjoyed it. Glad to see its really Greek approved!

 

[MinnieM123]

More fun pictures! My favorites were actually the pictures of the osprey--my goodness, what an impressive raptor!!

That's frustrating about the dolphin cruise, though. It looks like you still had a good time taking photos of the various boats in the harbor. I like the look of the restaurant you chose; I love restaurants by the water, and that one had a nice, comfortable vibe about it.

 

[DznyRktekt]

I remember the diver from a Tarpon Springs visit when I was about seven or eight, probably 1986. He had a diving suit with a brass helmet. When he came up, he took off the dome and lit up a cig. Great report, sir.

 

[disneypearl]

Florida is a beautiful state! It's too bad the rain came and you weren't able to see more dolphins. I would love to do that someday.

 

[fractal]

After our satisfying meals we ventured into a few shops and found a gift shop named after Toni!

Actually, it was named after the owner's 8 year old daughter which got us into a nice conversation with them.

You want sponges? We got sponges! Or as the girls would say "Hi,sponges".

There was a really neat shop that made amazing homemade soaps and fragrances. I regret not taking any pictures of the place as it was very unique and looked out of place compared to the more "touristy" Greek look of the other stores. This store had a more "hippy" feel to it and it smelled amazing when you walked in. I also regret not buying anything there but it was only manned by a woman I perceived as the owner and she was too busy for my impatient children.

some more pics;

See you later Sponge capital of the world.

Overall we enjoyed Tarpon Springs and considering the weather, we didn't miss a beach day. On the way back to Clearwater Beach we stopped to visit friend of Val's parents that used to live in their neighborhood "back in the day" They moved down to Florida about 15 years ago and have been thoroughly enjoying their retirement. It was nice to catch up with them.

 

[fractal]

The next morning we packed up and left our beautiful condo in Clearwater Beach for the first part of our journey home.

Goodbye Beach!

Unlike the straight drive on the way down, we planned on staying overnight in Savannah Georgia. It was a largely uneventful 6 hour drive - we checked into our hotel, freshened up then drove another 15-20 minutes to the downtown area.

We parked in downtown parking garage and headed towards the river. Street performers and vendors were plentiful.

Savannah has a beautiful golden domed City Hall.

we ran into a group of Southern Belles on a bachelorette party.

More City Hall luv

To get to the "river side" we climbed down very steep and skinny brick steps that seemed at least 100 years old. Alex was giving her Mom a heart-attack trying to navigate the way down while taking pictures!

Later we found out we could have taken an elevator.

There was a different "vibe" by the river vs. downtown. Downtown felt more "Southern" formal while river side was more casual, free and a bit rowdy. Reminded me somewhat of Bourbon Street.

but with a huge commercial port and river.

 

[MinnieM123]

Never really seen pictures of Savannah before, and it looks like a very diversified, interesting city. I'm enjoying the "tour' with you!

My favorite picture in this group was the one of the gentleman sitting next to the artwork, a chess table all set up for a player, but no one in the seat, and the lone pedestrian walking down the sidewalk. That picture really drew me in. (Got a kick out of how the man stacked up his chairs, too! ) That's talent!

 

[catmom46]

I really like the bachelorette pic. The candid aspect of it was really nice, rather than a posed pic.

 

[SweetEvangeline]

We visited Savannah about 8 or 9 years ago and absolutley loved it. Your pictures took me right back there and reminded me how much I want to go back!

 

[doylekm]

I love Savannah! I almost moved there about 4 years ago. These pictures are making me wish I had.

 

[andie325]

I just loved reading your TR! What beautiful photos! I am intrigued by your camera. I have a Canon 6D and have been curious about mirrorless cameras... now I want one after seeing all of your beautiful shots!

I was actually considering buying one for our trip next week, but then I realized I didn't really have time to "learn" all of the ins & outs of the camera vs. my Canon before we left for the trip, so I"m going to rock out my DSLR on this trip-- and got an Op Tech Utility Sling to make shooting easier this time around. I love all of your pictures, they are just beautiful! You got great colors and so much great composition!!!

 

[fractal]

I have only been here since 2012 but I really enjoy your trip reports. Your style of writing and wonderful photographs put all of us there right with you guys. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Paul

Thanks @cedardad! following along with your report..

I noticed this place in the background of your earlier photo.

Good catch!

Only time Ive ever had this was in Disney (at the Boardwalk), until this week! Found it in the Lehigh Valley. Really enjoyed it. Glad to see its really Greek approved!

Yes, it's actually pretty good.

More fun pictures! My favorites were actually the pictures of the osprey--my goodness, what an impressive raptor!!

That's frustrating about the dolphin cruise, though. It looks like you still had a good time taking photos of the various boats in the harbor. I like the look of the restaurant you chose; I love restaurants by the water, and that one had a nice, comfortable vibe about it.

Osprey's are awesome. We could have eaten outside but it was more roomy and nice inside. The need to work on their outside area.

I remember the diver from a Tarpon Springs visit when I was about seven or eight, probably 1986. He had a diving suit with a brass helmet. When he came up, he took off the dome and lit up a cig. Great report, sir.

I can see that. Thanks for hanging in there!

Florida is a beautiful state! It's too bad the rain came and you weren't able to see more dolphins. I would love to do that someday.

The mate on the boat joked that the dolphin don't come out in the rain because they don't like to get wet.

Never really seen pictures of Savannah before, and it looks like a very diversified, interesting city. I'm enjoying the "tour' with you!

My favorite picture in this group was the one of the gentleman sitting next to the artwork, a chess table all set up for a player, but no one in the seat, and the lone pedestrian walking down the sidewalk. That picture really drew me in. (Got a kick out of how the man stacked up his chairs, too! ) That's talent!

Thanks! I like that pic as well. I was afraid he was going to fall.

I really like the bachelorette pic. The candid aspect of it was really nice, rather than a posed pic.

Thanks!

We visited Savannah about 8 or 9 years ago and absolutley loved it. Your pictures took me right back there and reminded me how much I want to go back!

I would love to spend more time there.

I love Savannah! I almost moved there about 4 years ago. These pictures are making me wish I had.

Yes - very cool city/town. More pics to come!

 

[fractal]

We walked along the cobbled street and brick pavement taking in the sights and scouting for a dinner spot.

Above the restaurants and shops were apartments, all seemed to have a balcony.

These older ones made of wrought-iron and planks.

Tried to eat here but the wait was outrageous. We found another place that was very good but the name escapes me. The meal (and a few drinks) was what we needed after the earlier long drive.

Plenty of neat shops, bars and pubs with tiny ancient entrances.

Looking back "up" towards downtown.

Alex and Toni...

Flags hung everywhere.

 

[fractal]

After the sun set things really started to come alive - especially at "the Wharehouse".

This dog attracted a crowd.

break time

The Warehouse specialized in cheap drinks, loud and raunchy music and a rowdy atmosphere. Alex and I went in for their $3 margaritas (served in a little clear plastic cup). It was fun hanging out with her, having a drink and listening to the band. The crowd was a "bit" rough which scared Alex from using the lady's room. "Don't worry" I said reflecting my beer muscles and natural Fatherly instincts "I'm here to protect you".

She kinda laughed then said "ok" and went to the bathroom.

Started to make our way back.

Back Downtown which was dead vs. "river-side".

One last shot of City Hall

We left Savannah and drove back to the hotel.

Coming up - Final Wrap-up!