Travel Dog Blog, Fort Desoto Beach

We were surprised recently to see an article in the local newspaper from the Associated Press titled “Florida a dog-lover’s vacation paradise”.  That has not been our experience traveling through Florida with our pooch. But we’re always open to a road trip and the weather has been perfect, so we headed south to check out the first place mentioned in the article–Dog Beach and Paw Playground at Fort De Soto Park.

One hundred miles south of us, Fort Desoto is part of the Pinellas County park system.  According to their website, it consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands.  To avoid deep budget cuts to the park, the county started charging a $5 fee in 2012. 

As typical of dog parks, Paw Playground has two fenced grassy areas—one for small dogs and the other for large.  Water fountains, waste bags and dog showers are available.  But we weren’t looking for the dog parks, we wanted to walk on the beach with Maggie so headed to Dog Beach. 

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

All we expected is a place where we could enjoy the beach with Maggie on her leash.  We were quite surprised to find an unfenced leash free zone for all dog sizes. Terry and I were a little anxious about how the larger dogs would react to Maggie but most of the dogs completely ignored her.  They were too busy chasing, running, and swimming—this was a happy place. 

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

Maggie eventually started enjoying the experience and chasing the waves.

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

2012_01_12maggie2Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

It wasn’t long before she was hot and exhausted so we headed out to explore the rest of Ft. Desoto.  After Maggie cooled down we stopped at the North Beach snack bar, found a shaded picnic table, and shared some lunch with Maggie–hot dogs!  (Thought that was appropriate.) Next we stopped at a spot where we could view the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

Travel Dog Blog, Fort DeSoto

So all parks in Florida are not dog haters!  Some places recognize that dogs and their people just want to have fun in the sun!

Find Maggie

I admit to spending way to much time out in the blogosphere, but in my defense, I usually check out blogs while people are doing other things.  Like sleeping, or watching football, or the morning news.  I do not pursue my obsession for blogs while having a conversation with someone–unless they are also checking out their iPhone or iPad.

Sometimes I get a lot of useful info from blogs, sometimes useless.  This website is perhaps a little of both– http://www.findmomo.tumblr.com/  Fun, but Momo’s person has totally stolen my and Maggie’s idea.

When I went on a girl trip several years ago to Las Vegas, no dogs allowed–even girl dogs.  But, since my website in 2004 was called “Maggie’s life”, she had to be included!

Finding Maggie
Arriving at the airport with some chicks. Don’t know who that guy is, maybe that’s Momo’s person!

 

Finding Maggie
Enjoying a little drink in the parking lot.
Finding Maggie
Group Photo
Finding Maggie
Squeezed in a little golf
Finding Maggie
Dinner at the Venetian

So check out Momo, but Maggie and I were first!

A little drive to Tampa

While we love living in Old Homosassa and I particulary like my hermit life, sometimes we just need to go to the big city.  So, into the little red car and away we go.  First stop, South Howard for brunch.

A little drive to Tampa

A little drive to Tampa

And right here was where I planned to put a picture of my yummy omelet but I was so hungry I ate it and didn’t remember about the photo op until the plate was empty.  And who wants a picture of an empty plate?

Then we headed down Bayshore to the Convention Center.  I tried to get some photos while we were zooming along.

A little drive to Tampa

A little drive to Tampa

Then I realized that I should have been getting pictures of the other side of the road–where that “Tampa socialite Jill Kelley” lives.  Another photo opportunity missed!

So we went to the Tampa Home show.  The largest home show in Florida!  And we were so excited–our favorite morning people were there!

A little drive to Tampa
Here we are with Meredyth Censullo and Deiah Riley from ABC Action News!

Oh yeah, Darin and Kathryn were there, too.

A little drive to Tampa

Kathryn said it’s kind of creepy to have all those steps.  Hmmmm, I always thought it was kind of artsy but now that she mentions it…..

A little drive to Tampa

After the home show we went to Davis Island.  Where Kathryn and Darin are buying a townhouse.  How cool is that?

A little drive to Tampa

A little drive to Tampa

And look who their neighbor is! Mr. Jeter!  He must be really rich and famous to have this really big house! At 30,875 square feet, the astronauts on the international space station can probably see it!

A little drive to Tampa

And here’s Kathryn thinking, hmmmm, wonder when he’ll be inviting us over for brunch?

A little drive to Tampa

We took a little drive around Davis Island.

A little drive to Tampa
Gotta have a power plant featured on every waterfront!
A little drive to Tampa
Yacht Club
A little drive to Tampa
Sail Boats
A little drive to Tampa
Cool Bike Rack
A little drive to Tampa
Dogs Allowed! Just not off leash or on the beach. Which was ironic since there were two unleashed dogs playing in the water right behind that sign!

We had a great day and we’re so happy that Darin and Kathryn are moving to Davis Island.  Love Tampa!

KT