Homeward Bound...

So it was time to head home. I must admit that we were all a bit sad to be going home. Two weeks in Clearwater Beach had been enough but that didn't make leaving any easier... The dolphins paid us a visit this morning and I have to say aside from the beach and the weather, they have been the highlight for me. I could spend hours watching them play in the lagoon.

We had everything packed by 10, to say it was a bit of a struggle was an understatement. There is a lot of things being carried on as hand luggage and I have been roped in as well.

We had a few stops en route to the airport, Publix for some biscuits and a must have inflatable toy...

Let's hope the UK promised heatwave happens so we can check out this bad boy.

Next up was Office Depot -they were selling Sharpies for 25 cents so we went to pick up some more.

Finally was Super Target for a last minute browse. This helped kill some time.

Next up was a bite of lunch - it was a return to Five Guys - probably the best burgers I have had this holiday, and I've had a few...

We returned the rental car with no problems and headed for the airport. The check in desk for bag drop wasn't open so we grabbed some chairs and waited.

Miss B then realised she didn't have her hoodie and headed back to the Alamo desk with Miss H for support. No problem - they returned 20 minutes later with the missing item.

By then the desk had opened. We checked our bags in, only to be told that one of our bags was overweight... But he said he would let it go this time. I had thought that with BA, it was the total weight averaged but not to worry...

So we are now sat having a Starbucks as we say farewell to the States.

This trip has been our favourite visit to the States - just what we all needed. Not too frantic but with plenty of time to relax.

I hope you've enjoyed following our little blog - see you all soon...

Last Proper Day...

We woke up on our last full day and decided to start the day with waffles. We hadn't been to the cafe across the road and thought we would give it a go.

It was very pleasant and a cracking beginning to the day.

Whilst having breakfast we planned out our final day and we all agreed we wanted to go dolphin watching, well hopefully... So we headed to the marina to see if a ride on Little Toot was an option. We had intended to do this last year, but the weather and events intervened.

There was space on the 3pm trip, so Miss B and Miss H went for a swim in the pool and Mrs J and I went shopping.

After we regrouped we went out for lunch en route to the marina.

There were so many dolphins it was amazing. We came across a really big pod and they played in the wake of the boat, and when we stopped were alongside the boat. Haven't had a chance to review the video we took yet.

Next stop was the apartment to get changed and head out for our final swim - Bob would be a better description... It was gone 6pm by this time but the water was still hot - like a warm bath.

We showered and changed and headed out for a pizza.

We have to be out of the apartment by 11 so no need to rush up in the morning.

Life's A Beach...

Woke up to glorious sunshine and a clear blue sky. We has already decided the plan for the day.

It started with a shopping trip. First stop was Wawa to refill the car as the two trips of the last couple of days had put a large dent in the fuel tank.

Second stop was the family favourite Super Target for a few odds and ends. I'm sure we will be back again before we leave...

WARNING - I can only apologise for what follows... You have been warned...

The family have wanted to go to this place since they first saw it but I had been resisting. We reached a compromise that I didn't have to go in...

After returning to the apartment we changed into our swimming gear and headed off to McDonald's for lunch.

It's quite some view from Maccy D's...

Then it was off to the beach.

After a few hours in the water we headed back stopping for an ice cream...

After showering we headed out for a meal and to watch the sunset.

They have a countdown to sunset and hand out shots to drink when the bell rings. It's a real neat idea and adds something to the evening.

Went for a stroll after dinner and then back to the apartment to watch the end of the Bucs preseason game and now watching the Olympics.

Ticket To Ride...

First thing this morning, having woken up to sunshine, we checked the weather forecast. As it was looking sunny for the majority of the day, we rushed up and headed out.

We hadn't planned it like this, but the weather was too good, so we headed back to where we were yesterday. However this time it was Busch Gardens not Adventure Island. We arrived before the park opened but only had 5 minutes to wait. The national anthem played, the crowd cheered and the rope dropped at 10am.

Busch Gardens was part of our Tampa City Pass and one of our top destinations this holiday as it has a number of extreme coasters.

Mrs J and I have visited the park before but that was nearly 20 odd years ago.

Some of the rides are still there but there are some new ones. First up was...

Cheetah Hunt - it is awesome and takes.you from 0-60, from a standing start, 3 times in a very few seconds. Absolutely brilliant :)

The look on Mrs J's face on the first turn was apparently priceless. By that point she had no idea that she would be turned upside down... That didn't stop her riding it again, so must have been good.

The girls and I did all the major coasters - Kumba, Montu, Sheikra and Falcon's Fury. If you get a chance you can have a look at Google for videos of these rides. Our favorite was riding the front row of Sheikra, which pauses at the start, at a vertical drop.

Falcon's Fury takes you up the equivalent of 33 storeys, tilts you face down and the drops -a serious rush... The photo below was taken when we left the park.

Here's a few random photos from today.

Had dinner outside...

A cheetah being taken for a walk... As you do...

An elephant enjoying the sunshine...

A coaster silhouette...

All good things must come to an end and the good weather didn't quite last to the end of the day. With the park due to shut at 6, all rides were suspended at 5.30pm due to thunder and lightning. We waited to board our last ride - Cobra's Curse but the weather did for us. It is the newest attraction but each of the previous 3 visits it had broken down. Guess it's just wasn't meant to happen.

As the rain started and the sky turned black, we headed home.

On the way we stopped for tea at another first - Carrabas - an Italian restaurant. Great food...

Back home watching the Olympics. A great day...

Ticket To Ride...

First thing this morning, having woken up to sunshine, we checked the weather forecast. As it was looking sunny for the majority of the day, we rushed up and headed out.

We hadn't planned it like this, but the weather was too good, so we headed back to where we were yesterday. However this time it was Busch Gardens not Adventure Island. We arrived before the park opened but only had 5 minutes to wait. The national anthem played, the crowd cheered and the rope dropped at 10am.

Busch Gardens was part of our Tampa City Pass and one of our top destinations this holiday as it has a number of extreme coasters.

Mrs J and I have visited the park before but that was nearly 20 odd years ago.

Some of the rides are still there but there are some new ones. First up was...

Cheetah Hunt - it is awesome and takes.you from 0-60, from a standing start, 3 times in a very few seconds. Absolutely brilliant :)

The look on Mrs J's face on the first turn was apparently priceless. By that point she had no idea that she would be turned upside down... That didn't stop her riding it again, so must have been good.

The girls and I did all the major coasters - Kumba, Montu, Sheikra and Falcon's Fury. If you get a chance you can have a look at Google for videos of these rides. Our favorite was riding the front row of Sheikra, which pauses at the start, at a vertical drop.

Falcon's Fury takes you up the equivalent of 33 storeys, tilts you face down and the drops -a serious rush... The photo below was taken when we left the park.

Here's a few random photos from today.

Had dinner outside...

A cheetah being taken for a walk... As you do...

An elephant enjoying the sunshine...

A coaster silhouette...

All good things must come to an end and the good weather didn't quite last to the end of the day. With the park due to shut at 6, all rides were suspended at 5.30pm due to thunder and lightning. We waited to board our last ride - Cobra's Curse but the weather did for us. It is the newest attraction but each of the previous 3 visits it had broken down. Guess it's just wasn't meant to happen.

As the rain started and the sky turned black, we headed home.

On the way we stopped for tea at another first - Carrabas - an Italian restaurant. Great food...

Back home watching the Olympics. A great day...

Ticket To Ride...

First thing this morning, having woken up to sunshine, we checked the weather forecast. As it was looking sunny for the majority of the day, we rushed up and headed out.

We hadn't planned it like this, but the weather was too good, so we headed back to where we were yesterday. However this time it was Busch Gardens not Adventure Island. We arrived before the park opened but only had 5 minutes to wait. The national anthem played, the crowd cheered and the rope dropped at 10am.

Busch Gardens was part of our Tampa City Pass and one of our top destinations this holiday as it has a number of extreme coasters.

Mrs J and I have visited the park before but that was nearly 20 odd years ago.

Some of the rides are still there but there are some new ones. First up was...

Cheetah Hunt - it is awesome and takes.you from 0-60, from a standing start, 3 times in a very few seconds. Absolutely brilliant :)

The look on Mrs J's face on the first turn was apparently priceless. By that point she had no idea that she would be turned upside down... That didn't stop her riding it again, so must have been good.

The girls and I did all the major coasters - Kumba, Montu, Sheikra and Falcon's Fury. If you get a chance you can have a look at Google for videos of these rides. Our favorite was riding the front row of Sheikra, which pauses at the start, at a vertical drop.

Falcon's Fury takes you up the equivalent of 33 storeys, tilts you face down and the drops -a serious rush... The photo below was taken when we left the park.

Here's a few random photos from today.

Had dinner outside...

A cheetah being taken for a walk... As you do...

An elephant enjoying the sunshine...

A coaster silhouette...

All good things must come to an end and the good weather didn't quite last to the end of the day. With the park due to shut at 6, all rides were suspended at 5.30pm due to thunder and lightning. We waited to board our last ride - Cobra's Curse but the weather did for us. It is the newest attraction but each of the previous 3 visits it had broken down. Guess it's just wasn't meant to happen.

As the rain started and the sky turned black, we headed home.

On the way we stopped for tea at another first - Carrabas - an Italian restaurant. Great food...

Back home watching the Olympics. A great day...

Ticket To Ride...

First thing this morning, having woken up to sunshine, we checked the weather forecast. As it was looking sunny for the majority of the day, we rushed up and headed out.

We hadn't planned it like this, but the weather was too good, so we headed back to where we were yesterday. However this time it was Busch Gardens not Adventure Island. We arrived before the park opened but only had 5 minutes to wait. The national anthem played, the crowd cheered and the rope dropped at 10am.

Busch Gardens was part of our Tampa City Pass and one of our top destinations this holiday as it has a number of extreme coasters.

Mrs J and I have visited the park before but that was nearly 20 odd years ago.

Some of the rides are still there but there are some new ones. First up was...

Cheetah Hunt - it is awesome and takes.you from 0-60, from a standing start, 3 times in a very few seconds. Absolutely brilliant :)

The look on Mrs J's face on the first turn was apparently priceless. By that point she had no idea that she would be turned upside down... That didn't stop her riding it again, so must have been good.

The girls and I did all the major coasters - Kumba, Montu, Sheikra and Falcon's Fury. If you get a chance you can have a look at Google for videos of these rides. Our favorite was riding the front row of Sheikra, which pauses at the start, at a vertical drop.

Falcon's Fury takes you up the equivalent of 33 storeys, tilts you face down and the drops -a serious rush... The photo below was taken when we left the park.

Here's a few random photos from today.

Had dinner outside...

A cheetah being taken for a walk... As you do...

An elephant enjoying the sunshine...

A coaster silhouette...

All good things must come to an end and the good weather didn't quite last to the end of the day. With the park due to shut at 6, all rides were suspended at 5.30pm due to thunder and lightning. We waited to board our last ride - Cobra's Curse but the weather did for us. It is the newest attraction but each of the previous 3 visits it had broken down. Guess it's just wasn't meant to happen.

As the rain started and the sky turned black, we headed home.

On the way we stopped for tea at another first - Carrabas - an Italian restaurant. Great food...

Back home watching the Olympics. A great day...