Dunedin, Florida: April Theme Day: WATER: Honeymoon Island Beach

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I find it amazing, really, what an attraction we have for water. I don't mean just the water we drink, or wash with, but ANY water. Even water we can use for neither. Take the beach, for example. Honeymoon Island Beach, it's a State Park, is very popular. People come from all around to enjoy the beach... the water. If you take away the water, it's just sand. You can get it anywhere. But when you add water, it becomes a beach, a magic place. Even people who have no intention to get in it, drink it, walk on it, bathe in it, etc., will come to the beach... just to sit near it!

There are almost 200 Daily Photo bloggers participating in Theme Day today. I encourage you to wander through the list below, and check out 'WATER' around the world.

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Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix - Bostonscapes, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Gordio, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Pont-à-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Honeymoon Cafe, Kayak

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From the beach, looking up toward Cafe Honeymoon... or is it Honeymoon Cafe? I cannot remember! But I think you get the idea. A place for a drink and some grub, while you sit at the railing and look out over the Gulf of Mexico, and Honeymoon Beach. Not bad if you ask me.

In fact, if you look directly below the flag, you will see a couple sitting there, just then, doing just that. I like it! If you are in the area, and thinking about someplace new and different to try, why not try this?
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Memorial Bench

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Stan and Rita have gone fishing. For good.

This bench, this memorial bench, can be found on Honeymoon Island Beach. Honeymoon Island is a State Park, and so far, every bench I have seen out there has a memorial on it.

I don't know Stan and Rita Maneski. Someone not only knew them, but loved them enough to take the time and energy and money to have this dedication carved into a bench and installed on the beach on Honeymoon Island. It makes me wonder, will anyone love me that much after I am gone? Or, does it matter?
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: It's All About Control

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Like yesterday's image, this one is all about control. The railings in yesterday's post were there to control where we humans walk. The machinery in this post are there to control the water that carries our waste.

It's nice that the City Of Dunedin paints them a subtle green. I just don't think it would be as pleasing if they painted them brown!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Patterns

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Sometimes the shortest route... is not available!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Remains Of The Day

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Where does the day go? Where does the time go? One minute, we are sitting in the sand playing with our sand castle mold and bucket and shovel (all plastic, of course), and the next minute we are paying mortgages, bucking for a raise, and worrying about the world economy. While I wish someone would have warned us while we were playing in the sand, I'm glad I didn't see all this coming.

A note about yesterday's post: Live shelling... 'shelling', in general, refers to strolling along the beach picking up seashells (dead, no animal inside). Live shelling would involve strolling along the beach looking for, and picking up, living sea creatures in their shells. There are places along the Florida coast where you can wade into the water and pick up live scallops to take home for dinner, for example. That would be considered live shelling.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Live Shelling & Rip Tide Signs

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As if in counterpoint to the person on the jet ski, catching air off the tops of waves, we find the Rip Current warning sign. It can be quite dangerous to encounter a rip tide when you don't expect it, or know what it is. The natural instinct is to fight like crazy to get back to shore. Wrong.

As crazy as it seems, you are better off drifting out with the rip current, conserving your energy. Then, when it releases you, swim back to shore in a path that takes you around the current. 'For best results' read these signs when you see them, and ALWAYS observe life guard instructions or posted signs like these. It can save your life!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach SURF!

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You could also title this post: Crazy Jet Ski Dude Catches Major Air In Super Surf Off Honeymoon Island Beach! But that seems just a little bit too long, even for me! :D

As I told you yesterday, I was out on Honeymoon Island Beach to try to snap some cool wave shots. Since we actually had some 'surf' the other day, with the coastal surf advisory they had posted. Something to do with some weather system bringing in heavier than usual wave and surf activity. So I am wandering about snapping pictures, when I notice these two little black dots dancing across the wave tops. Huh?

So I pointed me handy-dandy 70-300 (attached to my Nikon D80) at the black dots. Lo and behold, there I see a couple of jet skis, complete with crazy dudes, riding the waves. I think he is actually wearing a helmet, but I cannot be sure. Not a bad idea if you think about it.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach WAVES!

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On a recent afternoon, when I checked the weather, we had a coastal surf warning, or some such thing. They were actually warning us about much stronger, bigger waves than usual. Well here with the Gulf Of Mexico, we just don't get all that much serious wave action. So I decided to head out to Honeymoon Island after work, and see what I could snap.

I soon realized that it can be difficult to capture the impressive increase in wave activity. This is due, in part, to the fact that the waves were still not big by most standards. But they were bigger, and stormy. We might usually see waves about one foot around here, and I would have to say these waves were more like three feet. I really tweaked this image to make it 'pop'. Check back to tomorrow to see what one guy did with these waves, and no, he was not surfing!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach: Ample Parking & HAPPY EASTER!

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Yes, it IS just a parking lot. Something about it must remind me of a happy childhood memory, because I like this picture. So I share it with you.

Notice, if you will, the largest building you can see in the distance. It's just to the right of the bathhouse down the sidewalk from where I was standing. At this angle, with the help of Google Earth, I am pretty sure we are looking at the Dunedin Mease Hosital. That's 4 miles away, by the way. Cool, eh?

You could hide a LOT of Easter Eggs out there to hunt for! HAPPY EASTER!!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach At Dusk

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When I look at this image, it brings memories of how it felt to stand there on the beach at dusk. There was a firm breeze, I could smell the woodlands of the island as well as the saltwater. It was peaceful. I could feel my 'batteries' recharging.

The amazing thing is that this place is just a short drive from Downtown Dunedin. It's only ten or fifteen minutes at the most. I think it must be the park admission that keeps it from being crowded all the time.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Lush Florida Style Landscaping

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I am afraid this photograph just doesn't capture the lushness I feel when I see this yard in person. It's not the most wonderful yard landscape I have ever seen, but it is basic, and effective, and welcoming. It just feels good to look at it.

I think the low hedge is Plumbago, which a lot of people use in this neighborhood. The vines on the arbor are, I think, some sort of Jasmine. I could be wrong. Jasmine is one of my favorite plants, and there are so many wonderful varieties. In the yard of a former home, I had no less than seven varieties of Jasmine growing, including Night Blooming Jasmine. They really filled the yard with the most wonderful smells. What's your favorite plant?
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Old Rusty Metal Industrial Building: Ready To Recycle

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This place is on my list of buildings I would like to take the time to record thoroughly, with my camera. It's old. It's industrial. It's metal. It's rusty. I love it. I'm one of those people who, IF he had millions, would buy old places like this (and old barns) and turn them into really cool homes that look like old rusty buildings. Makes perfect sense doesn't it?

While I look at something like this and think it should be recycled, I also think how wonderful it is that Nature can, in time, completely wipe away all traces of our existence. Or perhaps I should give that credit to Time, not Nature. Or perhaps it is the Nature of Time? Or they work together? What do you think?
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 10

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Ah yes, and here we are... back to the parking lot. Now for that... HEY! WAIT! What are you all doing running away to your cars now? What's that all about?? Helllooooo???? Where'd they go? I can't believe they all just ran to their cars and left! I don't understand...

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 9

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Good luck, my friends, that clearing ahead means we are getting very close to the parking lot, where we started. We'll be back to man-made restrooms and water fountains soon! But I have a surprise for you... once we get back to the picnic area at the parking lot.

As it is getting on toward dusk, I know some of you are feeling just a little chilly. We'll take care of that right soon! Hey now, to hear all that grumbling back there, it's enough to make a Nature Trail Guide think you might be tired of hiking this trail with me!

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 8: Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

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I seem to be hearing a lot of whining coming from that group in the back, so we'll take a break. While we are breaking, let's all have a wee swig of me Green Wonder Juice out of me little green flask, to celebrate the day! And keep in mind... hey, are you listening? You there, you pack of wheezing slaggards, are you hearing me? Good!

As I was saying, keep in mind it is St. Patrick's Day, so there is a very good chance that we might run into some Leprechauns out here on the Island, looking for some mischief. Don't you listen to nothing they be wanting to whisper in yer ears! I mean it! They'll turn you green and laugh while you sit crying!

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 7

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Look down! The other thing I learned, from another smart person, is to look down! When walking on a nature trail like this, with so much to see, one really must look up, and look down, and look all around! Otherwise, we might have missed these raccoon tracks.

Ahhh, I remember when my dear Grandparents would take me on walks in the woods, teaching me all about nature and bird watching and being quiet so I could see the wild things. It was magical!

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 6

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Look up! That's what a smart person I know once told me. Look up! People forget this all the time. We tend to observe in a cone somewhere around eye level. But don't forget to look up. That's where eagles fly! That's where clouds go drifting by. That's where woodpeckers and owls are found in trees. That where you'll see nests of hummingbirds and bees.

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 5

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Meet Frank and Ethel, they came out to walk the nature trail 13 years ago, and they loved it so much, they never left! That's right. People come out and bring them food, and rumor has it, Frank has a fishing pole stashed somewhere, so he can fish at night. During the day they hunt for the illusive Ivory Billed Woodpecker. I've heard him out there, but never seen him.

Just one note, when we catch up to them and make the introductions... if you are holding a candy bar or energy bar or other such snack in your hand, be ready to give it up. Face it people, those two are probably HUNGRY!

Pssst... just between you and me... I would LOVE to run away and live out there on the island. What an awesome place!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 4

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Look, look, look!!! (much gesticulating and pointing of hands in an upward motion) Ahhhh, there you go, that's why we're here. Well, except for the guy who had to taste the berries. Look at that beautiful view, what a picture indeed.

What you see before you is a nesting pair of Osprey. The one on the branch to the left is obvious, but if you look closely at the nest (click the image above to see a larger version, or click here to see a REALLY big picture), you can see the head of another just above the edge of the sticks.

At this point I would like to remind you all that the Osprey's main food source is fish. So whoever it is that I have been smelling since we met in the parking lot, you know who you are, the one who smells like a bait shack, I recommend you keep a low profile. Don't wiggle too much, eh?

ps: IS IT FRIDAY YET????
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 3

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Now... please, please, please, don't go all Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory on me, OKAY?!?! We've already lost one hiker who could not resist tasting the pretty white berries. But know this: There are no Oompa-Loompas here to save you! Alright now, ready to move on then? Good.

When you see scrub areas like this one, enjoy them sensibly. We are quite safe on the path, for the most part, so please stay on the path. When you go off the trail, you intrude into the area that is preserved for the wildlife here. You may be tempted to strike out into the scrub for a closer look at an armadillo, but you may also end up with a way-too-close look at a rattlesnake. Yes, they do live out here on the island. So let's respect their space, and I assure you, they will respect ours.


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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail 2

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Alright everyone, let's stick together, shall we? You there! Stop that! No!

"Ack.. phhllppphhh... ack... aassssspppppllllttthhhhhh..."

Oh bother! Does anyone know the number for nine-one-one? As I was going to say... NO EATING THE BERRIES! I'm afraid our little hike on the Honeymoon Island Nature Trail is off to a sad start, and shall be delayed slightly. (Sorry, no refunds for eating the berries!)
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Trail

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Ready to go for a walk? It's a nice walk, not much of a hike, but enough to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

Come with me, c'mon, I'm going to show you a piece of Dunedin that a lot of people don't see. This is the Nature Trail on Honeymoon Island. It's only something like a mile long. Don't worry, we won't do it all in one day. We have plenty of time. Just get some good walking or hiking shoes on, grab your camera if you have one. A little water and a snack, and we're ready.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: 6 Storks On The Roof: 6 Babies???

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Wood Storks on the roof! Does having 6 Wood Storks on your roof mean you just got 6 babies? Wow, that would be something! I snapped this group while out for a walk one day, and found myself thinking "I wish they would come and hang out on MY roof!" Not because I want them to bring me babies, just because they are so cool. But then, there is probably something bad about having Wood Storks hanging out on your roof, although I cannot imagine what that would be.

I find these birds fascinating. They seem so regal, so wise, so aged. I would not be at all surprised to find that they each live to 500 years old, and that most of them alive today saw Columbus discover America. Okay, back to reality. If you would like to read up on Wood Storks, here are some links: Wiki entry; USGS page; Cornell entry; Everglades National Park site.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Merchants Courtyard On Broadway

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This cozy and welcoming courtyard, complete with fountain, can be found just off Main Street, in Downtown Dunedin, on Broadway. As you sit on the smooth, cool green benches, you can contemplate the life of a water drop in the fountain.

In case you are wondering, I will tell you about the two businesses you see in the background. On the left there is L'Elegance Fine Linens. The sign touts gifts and lingerie as well. If you are looking into Dunedin real estate, the business on the right may interest you. That is the office of Susan Littlejohn Realty. At this point, her website is still under construction and has little more than contact information, but here is the link if you like.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Pinellas Trail Will Set You Straight

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Lots of people take advantage of their lunch hour to stretch their legs for a bit on the Pinellas Trail. As it runs right through the center of Downtown Dunedin, it is easily accessible to folks before or after they enjoy a Downtown Dunedin lunch. There are quite a few restaurants near the trail in this area.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Happy Florida-Style Dumpster

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I can't say that all the dumpsters in Downtown Dunedin are this stylish, but I like the look of this one. Sure, dumpsters are generally dirty and ugly (unless you are making a million dollars with them), but I think it's great fun to see the life someone painted into this one. What do they look like in your town?

By the way, this weekend: Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, March 8, from 11AM to 4PM. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of. Includes the Fenway and the Dunedin Grand among others. Call the Dunedin Historical Society Museum for details; (727)736-1176.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Driving On Main, Driving In The Rain

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We were blessed with some rain today. I was driving on Main Street, I was driving in the rain. Okay so far. Then I had the crazy idea... gee, I'm going to take a picture. Of course, what a brilliant idea. That's pretty much the end of the story. :D

No, not my best picture ever, but I thought it did a nice job of conveying the moment. And hey, who doesn't love the fun, colorful streaks made by the cars driving by? If it matters, this is the intersection with Belcher Rd. and US HWY 19 is in the distance.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Alamo Lane Neighborhood

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This is Alamo Lane. It's not a high priced, fancy neighborhood. It's a NICE neighborhood. I love to walk here when I get a chance. That is Lake Paloma on the right. If you've been here before, you have read about Lake Paloma.

If you found me while searching for Dunedin real estate, that's because I wrote about a house for sale down the street on the left. In fact, if you enlarge the picture by clicking on it, you can see the for sale sign! There are a couple of homes for sale on this block now. I think it would be a really nice place to live.

This location is really convenient, when it comes to Dunedin, real estate wise. From here you can hook up to the Pinellas Trail just a couple of blocks away. And from there, you can ride or walk to downtown in no time. What great fun to head downtown for lunch, just a few minutes from home. Then head over to the Dunedin Marina to see what's going on. Hang out in the park there, or one of the others nearby. Lots of fun!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Deli News Cafe: The Big Picture

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This is the big picture, at Deli News Cafe, that shows the whole front of the building and how the two wall murals fit together. It's a really fun place, like I said, and I like the way it looks. They even have more murals on the walls inside. I will get those for you another time. When I snapped these pictures of the outside, I had to get them while they were closed, so no cars would be parked in the way.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Deli News Cafe Wall Mural Part II

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Like I said yesterday, here is the other section of the wall mural at Deli News Cafe. It's a fun place on the outside, and a great place for lunch on the inside. Scroll down to yesterday's post for more complete information about the Deli News Cafe.

**** Scroll down for information on the upcoming Mutt Strut. ****
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: 16th Annual Mutt Strut on Honeymoon Island

News Flash: 16th Annual Mutt Strut to be held on Dunedin's Honeymoon Island, this coming Saturday, March 8, from 9am to 1pm. Click here to read a short article about it, or here to see the Humane Society's web page about it.

And be sure to check out We Love Dog Pictures.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

2008 Florida Strawberry Festival Begins!

The 2008 Florida Strawberry Festival has begun! It runs from February 28 to March 9, in Plant City, Florida. Tons of fun for the whole family! Here are some excerpts about the Festival, from their website (scroll down a bit for today's Dunedin Daily Photo):

Whatever your interests, we have it all. Exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts await you. The fabric of American life is woven into this Florida Strawberry Festival® through ethnic traditions, social events, competitive contests, youth developmental programs, top-name entertainment, parades with scores of glorious floats, and high-stepping marching bands moving to the musical beat.

Come enjoy the rhythm as our empty stage comes to life with your favorite country music entertainers who perform each day at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise stated. There are about 4,000 free seats for all shows included as a part of your gate admission available on a first-come, first-served basis, or you may purchase reserved seats for $10 and up, depending upon artist and location as long as they are available.

Throughout the Florida Strawberry Festival®, we believe we offer one of the best entertainment bargains in North America. For example, our Ride-A-Thon on the Midway allows patrons to ride most mechanical rides from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for one low price. Children ages 5 and under are admitted to the grounds free when accompanied by a paying adult. Once inside the gates, proceed to the midway and purchase your wristband there. The magic of our bargains guarantees that you won’t be disappointed.

Gates open at 10 a.m. most days, click here for the schedule. The Festival is located in Plant City, Florida. Click here for directions, click here for a locator map, click her for a map of the grounds.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Theme Day: Deli News Cafe Wall Mural

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Welcome to the March 2008 City Daily Photo Blogger Theme Day! (Wow, what a mouthful!) The theme this month is graffiti or wall murals. Well, I guess I don't get out enough, because I was not able to find any graffiti in Dunedin, in the course of my normal travels around town.

However, I have always enjoyed this wall mural on the side of the Deli News Cafe. Actually, this is just a part of the mural. You will have to wait until tomorrow to see the rest. Deli News Cafe is a great place for lunch. I often get their Good Life Salad, or their Reuben Sandwich. Both are delicious and TOTALLY filling. Their Cuban sandwiches are so good, they won an award!

They are located at 680 Main Street, Downtown Dunedin. That's right at the corner where Main Street splits into Main and Skinner. The phone number is 735-0505. And if you check out their website, keep in mind that I am not sure the prices are current. Just give them a call to be sure (tell them Dunedin Daily Photo says hi!).

There are 144 City Daily Photo blogs participating in this theme day!!! Feel free to enjoy an armchair trip around the world:
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn

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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Bicycle Trailering On Main Street

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The weather was just beautiful that day, and this woman seemed to have the perfect way to spend the day. Not to mention the happy little child in the trailer behind her. I don't know where they are headed next, but I am sure there is a good time ahead of them.

If the building behind her, across the street, caught your eye like it did mine, here's the scoop. It is a coffee shop, sort of, and I think it is somewhat new. The name of the place is Caffe Crema. I could not find a website, but I did find this listing for it: Caffe Crema, (727)736-2739, 638 Skinner Blvd. Specializing in organic, gluten free baked goods, panini and quesadilla, vegetarian. Light lunch, indoor/outdoor seating, M-F 8:30-4:00; Sat 9:00-5:00; Closed Sunday
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach 2

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Another view of the beautiful beach at Honeymoon Island. I hit the color tweak button to juice it up just a little bit. The sand beach is to the right in this photo, the scrub inlands to the left. It's great to see a bit of 'wild' so close in to Dunedin.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Dunedin Causeway Bridge

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Well now, it wouldn't be much of a causeway without a bridge, would it? No, I guess not. This is the larger of several bridges that are part of the Dunedin Causeway. It often amazes me to consider how the Dunedin Causeway has become such a destination, as opposed to just a road out to Honeymoon Island.

People, lots of people, come to the causeway to spend the day. It might be about boating or jet skis or kayaking or swimming. To others it is about walking or biking or skating or jogging, or (heaven forbid) running. Did I forget sunbathing, fishing, windsurfing, kite surfing, bird watching and dog walking?

If you are looking for something fun to do in Dunedin, or the Dunedin-Clearwater-Palm Harbor area, don't forget about Dunedin Causeway.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Center Exhibits

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As I mentioned yesterday, here is a view of the inside of the Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park. I think a lot of people will like it because it has lots of interesting information about the Island, and yet it is not so big that you would get bored before you finished enjoying it. But it is big enough that you could cool off a bit while the kids learn about raccoons and osprey.

The Nature Center website has a neat map of the Island. Click here to check it out. Admission fees go like this: $5.00 for up to 8 people per car. Single occupant fee of $3.00. Sunset fee of $3.00 per vehicle starting one hour prior to sunset. Admission to the Nature Center is included.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Nature Center

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This is the somewhat imposing stairway to the Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park. But don't worry, there is a wheelchair accessible ramp also, so you don't have to climb all those stairs if you don't want to.

The Nature Center is wonderful. I have a picture from the inside that I will post next time. It's the kind of place where you could spend quality time with your children, and actually have them enjoy learning.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Dunedin Causeway Welcome Sign

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If you are looking for a good time along the Dunedin Causeway, or on the beaches of Honeymoon Island, this is the sign you are looking for. Once you pass its welcoming greeting you are on your way to fun in the sun.

On the Causeway, you can rent sail boats, kayaks, windsurfers and so on. Or just lay on the narrow beach near your car. Or walk your dog, play in the shallow water, or even enjoy the Pinellas Trail spur that runs the length of the Causeway. And that means either walking, jogging, biking or skating.

Drive just a little further, and you can enjoy the many features of Honeymoon Island. That includes a large expense of beautiful beach (a remote part of which is open for pets), a Nature Center, Honeymoon Cafe, various picnic and play areas, as well as a wonderful nature trail system through the wild northern part of the island. It's an incredible place.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Beach And Cabana View

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Here is another view of the beach at Honeymoon Island. It's beautiful out there, and it's just not that far away. Check it out.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island: Heart Of Rocks

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Someone thinks a lot of "Mom Koletsos". I came across this declaration of admiration on the beach at Honeymoon Island during a recent photo safari. It made me smile, and it still does every time I see it. I have no idea who Mom Koletsos is, but she must be doing something right!
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Dunedin Fine Art Center

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This is the Dunedin Fine Art Center. It is a wonderful place, where you can get up close to art by artists from all over, including Dunedin. In addition, they offer classes so you can discover the artist in you. On top of all that, it is a really neat place to see what is going on. So we will be visiting the Center again.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!

Dunedin, Florida: Honeymoon Island Trail To Dog Beach, Hurricane Pass

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If you can resist the temptation to park nearer to Cafe Honeymoon, parking at the south end of the main lot on Honeymoon Island puts you right close to the entrance to this ordinary looking trail. This is the trail to the Pet (Dog) Beach, which borders Hurricane Pass.

Follow it out to the sand, and you will be rewarded with a nearly endless vista of blue skies, white sand, and the blue-green waters of the Gulf Of Mexico. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Relax.
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If you would like to see more of this area, check out Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, and Clearwater Daily Photo. If you enjoy photography, check out my photography blog. Thanks for coming today, I hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to Dunedin, Florida!