WorldTravelReynolds

It is now July, the first weekend after the holiday. we are sitting in our newly leased condo on the water. I never thought I would like living so close to the ocean but it only took 24 hours or less to know this is the place I want to live the rest of my days. Now, that doesn’t mean I wont change my mind 1000 times during our world travels. The view is magnificent! We watch fish jumping daily, not sure why they do that but fun to watch and the dolphins are adorable. I hope to be lucky enough to get some photos of them at some point.

The sunset the 2nd night we were here. Taken from our balcony.

Its a good thing we are traveling because I would buy this place in a heartbeat. We are living in Dunedin, Florida. Its just north of Clearwater, Florida. We took a walk to the boat dock and then rode the trolley around this weekend and although the weather was very hot it was so nice to be able to wear shorts and not a sweater for a change. That I loved! This area just north of us is known for harvesting sponges. They dive for sponges and then sell them. They have been doing it since the 1840’s at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It was pretty cool. It is a greek community and had some delicious greek food.

Sponges were hanging on the fishing boats.

Now, lets backup to the beginning of June. after we sold the house, we moved into a hotel until we left for our Alaskan Cruise on June 12th with family. It was absolutely amazing. I didn’t think I would like the cold weather but it was so beautiful and the weather was in the high 60’s, low – mid 70s so not bad at all. Very little, if any rain. We were so lucky. We were able to spend so much time with my two brothers, Lonnie and Joe and their wives, Susan and Debbie. The best time of my life! I will cherish these memories forever.

Back Row – Chuck, Lonnie & Susan Front Row – Me, Debbie & Joe

We started out in Vancouver, BC. It was cold and wet but we were able to get some sight seeing in. We visited Granville Island that had a huge market you could shop for just about anything. The food was good and the shopping nice. We only bought a couple of key chains for the kids and some chocolates (my weakness). We learned about Inuksuk’s. What is that you say? Inuksuks are structures made of stone in the form of a human. Its used to “mark your way” or as a landmark. In Texas we call that Walmart. 😊

Another colorful section at the Ocean Concrete factory, where the cutely painted 68 feet high concrete silo’s – by Brazilian street artists “Os Gemeos” twin brothers from Sao Paolo.

My brother Lonnie, always the comedian. I’m sure it tasted like Chocolate! 😆

Colorful fruit, vegetables, meats and fish were in abundance in this marketplace at Granville Island.

Granville Street Bridge

Vancouver BC skyline

Vancouver has a beautiful skyline and water views. Interesting murals were scattered around the city.

Interesting structure in front of the museum

Girl in a wetsuit statue in Stanley Park

Lions Gate Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the North Shore. They say its really pretty at night.

We bought a selfy stick on our last trip to Europe. I wanted to make sure that not only did we make memories but to have us included in those memories. Chuck laughed at me at first but after we returned from a couple of trips, he got accustomed to the idea that I was going to take our picture. And it was fun! I took the selfie stick on this trip and well and it really came in handy when taking photos of all of us on the trip.

The rose gardens were beautiful in Vancouver!

The flowers were gorgeous!

Stay tuned to more Alaska moments. This is just a beginning!

Until next time. May God Bless you all!

Lea Ann & Chuck