Life on an Island

Our vacation this year has been truly blessed with awesome sunshine and warmth to thaw our Michigan bones.  We have done lots of walking on the beach and we've seen dolphins several times - not to mention the many birds that are not making their homes in my home state.

The attitude here is pretty laid back except for those who are trying to find parking space near good restaurants - they seem a little touchy.  But we found out today that fishing has been very difficult due to high waves and warm water.  Apparently the fish prefer cooler water so they go out deeper and it can get dangerous for the fishi

ng boats.  Crab claws are plentiful so that will be part of dinner tonight.  The above photo was taken Monday night on our way to dinner at the Rod & Reel. 

Yesterday we encountered an anti-greed anomaly.  The only Irish bar on Anna Maria Island was closed even though it was St Patrick's Day!  It seems that their regular schedule is to close on Tuesdays, no matter what is happening that day.  We were puzzled and surprised but kind of thought "good for them!"  They gave up what was sure to be a very profitable day to keep with their regular schedule.

We walk a lot when we are here.  We also take the trolley - it is free and travels around the whole island.  Last night we went out to the beach for sunset.  Here are a few photos.