Three Generations

January 22 – February 4, 2015

As our journey around the country continues we wanted to make sure we spent some time with my Uncle Al again so we are somewhat retracing our steps.

We arrived in Largo Florida on the 5^th and were able to spend two weeks here. It is amazing how quickly the time goes by but we did manage to spend time with my Uncle. Unfortunately, Pat ended up in the hospital shortly after we arrived so we didn’t get to visit with her as much. I am happy to report she was sprung after a few days and got to hang out with us too. Izzy was especially happy as Pat got her a new floppy. Of course this is her favorite one now and she tries to take it everywhere she goes.

The different thing about this visit is that one of my nephews was able to fly into Tampa and spend about a week with us. It was great to see Kevin again and have him around.

He had not yet met his Great Uncle Al so that was especially nice. Uncle Al had been going through pictures to share with me and I discovered he looks almost identical to my grandfather Bailey. If we had taken Kevin to an old-time photography place and had his picture taken you would be hard pressed to tell who is who. We couldn’t pass up the chance to get a picture with the three of us.

 

We happened to be in the area when Tampa has a big celebration called the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. So being the curious people that we are we decided to see what it’s about but hopefully not get robbed by pirates.

This festival is an annual event in Tampa and started in 1904. The theme was inspired by the legend of José Gaspar, a Spanish nobleman and naval officer who turned to piracy. It is said that Gaspar plundered many ships around southwest Florida and made a secret island base south of Tamp in Charlotte Harbor. But I have to burst your bubble and tell you there isn’t any evidence that a pirate named Gaspar or Gasparilla ever operated off the Florida coast. Don’t tell these folks though as they celebrate with such passion. We think it’s because they just want a reason to dress like pirates and throw beads at people.

The Gasparilla

Birdseye View

Flying All Flags

 In The Spirit

 

 Look Like Friendly Pirates

 Enjoying the Festivities

 

Gaggle of Pirates

Just a Few Boats

We managed to get a fishing trip in while Kevin was here as well. We headed out on a somewhat cloudy day but that didn’t seem to deter the fish. I caught the first fish but unfortunately it wasn’t big enough to keep. We kept fishing and did manage to catch a lot more and I think we could keep more than we had to release. Steve caught the only grouper and Kevin caught the biggest fish.

 

Entertaining Us Before We Go

Fishing Yay!

 

Oops You Caught Me

Do You Need Something?

First Fish Tory

Grouper Steve

 

Kevin the Fishing Master

 

Fishing Machine

 

 

 

 Heading Back 

 

 

 

We also got to feed the birds on the way back into the marina as they apparently are used to this activity!

 

Friendly Bird

Our Catch For The Day

What? I don't Have Anything

The other thing we enjoyed was playing a round of golf. You probably couldn’t have guessed that was what I was going to tell you about but it’s true. The last time we played with Kevin was in March 2013 shortly after we started our journey.

The course was pretty and the day warm enough for shorts. This bird was brave enough to hang around and dry off while we were on the tee box. I am sad to report I didn’t make another hole-in-one but I did manage to sink the longest putt during the round!

 

 

 

 

Overall we had a wonderful time visiting Uncle Al and Pat and having Kevin hang out with us. It was kind of hard to leave the family but our journey must go on……….