Beach – Journeys with Eileen Diane

Favorite Poem: Sea-Fever by John Masefield ~ Photos

January 28, 2023January 27, 2023Journeys with EileenDiane

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Journey to Fort Myers, Florida ~ June 2022 ~ Photos

July 2, 2022July 10, 2022Journeys with EileenDiane

Who lives sees much, who travels sees more ~ Arabian Proverb

Last month when I flew to Tampa, I liked the area so much I decided to fly to Florida again, this time to the Fort Myers area. I had to connect in Charlotte, NC and two of the four flights I took were delayed. Fortunately, I made my connection going to Fort Myers (after running thru Charlotte Airport – why are connections so far apart when there is little time?) and coming home, while missing a shuttle, there was another an hour later.

Travel Tips:

Always try to get a non-stop flight (earliest in the day) and if connecting, always opt for the earliest flight.
Check with friends or travel advisors about which airline offers best connections to where you are traveling.
Download the airline’s app to keep up to date re flights.
If you HAVE to get to your destination (a wedding, cruise, etc.) perhaps book your arrival for a day or two in advance.
Be patient and keep your sense of humor as plane travel will not be “fun” this summer.

I spent several days in beautiful Fort Myers, seeing friends, enjoying the beach, Happy Hours and some terrific restaurants plus one of the best Barnes and Nobles that I have ever visited. Since this is Florida’s rainy season, I witnessed some spectacular thunder/lightning storms in the evenings.

Then I drove north to St Petersburg, stopping at Punta Gorda for a terrific lunch at Fishermen’s Village, at the Village Brewhouse. It was fun exploring all of the local shops. Village Brewhouse | Fishermen’s Village | Punta Gorda, Florida (fishermensvillage.com)

After visiting St Petersburg (the Dali Museum is a must!) for a few days, I headed south staying in Sarasota for a few days, loving Siesta Key Beach. It is ranked as one of the best beaches and I definitely would agree. Also in the area, are the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

I drove south to Naples for lunch, then headed back to Fort Myers. This time, instead of a chain hotel, I opted for a local hotel near the beach that a friend recommended. Great recommendation!

I’ll have several more posts and photos about St. Petersburg, the Dali Museum, the Botanical Gardens in Sarasota plus some favorite restaurants, especially in Fort Meyers and St. Petersburg.

Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined

Clearwater Beach, Florida ~ May 2022 ~ Photos ~ Quotes

May 22, 2022May 21, 2022Journeys with EileenDiane

Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach ~ Michelle Held

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul ~ Robert Wyland

The beach to me is a sacred zone between the earth and the sea, one of those in-between between places where transitions can be experienced – where endings can be mourned and beginnings birthed. A walk along the beach offers the gift of the unexpected ~ Joan Anderson

Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone ~ Anonymous

Isn’t it strange, the way time moves? I could stand here and watch the sea crash beneath me for hours and it would feel only like minutes had passed ~ Sjana Elisa Earp

We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds ~ Aristotle Onassis

In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans ~ Kahlil Gibran

I followed my heart and it led me to the beach ~ Unknown

Journey to Dunedin & Clearwater, Florida ~ May 2022 ~ Photos

May 11, 2022May 11, 2022Journeys with EileenDiane

My first plane trip since the pandemic was terrific. Flights were full, but on time ~ always a good thing. Rather than renting a car, as I’d never been to the area, I opted to explore using either Uber or the Jolley Trolley. It worked well ~ and next time I visit, I shall rent a car. I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Dunedin, just north of Clearwater and I highly recommend it.

There were two places that for me were “must see.” First, the Clearwater Aquarium, which I have wanted to visit since seeing the beautiful movie “A Dolphin Tale.” The Aquarium lived up to my expectations and more.

Second, I had heard about Tarpon Springs, north of Clearwater, which has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. It was fun to walk about and the restaurant I chose was incredible. Definitely worth a repeat visit.

I’ll have several more post about the Clearwater Aquarium, beautiful Clearwater Beach (yes, the Gulf is spectacular!), Tarpon Springs and Dunedin plus some favorite restaurants.

Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined

Armchair Traveler ~ South Carolina

April 24, 2021April 24, 2021Journeys with EileenDiane

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Savor your journeys… real, imagined or virtual, near or far

Photos~Founders Park, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

April 3, 2019May 1, 2020Journeys with EileenDiane

The park, adjacent to Trump National Clubhouse, is a gorgeous area to walk about. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island. There are picnic tables and trails leading to the beach. It’s the perfect spot to explore prior to or after dining at the Trump National Golf Club. I had a fabulous Afternoon Tea there on a recent visit — next blog post.

Photos: Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, CA

April 1, 2019March 31, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

Hermosa Beach — even in fog, off-season, a beautiful beach and pier. Pier Ave is terrific to explore with many good restaurants and shops. You may spot some tv shows being made or a beach volleyball tournament. Breathe in the salt air …

Foggy morning, from the Pier

Under the Pier

beach volleyball nets await …

Looking south to Palos Verdes Peninsula

Getting ready to play …

Film crew setting up, morning

Redondo Beach — stroll the Esplanade (above the beach) or the bike/beach path (which stretches from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes Peninsula). Explore the Redondo Beach Pier and Catalina Ave for good restaurants and fun shopping.