St. Pete Beach and Crabby Bills

Crabby Bill's is becoming a tradition. Every time we come to visit my parents in St. Petersburg we end up at the beach and Crabby Bill's. First we drive to Pass a grille beach, a place we spent a lot of time growing up and searching for shells and what not. Then we come back to have lunch. I always get a crab cake sandwich, then we take the little board walk to the white sand and take in the scenery. Although we didn't see the dolphins today, I'm always on the look out for them. There are some ships and platforms out in the distance collecting sand that will be used to support the beachfront from additional erosion. All the green plants help mitigate the wind and surf damage. We usually aren't here during the hottest months of the year but parental health emergencies dictated an unplanned road trip. There is something very slow and serene about this place. I'm beginning to appreciate it more and more with each visit. Then I think of hurricanes and can't decide what's worse - the inconveniences of living on Capitol Hill or a random hurricane.  (Dolphin photo courtesy of Richard Hoskins.)

Crabby Bill's and Pass-A-Grille Beach

Another beautiful day after a scary 40 degree evening. We decided a drive for lunch somewhere on the beach was a good idea. So we returned to Crabby Bill's for a crab cake sandwich and fish and chips. The place could be described as a dump, but the view of the Gulf is wonderful. After lunch we took our usual ride to Pass A Grille beach. I can't tell you how many times I have driven and been driven to this place starting from the second grade. There is something magical about the water and the water birds that all seem so familiar. Then I think about hurricanes and inconvenience but that can't be any worse than a snowstorm or two. Still can't decide what we like except the warm weather for sure. Coming from New England, growing up in Florida, living thirty years in the Midwest, and now spending the last few on Capitol Hill sure gives you a feel for a variety of lifestyles. Unfortunately, my husband prefers an urban environment and I could do without it.