Returning to Clearwater Beach

           Returning to Clearwater has been bittersweet….seems like only yesterday we were setting sail for our adventure.  I feel like our adventure has come to an end, at least for the moment.  Sadly, we have returned to work-life again and put a halt to our sailing adventures.  On the upside, we have reunited with many great friends over the past few weeks and enjoyed a vibrant social life.

Easy Cruising Grounds

           The Clearwater area is a great spot for cruisers.  Supplies are easy to access both on land and in the dingy.  There are plenty of day docks to take the dingy ashore for the day, both on the mainland and on Clearwater beach.  Island Estates has a great dingy dock just a block from Publix.  I was even able to get my COVID-19 vaccination there without an appointment, so I’m ready to travel again!

           For relaxation, walking the beach is one of my favorite pastimes.  You can walk for miles along the perfect sand beach, wade in the water to cool off, and stop for cocktails and snacks at the multitude of restaurants along the way. 

Easy Dingy Trips

           Clearwater also offers plenty of short dingy trips when you want to escape.  About 20 minutes north is the town of Dunedin with cool little shops, restaurants, bars, and museums.  Downtown is only a block from the dingy dock and the French restaurant at the docks is a great spot for cocktails and snacks.

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           Multiple deserted islands dot the intercoastal waterway between Dunedin and Clearwater.  They are great little places to pull up for a swim and a picnic for the afternoon.  There are also little spots you can pull in on the intercoastal and take a short walk across the island to the beaches on the Gulf.

           For onshore adventures, the Pinellas Trail runs through Clearwater and provides a peaceful place for walking or bicycling.  I like taking the bike along the trail and avoiding the traffic.  We also biked over to the beach but it gets pretty congested and difficult to navigate at times.

           I’m sad we are back and our journey is halted, but enjoy spending time with friends and catching up.  Time to start planning our next adventure…