Headed up to Indian Shores to stay at a friend’s house (Laurie and John Calfee) right on the gulf. It is named the “Shell House” because there are shells everywhere – fireplace surround, mirrors, backsplashes, bowls, etc. We were able to pull into their driveway
and camp out with 20 amps. Not long ago we didn’t know that this was an option. Enough electrical to power one AC, the refrigerators, and some lights.
But before we got to the Shell House, we needed to traverse the Tampa Bay Bridge:
Talk about scary! The warning lights were blinking indicating that it was extremely windy so use caution. Driving the side of a house over that bridge during high winds was a very taxing job. I was relieved once we were on solid ground again on the other side.
The back of the Shell House is on the Gulf of Mexico and had tremendous views:
My sister Janis Schroeder and her husband, Steve, invited us over to there house in Belleair for dinner. It was a real treat to see their house on the Intercostal Waterway, spend time with them, and have a delicious meal. Thanks Janis and Steve – you have a beautiful house!
The next day we went to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival with Janis and Steve. The art was fabulous:
Sculptors come from around the globe to participate in this festival. This year’s theme was “Sea the World” and each sculptor had to re-create a scene from some country. Additionally, new upcoming sculptor are invited as well and they have small works at the end of the tented area.
Truly unbelievable that these works of art survive during the festival. I mean, they are made of sand! Whenever I have built a sandcastle is doesn’t last 1/2 hour!
Here’s Janis, Steve, Kat and I leaving the exposition:
We had a nice seafood dinner at Frenchy’s before heading out on the pier to catch the sites and the sunset:
Thank you Janis and Steve for playing host, sharing your home with us, and showing us around your little slice of heaven!
The next morning we went to watch our nephew Ronnie play a baseball game. It was fun remembering sitting on the sidelines when we watched Keenan play so many years ago.
Later that day, Kat’s brother Derek, sister-in-law Nikki and the two boys (Ronnie and Cole) came by to visit us at the Shell House. Great time catching up with them and watching the boys be boys.
Enjoyed a nice relaxing day at the house and seeing the sunset – beautiful location to see sunsets!
We finally got to see out hosts, Laurie and John (JP) as their travels were concluded and they had time to drive over from Tampa – their everyday house location. We were going to go out for dinner but decided to order in and enjoy time together.
Wonderful evening on the beach with a fire going to keep you warm.
They were able to visit the Busse Bus and get their picture taken as well:
We very much appreciated you both letting us squat at your lovely Shell House! We would definitely recommend this “campground” to all of our friends.
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