Manatee Lake SRA, Bradenton, FL: Headed out this morning for Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast and then continued on. Anna Maria Island was not what we thought it was going to be. We thought it would be a large nature preserve or something. But it was all residences and resorts. We stopped at a pier at the north end of the island and one of the beaches and then headed south to Long Boat Key. Long Boat Key is a community of very upscale residences and resorts. Beautiful though with lush vegetation, beautiful golf courses and homes. Stopped at some high-end shops on the south end of the island and walked around for a while. Then over the bridge to Sarasota. Stopped on the historic Main Street in Sarasota and walked around for a while. Pretty area. Headed north on Rt. 41 and stopped at the Ringling Museums but didn’t have enough time to see the whole complex, so we plan on going back tomorrow early. Our mouse, Bruno, ate all the peanut butter off the trap again. This time in broad daylight while we were out for a walk. He is getting bold.

One of the beaches on Anna Maria Island

On the Pier at the north end of Anna Maria Island.  We saw a cormorant with a fish lure and line stuck in his throat.  He seemed to be fishing and eating ok, but he kept trying to get rid of it.  Poor thing!

Main Street Old Town Sarasota