Another Beach Day - Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island Causeway

Started slowly again today -- the life of a nomadic retiree is tough you know (LOL) but, if I had started earlier I might have taken the ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island.  The drive up US19 to Curlew Road west led right onto the causeway and bridge to Honeymoon Island.  I could have taken the SR580 exit for the road directly into Historic Dunedin but, I didn't think any of my Scottish heritage would get me anything special there -- and the family tree is still being worked on (maybe more when I get a place for a longer time than one week).  The trip of around 15 miles was only slowed mostly by construction on US19N for about a 3 mile stretch but, otherwise moved quite swifly at 55 mph and 65 mph in some places.  The westward flow was mostly about 45 mph and dropped down to 35 and 25 as you neared the park.

The bridge over and onto the causeway wasn't as impressive as others in the area or at Sanibel Island but, the causeway offered free areas to park before you get to the park station to pay for entrance and there is a place where you can rent sailboats, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards (it's on the eastbound side of the road before the park entrance).  There were restrooms too on that same side of the road.  I could see numbers of fishermen on both sides of the causeway and there was a little bait and tackle shop on the right just before you get to the bridge.

Honeymoon Island has ample parking and a separate entry to where the ferry service goes to Caladesi Island.  There are a few buildings with restrooms, showers, rinsing stations and one had a snack bar/restaurant (where I enjoyed a Cuban sandwich and Pepsi as I gazed at the beautiful views).  No pets are allowed on most of the main beach areas but, there was a separate little cove area on the eastern tip where pets were allowed and it had its own parking area.

View from my spot on the beach

I think I arrived around 10:30 and found a spot with an opening to the beach and lathered up for some sunning and people watching.  It seemed less crowded than Sand Key but, I may have been mistaken.  A couple walks on the beach filled the day as well and there were some really great seashells all along the beach like at Sanibel, only there seemed to be more sand here -- and whiter.  Just beyond the channel to the south lay Caladesi Island and some folks were there on the northern end enjoying the sun and beach -- chairs and umbrellas were available on both islands to rent, if desired (they were the blue ones with numbers on them).

Pet Beach/Cove

My first walk down the beach took me past numerous beach goers and some fishermen wading/fishing the shallows.  I gathered numerous beautiful shells as I ambled along and then ended up in the water wading the shallow, pleasantly clear waters.  The waves were really small so, little toddlers and old folks (like me) could enjoy being in the water -- except when I neared the point (which turns to the cove for the pet beach), one of the fishermen alertly pointed out that there was a shark just passing by in the shallows waters this side of the channel.  It looked to be 5 or 6 feet or more and appeared to be a black-tip shark.  A couple of the fishermen came quickly off the point once they were made aware of and saw the shark coming in their direction.  A guy said later that it was probably headed to the pet beach for a snack.

As I eat the Cuban

I had left my camera back with my other things so, I missed getting a picture of the shark and other things.  On my way back, I warned others in the water and especially those with toddlers that a shark had been spotted -- even waded out to some small groups who were farther out in chest high waters.  After that, I soaked up more sun and tried to let my bathing suit dry some before heading for that Cuban sandwich in the nearby building.

Enjoying the Pepsi and the View

The Cuban sandwich with potato salad and Pepsi really hit the spot and another, longer walk seemed appropriate -- this time with the camera in hand and ready for action.



Caladesi Isl. - Clearwater Bch beyond



During the time on the beach, I talked to a couple of women ahead of me and to the right about what I perceived to be Caladesi Island and perhaps Clearwater Beach in the distance (with all the high-rise buildings) and they confirmed that for me.  Also, they said the ferry to/from Caladesi Island normally stops around 3:30 or 4:00 from the island so, I decided not to venture there this time.  No high-rises on Caladesi Island -- just pristine and beautiful.

Walkway to Caladesi - [not really]

By the way, please do not walk on the sand dunes -- there's probably a hefty fine and there are signs too saying "Beware of Rattlesnakes" so, I recommend staying on the paths, beaches and asphalt.

They can't stand it here