Lido Key near Sarasota, Florida

January, 9th thru 11th 2009

This travellog covers one day when we drove over the causeway to Lido Key & St Armands Circle, barrier islands near Sarasota.

We are staying at Sun N Fun RV-Resort in Sarasota. It is $50 a night for FHU paved interior streets and more activities and amenities than you can shake a stick at. The place has over 2,000 sites. It is a *snow bird* destination. We have a "cheap" site, at least the cheapest available. They go up rapidly from our $50 a night site. And even with the economy struggling like it is the place appears to be better than 90% occupied. You really can't tell there is a recession by looking at the population in this place.

Colombia Restaurant on St Armands Circle Lido Key, Florida

This is outdoor seating for Colombia Restaurant on St Armands Circle just a few miles across the causeway from Sarasota.

Bird of paradise in yard on Lido Key

One of the beautiful bird of paradise blooms. Bird of paradise plants look similar to tiny banana plants.

Orchid tree bloom on sidewalk along St Armands Circle Lido Key, Florida

This is an orchid tree bloom that has fallen on a sea grape leaf.

While we took a ton of pictures of the blooms on the tree but none of them did the tree justice.

Orchid tree bloom on sidewalk along St Armands Circle Lido Key, Florida

This orchid tree bloom fell on wood chips used as mulch beneath the tree.

Bright orange flame vine on display at private residence on Lido Key, Florida

Bright orange flame vine engulfs this palm trunk on Lido Key.

Mother of Thousands bloom on display at private residence on Lido Key, Florida

This bloom is on an exotic tropical agave called "Mother of Thousands". The leaves in the background are sea grape leaves.