Artwork on Main Street

I usually start my walk at the Dunedin marina. I keep hoping to see that they have started fixing the damaged pier and boat docks but so far 8 months later it all looks the same. I’ve heard the city is waiting on insurance money or FEMA or both. They will also need to wait to get the right people to do it. I’m sure with all of the dock and pier damage up and down the western coast of the state those guys who fix that are busy.

 

It was blasting wind so after walking near the marina I headed up to Main Street to get out of the cold and wind until the sun came out . I thought the fish lock was the best.

The side of the wall on one of the buildings always has a cute seasonal painting. It was late March when I saw this.

Some of the fun artwork along Main Street.

I have still not been in the history museum. It opens at 11am and I’m usually home from my walk by then.

Flowers outside a restaurant.

I love the tile work on the fountain and stairs.

A few of the painted dolphins around the city.

I took this picture of the Dunedin boat club house several years ago. It sits on the front part of the marina and I recently read that it had been torn down due to extensive hurricane damage. It was built in 1931 and had survived 93 years here until Hurricane Helene flooded it last September. There were several benches in front of it that looked over the water and was shaded in the mornings and I would take a break on my long walks sitting on them. The whole area has been fenced off and I’m sure the benches are gone. I sure miss that spot. I’ve read that they will rebuild the club house (on concrete stilts this time) some time next year.

SkyWatch Friday

A winter drizzle walk

It was partly cloudy when I drove over to nearby Safety Harbor for an early morning Saturday walk in mid-March.

I could see a dolphin far out in the water as the clouds moved in.

I first walked the long pier and then walked over to the boardwalk through the mangroves. The tide was low and the birds were scarce.

By the time I got back to the pier it was barely drizzling. I didn’t mind since it was mild and the drizzle made if feel a little like winter. It was March after all.

There were two manatees hanging out along the pier.

A quick video of one coming up for air.

Before heading home I walked down Main Street. The sidewalk chalk festival was happening later that afternoon and they had the street blocked off to traffic. It was fun walking down the middle of the street, not having to worry about cars. People were just getting set up to start doing the artwork and there were a few booths selling things.

SkyWatch Friday

A holiday walk down Main Street

Downtown Dunedin is all decked out for the Holidays.  The small business owners on Main Street each decorated a light pole on the sidewalks. It was fun to walk around and look at each one. This is only a small sampling of them. I was here early in the morning, before the stores and restaurants opened so I didn’t have to dodge the crowds but the challenge was the shadows on the shaded side of the street. It was a festive way to get my walk in that morning.

Decorations in the parking lot.

Murals along Main Street. Notice the dogs painted on the right side of the top shot. Dunedin is also know as Dogedin. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating and encourage people to bring their dogs. One has a dog menu and your table comes with a bowl of water for the dog. Everyone is out walking their dogs and many of the long time residents can point out their own dogs that were painting on the murals.

SkyWatch Friday