A week-long visit may not be enough

St. Petersburg, FL is both charming and vibrant. With the municipal marina just steps from downtown, walking has become our go-to activity. We let the 30-minute narrated tour of the Looper Downtown Trolley ($.25 for seniors) introduce us to the lay-out, and then we hit the pavement. Since we have been tied up to a dock, we have taken on fresh water... we hold 300 gallons... we have carried out some much needed fresh water chores... general boat cleaning as well as dinghy and four fenders, we have had a much-appreciated pump-out of the black water tank... we been told we hold 40 gallons... and we filled our spare out-board motor fuel tanks. Much needed mail/packages have been cheerfully delivered to us. Publix is a 15 minute hike away, so we replenish our provisions every so often by carrying two sturdy fabric bags apiece. Today the rain arrived mid-way through our return, so we and our wares were a bit soggy upon arrival back at our berth. Such is a boatman’s life! On Thursdays from 5:30-8:00, both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Salvador Dali Museum offer reduced rates to their patrons. We chose the Porch Party at the MFA, complete with “free delectable bites and libations”. For $5.00 each we nourished our souls as well as our stomachs. We were particularly captivated on Friday by the Dali/Warhol exhibits and the harbor side facilities, both inside and out. A massive banyan tree and kapok tree provide a backdrop for the bustling street-side cafes and pulsing live music venues as St. Pete continues to attract visitors into the evening. The Saturday Morning Market offers great fresh produce and lots of prepared gourmet food items. Living along the seaside makes us more aware of the joys of new neighbors and ever-changing weather... and the time to savor both.