Walkabout

It felt like the first day of summer because the heat was more intense than it has been. Still it was only 82 degrees and the sustained wind was blowing at 14 miles per hour, keeping it comfortable. On our afternoon bike ride, we rode past this beautiful tree with fragrant purple blooms. I had to stop and get a picture. We rode to downtown and back. Lots of people out; the Pinellas Trail was busy. Most people were doing a pretty good job of creating social distance. We lingered on a park bench to catch up on news and email.

This morning on our walk, we made it out to Wilson Park, the small pocket park just north of the larger Weaver Park. Wilson Park is not quite as popular as Kiwanis, San Jose, and Mira Vista Parks--the three similar pocket parks to the north. I think it has to do with the proximity of Weaver Park which has a pier, playgrounds, exercise equipment, bathrooms, and parking lots (all closed now). Moreover, Wilson Park's a small sliver of land between two large condominiums, so it's easy to miss. Plus, the buildings block the breeze. We'll have to remember that fact this winter.

A few days ago, we rode by the recently refurbished TD Ballpark, where the Toronto Blue Jays have had spring training for the past 40 years. Sports Illustrated ranks the ballpark as one of the top 5 places to watch a Spring Training game. Interestingly, it's the only Major League franchise that has trained in the same place throughout its history. The Dunedin Blue Jays Minor League games are also played at the stadium. The stadium now seats 8,500 (up from 5,500). Well, actually, it seats zero because MLB cancelled spring training March 12 because of COVID-19.

The downtown marina, also currently closed because of COVID-19, has some great views of St. Joseph Sound. I took this picture several weeks ago before the closing. I look forward to getting back out there. It's also a great place to view the sunset.

I thought I'd add this picture of the recent "pink moon."

 Here's a contrasting picture of the brilliant light of the setting sun highlighting the bark on this tree.

All told, we walked over 12 miles today in the fair city of Dunedin. Saw a lot of asphalt and sidewalks.