Tampa - Animals

YOLO (you only live once)

Today was our free day and we went to two local Tampa beaches. First we went to Honeymoon beach, which was located on an island in the Florida state park system. For some of us, this was the first time ever seeing the ocean (Skyler), so that was really exciting. The beach was beautiful and it was sunny all day. We played Ultimate Ocean Frisbee, kicked a soccer ball around, did handstands and cartwheels, and took long walks on the beach. Poor Maggie fought the sea and lost during Ultimate Ocean Frisbee and was slammed to the sea floor by some rather rude waves. On one walk, we met a kindly lady named Lillian who taught us about seashells and even gave us shells she collected! One of the highlights of the day was a conversation topic Parker brought up about interracial relations on Mizzou's campus, as well as just interracial relationships in general.

After lunch at the Honeymoon Café, we headed for Clearwater beach. On the way, we stopped at a yard sale and met a lady named Nancy who was a retired hot air balloon pilot. She taught us about seeing life through rose colored glasses and sold us towels.

Once we made it to Clearwater beach, we took in the sights. This beach was more crowded and diverse than Honeymoon, so we were stoked that we got the relaxing natural beach experience along with the spring break beach party feel. We took some more walks and napped for a bit, then headed to dinner.

We ate at Frenchy's Saltwater Café and it was wonderful after a long day in the sun. After dinner we headed back to Messiah Lutheran Church where we are staying and stopped for groceries on the way. We are now back at our temporary "home" watching "Ides of March" and rubbing aloe on ourselves.

Tomorrow should be a great day.