Monday, September 17, 2018

Coffee Talk Tuesday 9.18.18

Oh look, I'm blogging on a Tuesday! I think I'm going to try a new schedule of Monday, Tuesday, Friday and once a month Thursdays for our Girl Chat link up - I hope this works out! I also think I'm going to start a new link up on Tuesdays, called you guessed it, Coffee Talk Tuesday - if anyone is interesting in co-hosting, let me know!

Anyways, today I'm talking about our upcoming vacation - some of you may remember months ago I shared that we booked our 10yr wedding anniversary trip to Anna Maria Island in Florida. My brother in law and sister in law went there over spring break and when I heard how amazing it was we decided that's where we would go. I've spent the last several months doing tons of research on what to do, where to eat, etc. I booked a gorgeous oceanfront resort and found great prices on flights. Well, not sure if any of you have heard of this awful Red Tide that is affecting most of the gulf coast beaches, but it hit Anna Maria beginning of August. Once I realized it was where we were going, I started to really pay attention and continued to watch every day, every week what was happening.

Fast forward to now, almost 2 months later and the red tide is still going SO STRONG. I feel completely terrible for the marine life that is dying by the millions and the residents and business owners of all these gorgeous beach towns. I needed to decide what to do 30 days before our trip to get our deposit back so at that time we decided to cancel since it wasn't getting better.

So now, just weeks away from what should have been our beautiful beach vacation, we have no clue what we're doing. I am hoping and praying that the Clearwater area is ok and if that's the case we will book something days before we leave, otherwise we are going to have to drive from Tampa to the east coast - I have looked into some beaches over there - Cocoa Beach & New Smyrna Beach - has anyone been to these?? Does anyone have any recommendations on east coast beaches? We really want to keep our drive under 3 hours because after flying all afternoon it really is the last thing we want to do, but we may have no choice.

I am not comfortable knowingly going to a place where red tide is present. It causes respiratory issues and there is enough bacteria that you can't even walk on the beach barefoot.

I know things could be worse, I really do, but when you have an idea in your head of how something will go and it all comes crashing down, it really stinks.  In the end, whatever we decide to do will be great, because I'll be with my most favorite people in the world.


Here's some pics from the news about the red tide - it's just terrible what is happening

Image result for red tide before and after

Image result for red tide before and after

Image result for red tide before and after




So if we were having coffee today, this is what I would pour out - I really would love any recommendations on anything near Tampa!! Oh and Disney is out, I need way more time to plan one of those trips LOL

11 comments:

  1. I hadn't heard of that. We were in Clearwater in June and it was fine. I don't know if this happened after that though. So scary!
    I'd be in for hosting a link up with you!

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  2. The Don Cesar or Hyatt in Clearwater!

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  3. This is such a bummer for several reasons. I would have canceled too. I hope you find a new destination for your vacation!

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  4. It's awful that's happening. I'm so sorry your trip is canceled. I'm sure you will still have fun no matter what you do. I have been to Cocoa Beach and it's really nice. Definitely worth visiting!

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  5. Oh this is horrible. I'm so sorry that you guys won't be able to go anymore. I hope you can find an alternative!

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  6. Oh man... I sure hope you all come up with a plan B. And I really wish that things were better on the East coast from tip top to bottom. What a mess the coast is.

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  7. I have gone to New Symrna Beach for years. We love to eat at JB's Fish Camp and Breaker's on the beach has delicious burgers! They have a cute little downtown (Atlantic Ave) with shops. There is a cool lighthouse on the other side of the inlet, we did a marine life tour in intercoastal waterway and there's a yummy restaurant on the other side of the causeway, can't remember what it's called. My grandparents own a place at Coconut Palms beach resort! Pick a place close to Atlantic Ave and you can do mostly walking. They do allow you to drive on the beach so we have rented mopeds and driven on the beach! The National Seashore is nearby too! I am so bummed you can't go to Anna Maria Island but NSB would be more quaint like that than Cocoa Beach from what I can remember :)

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  8. I love the idea of Coffee Talk. I need to participate in that.

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  9. I'm so sorry this is happening in the waters. That's so tough when you had a trip set in a mind. I have east coast recommendations but they're all more so up north and probably will be cooler by that point and too far of a drive, I'm sorry. I hope you find a solution! Sierra Beautifully Candid

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  10. Oh man. This is crazy. I'd never heard of Red Tide. How sad. I hope it all works out for you guys. Also, I'm totally game for Coffee Talk Tuesday!

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  11. I am rather new to your blog ... BUT I would recommend reaching out to Heather from @ heatherslookingglass.com she lives in Tampa and shares a ton of Florida travel tips. Example Sunset Inn & Cottages which is located in Treasure Island, FL.

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