St. Patrick's Day at Woody's Waterfront

Carl Fuerstman at Woody's Waterfront on St. Pat's Day

We've spent many St. Patrick's Days in Florida, and most of them have been very hot. I remember seeking shade on March 17th, occasionally thinking wistfully of a cold Minnesota St. Pat's Day.

We woke to wind and spitting rain, and soon heard thunder in the distance, so I had no morning swim. I did get to watch manatees, though, and shared a spot on the wall with a great blue heron. By mid-morning,  there was no visibility across Boca Ciega Bay or to the Gulf across the street. Sheets of rain kept us from venturing out until mid-afternoon.

The St. Patrick's Day festivities in most Gulf communities were a literal washout. We stopped for lunch and a beer at Woody's Waterfront, where the beer and appetizers were cheap and good. Bob made friends with Michigan snowbirds John and Carol, and I enjoyed listening to Carl Fuerstman, whose repertoire was mostly non-Irish but good.

The storm seems to have dissipated and I'm hoping for an evening swim.