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The Beaches of Sarasota, Florida

Birds and green ocean-Ellen Perlman
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida, has white powdery sand so fine, it's like flour. I was in Sarasota with two great friends, to celebrate our birthdays. One afternoon we watched the sun go down in the West, despite the fact Florida's on the East Coast.

I forget that it's possible to see the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean if you're in the right spot. Well, okay, the bay gulf that leads to the ocean. Most of the time, we here in the mid-Atlantic get treated to the sunrises, what with facing East and all.

Another day, we walked along Lido Beach on Lido Key, where we discovered several different species of beach birds, one with a
yellow tuft distinguishing it from your average Jonathan Seagull.

What struck me was that despite being together, there were a lot of silences as we strolled along the shore, stopping to look at shells. And it occurred to me that beach walking is a fine, contemplative activity for solo travelers. For short periods of time.

Meaning, I might get lonely on an extended beach vacation but I love spending hours at the beach on my own from time to time. Especially if there are little towns nearby or easy bike rentals or other entertaining activities. Birds in Sun-Ellen Perlman

But for the most part, I'll stick with a Club Med type of place if I really want to spend a whole week by the sea. That is, someplace where I'm certain to meet people. Otherwise, I think time would stretch way too long. What have others found?

Photos: Ellen Perlman

Lido Beach, Sarasota, Florida

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7 responses to “The Beaches of Sarasota, Florida”

  1. www.bydianedaniel.com Avatar
    www.bydianedaniel.com

    I’ve found that Indian Rocks Beach, 90 minutes north of Sarasota, RULES. That’s because it’s “my” beach. We all have our beaches, or at least we should. And, um, Ellen, Sarasota is on the Gulf of Mexico, not the Atlantic, and on the West Coast of Florida, hence the sunsets. In Florida you have time to see the sunrise and sunset by driving across the narrow state, but why waste all that time and gas when you could be relaxing! I like to go to an area (like IRB and I’m sure Sarasota) that has good places to bicycle and kayak, and then I can easily be there for a week. If I golfed and fished, a week wouldn’t be enough time!

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  2. Ellen Avatar
    Ellen

    Yes, it’s the gulf, thanks. I thought gulf and wrote bay. But I do view gulfs and bays as part of the major oceans of the world, since they feed into them.
    In this case, I was trying to convey the Atlantic side of the country vs. the Pacific and the fact that there’s a West Coast on the East Coast.
    But on the solo thing, even if I golfed and fished and biked and kayaked, it might be a bit too much alone time.
    I’m good for about three days of independence max. Then I want people to talk with. Hence my choice of group trips or activities that are set up to give me people to talk with – for instance, a group kayak afternoon with double kayaks.
    Ellen

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  3. Ellen Perlman Avatar
    Ellen Perlman

    Hm, in looking up whether to capitalize “gulf” if I use the word alone, I found this definition: “A large bay that is an arm of an ocean or sea.”
    Interesting…
    Bay, gulf, ocean…they all begin to meld, don’t they?
    Ellen

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  4. www.bydianedaniel.com Avatar
    www.bydianedaniel.com

    Ah, yes, I see about the Atlantic thing. As a former Floridian, I must say that when we here Atlantic, all we think is East Coast of Florida. Anytime you want to kayak, Ellen, come visit me at IRB. I have two singles, and I’ll give you an awesome tour!

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  5. Ellen Perlman Avatar
    Ellen Perlman

    You’re on!
    Ellen

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  6. David Avatar
    David

    Hi My name is David, I am from England, I have spent a lot of time in Sarasota during the past few years, I am thinking of coming out again for a few months, and would like to get to know people out their so as not to feel alone in the most beautiful place I have ever known.
    (I travelled quite a bit) does anyone have any ideas as to integrate smoothly,thankyou, David.

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  7. Ellen Avatar
    Ellen

    David,
    I hope it works out for you.
    Ellen

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