Skyway Bridge Revisited

TripPix.

John, Trudy, Adam, Mitchell, Bob

When we're in this part of Florida we cross the Skyway Bridge and visit the fishing pier at the south end, a Florida State Park. I've written about it before, most recently in 2015.

In the past, we've been there on scorching sunny days. This year was different: the usually glittering bridge almost disappeared in the haze and the usual crowds were absent. Instead, we saw only a few committed fishermen along the pier, ones who paid the $4.00 per vehicle, $4.00 per adult to fish for 24-hour fishing access. One group set up food, including a crockpot and various main dishes covered in foil.


Cath and Bob

No luck seeing either dolphins in the choppy water or any significant catch. A lone great egret stalked the pier for castoffs and an older fisherman explained his fishing methodology to willing listeners -- that means everyone but me. My picture taking was unsatisfactory because of the dense air, but the pier was peaceful, except for one fisherman who ranted about a driver who had recently ruined favorite fishing spots by driving his car off the pier.

Before we left for home, I Googled the incident, a tragedy that occurred just before Christmas last year, evoking sobering thoughts that are better left unshared.

We stopped at Sea Critters for John's birthday lunch and crossed over to the other side of Pass-a- Grille to gather seashells. In the evening, dolphins swam in the bay as darkness descended.