Not what we had hoped for

Well, the cooler weather has also crept into southern Florida for a few days. It’s cooler now but not cold by Canadian standards so instead of hanging around the RV we might as well sit in our heated truck and go somewhere. This time Benno wanted to check out Don’s Marine Salvage in Clearwater and that is what we did yesterday. Yes, another boating related outing!

Dan's Internet/Facebook ad

We took a route diagonally through Florida. Just a mile or so from our park we turned into the Brighton Reservation area where they also operate the Seminole Casino. From there we merged into the highway 70 that spans all the way across Florida to the Tampa Bay. It was a long way but pleasantly to drive with not much traffic at all. We stopped at a rest area just before the Toll station on the toll road part of I-275 toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans over the lower Tampa Bay and connects from Bradenton to St. Petersburg, so I could take a photo. 

Just a quick photo of the casino. I heard they have good food!

The bridge is quite impressive and it was our first time driving cross it. The toll was $1.75 one way. It was easy to find Don’s Marine Surplus yard although we had it programmed into our GPS. 

A view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The view to the other side from the parking lot

driving over the bridge on our return trip

A view from where we came from

As per Don’s Facebook and Internet advertisement the place consists of 17 acres of marine surplus, including boats. Benno had a few items on his list he hoped to find. Enthusiastically he went on his hunt. I took care of our dogs and gave them their deserved walk after their naps and truck ride. A while later I too went into the yard to find Benno and see for myself. 

This is the entrance to the store and yard

Lots of propellers but mostly for outboards

In the yard

Good luck looking for a decent mast and boom

This place might be a treasure trove for some, but soon we realized that this outfit was more a scrapyard  and did not have anything we were looking for or wanted.  However, we eyed a lot of stuff and wondered who would take the time to sort through merchandise that appeared to have been carelessly deposited in heaps. Benno said, “sh.t,” a waste of gasoline!

The goats are to the left of Don's entrance

Chickens, geese, sheep and goats all greet the customers

Overall, we had a great day. I was surely impressed with the Tampa Bay area and can imagine that during warmer days the beaches will be hopping with tourists. The drive home felt shorter, although it wasn’t. Let’s see where we will go to next. Stay tuned.

Thanks for your visit.