Sarasota Trip, Day 2

Friday, October 9, 2009 -- To Sarasota and Venice

Today's drive was an easy one and comfortable as long as we stayed in the car with the A/C on. The weather was still at near-record levels of heat with high humidity.

From the Gainesville hotel to the Hampton Inn in Sarasota is just 177 miles. A few side trips brought the day's total to 224 miles, with a grand total of 542 miles for the trip so far. We got to the hotel so early we wondered if a room would be made up for us yet. There was one ready and it had a nice view of palm trees swaying in the (hot) wind.

In 1927 Sarasota became the winter quarters for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1960 winter quarters moved 25 miles south to Venice where it stayed for another 32 years.

Many circus people made their homes in the Sarasota/Venice area and many others retired here. Today there are lots of showfolks living in the area.

Every winter since 1997 circus stars from all over the world gather to perform in Circus Sarasota.

Started in 1949, the PAL Sailor Circus is a spectacular 4 ring youth circus production with Sarasota-area students from the 4th through 12th grades.

One of Sarasota's highlights is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Go visit the Museum's link here, I don't have time or space to tell you about its many features.

Legendary circus star and animal trainer, Gunther Gebel-Williams, lived in Venice and there is this statue of him there.

Late in the afternoon we drove to Venice to visit our friends Sue and Rudi. True to her British upbringing, Sue cooked a traditional English meal for us: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes and parsnips, cauliflower and a trifle with fresh strawberries for desert. Wonderful meal. And a great visit with both of them.