Map taken from Googleearth.com
Our divergent route through Tampa from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale began at dawn. We stepped into the cool air as the first light of day peered over the horizon. A gentle wind rustled the leaves of the trees and a chorus of insects competed with the strident echo of my heels. As we drove along the winding path toward interstate 4, the sky awakened to a kaleidoscope of colors. Brilliant yellow and gold streaked across the horizon and illuminated our surroundings.
Our divergent route through Tampa from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale began at dawn. We stepped into the cool air as the first light of day peered over the horizon. A gentle wind rustled the leaves of the trees and a chorus of insects competed with the strident echo of my heels. As we drove along the winding path toward interstate 4, the sky awakened to a kaleidoscope of colors. Brilliant yellow and gold streaked across the horizon and illuminated our surroundings.
With mounting excitement, we continued in silence, absorbing the splendor of the moment and savoring the traffic free route. The 45 minute drive to Tampa was a fanfare; elegant palm trees amidst picturesque landscapes, colossal and aging oak trees among luscious greenery, swamps, mangroves, livestock and elaborate billboard designs that featured major fun attractions. We got a glimpse of the town’s quaint grandeur from Interstate 275. The tall downtown buildings were a sharp contrast to the primarily low rise residential district.
The sun shone with the radiance of an early summer’s day. The piquant and intoxicating fragrance of the ocean preceded its emergence. It evoked fond childhood memories of fishing, beach parties and endless frolicking on the shoreline. The Hillsborough County Waters spanned the horizon on the right and left and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge rose in the distance. Jets of foamy waves cascaded upwards along the concrete wall dividers and tremors of waves threatened to regain territory. I was mesmerized by the unique and breathtaking view of the world’s longest fishing piers that graced the North side of the bridge.
We parked exuberantly and mutually agreed to have a mini picnic. The Traffic flowed less freely and the humidity rose to confirm the forecasted 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We munched on sandwiches and envied the fishing fanatics on the pier and admired the brave seagulls that appeared not to notice our presence. As we gazed out over the blue expanse of water, a westerly wind whipped the waves into ripples. The sky became a tournament of dark clouds in a game of tug of war that concluded in a win-rain concession. We made it to the car just in time and began the ascend over the famed 5.5 miles Sunshine Skyway bridge. The view was magnificent!
It offers a Birdseye view of the encompassing sea, fishing piers and convoy of boats and ships that float below. The Bridge design emulates that of a ship’s sails; two towering poles anchored by supporting steel cables. The light rain and steady flow of cars made it almost impossible to snap quality photos. At the pinnacle of the bridge, we paused to capture a quintessential shot and ‘I blew it’! A synthesis of emotions overwhelmed me; among them was bewilderment and fear. I felt like I had opted for the ride of a lifetime on the incredible hulk coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and I was about to be hurled from 0 to 40mph in 2 seconds flat.
In retrospect, the sight was certainly worth the digression and extra hour drive. It can be a lovely escapade for an adventurer/outdoor person, a fishing paradise for the fanatic looking for the ‘big catch,’ a therapeutic balm for nature lovers or a fusion of excitement and trepidation for the faint of heart! For more information and photos on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, please refer to Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge
We parked exuberantly and mutually agreed to have a mini picnic. The Traffic flowed less freely and the humidity rose to confirm the forecasted 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We munched on sandwiches and envied the fishing fanatics on the pier and admired the brave seagulls that appeared not to notice our presence. As we gazed out over the blue expanse of water, a westerly wind whipped the waves into ripples. The sky became a tournament of dark clouds in a game of tug of war that concluded in a win-rain concession. We made it to the car just in time and began the ascend over the famed 5.5 miles Sunshine Skyway bridge. The view was magnificent!
It offers a Birdseye view of the encompassing sea, fishing piers and convoy of boats and ships that float below. The Bridge design emulates that of a ship’s sails; two towering poles anchored by supporting steel cables. The light rain and steady flow of cars made it almost impossible to snap quality photos. At the pinnacle of the bridge, we paused to capture a quintessential shot and ‘I blew it’! A synthesis of emotions overwhelmed me; among them was bewilderment and fear. I felt like I had opted for the ride of a lifetime on the incredible hulk coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and I was about to be hurled from 0 to 40mph in 2 seconds flat.
In retrospect, the sight was certainly worth the digression and extra hour drive. It can be a lovely escapade for an adventurer/outdoor person, a fishing paradise for the fanatic looking for the ‘big catch,’ a therapeutic balm for nature lovers or a fusion of excitement and trepidation for the faint of heart! For more information and photos on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, please refer to Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge
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