Travel: A Ringling Adventure

The Belle of Ballast Point has this week off from work which means that I have my playmate back. We decided to pretend that we are retired people and do whatever we want with no cares or obligations. Since neither of us had ever been before, we decided our first adventure would be to Sarasota to visit the John and Mable Ringling crib.

Would that we could afford to live in such splendor! You can get all of the in depth information about the Ringling property by clicking on ABOUT THE RINGLING. In the meantime allow the Oracle to share pictures of our fantastic day at Ringling by the bay.

One of the first sights we visited after passing through the ticket pavilion and gift shop was Mable's rose garden.

 The garden is resplendent with hundreds of rose varieties and cast concrete statues.

The most beautiful rose of all.

Near the rose garden are the circus buildings. My playmate was interesting in seeing the one with the private Ringling rail coach. Flash and tripods aren't allowed in any building except for the welcome pavilion, so photography was somewhat restricted. In several places I was able to steady the camera enough for a fairly clear shot. The circus wagon was one of those.

Farther along the Ringling yellow brick road was Mable's secret garden. I was most impressed! Mable's garden looked a lot like the SOG City secret garden minus the statue.

Another statue along the yellow brick road was this one with the guy pointing the way and more than likely thinking, "Hey you little prick, get your freakin' hand out from under my skirt."

I know that is what I would have been thinking.












The next several pictures are of the manse, Ca' d' Zan - which reminds me, we really need to pick up a lottery ticket.

Our welcoming committee - after a bit of tweaking in the digital dark room. I couldn't help myself.

Let's go inside.

Of course, the kitchen sink!

John's Tap Room - my favorite room.

John and Mable this ain't. Dammit!

I hope you enjoyed our visit. There is almost too much to see in one day. We never made it to the art museum. We did find the bar. I mean the one where they still serve beer, wine, and cocktails. A couple of cold beers after wondering the grounds was - well, medicinal!