TRAVEL COLUMN

Next up, on March 12th was a spring training baseball game for the Blue Jays, and again when you’re in the area you must go Dunedin is just west of Tampa about an hour and 45 minutes from us. It was a great sunny day with temps in the upper 20s. The baseball field was not as big as I thought it would be, and this made the game more enjoyable for me I am not a big “sports” person, but baseball is the one game I can enjoy. On that sunny day, the Blue Jays won 8-1!

In the small world category, a fellow I worked with, and his wife were also at the same game I didn’t know until after we had left that they were there. But, as I walked through the mezzanine/food vendor area, I could have sworn I heard my name called. Turns out I had walked right by them Not knowing they were there, I thought that was weird, and kept going.

Our beautiful warm weather held and a few days later, we were off to Sebring, for a race

Anyone who knows Roy…knows he’s a car nut. So being within basically an hour of Sebring Raceway, and having the main race happening on March 16, we had to go. I’ve never been to a car race so I wasn’t sure how this would be. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it!

It was hot, hot, hot and there was little to no shade So come prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water The grounds of the racetrack are enormous and include vast camping areas.

Our day started out with arrival just as the race began, 10 am. We had our tickets and parking pass in hand and were told the regular parking had filled up and we were being directed to the “paddock” area. We were told this made it our lucky day! Parking was inside the raceway.

We grabbed a spot to watch the race and sat for a while in the stands. Lunch time came around and we found the food vendor area Table space being limited, we joined a group of three and got to chatting They were from the St. Petersburg area of Florida and were curious about Canada. I assured them because I had left the great white north, it had been the warmest winter on record!

One of the young men asked who I was rooting for among the drivers and I had to admit this was my first race, so I didn’t know any of them Turns out his cousin was driving number 96 and I could cheer for him! It is much nicer when there is that kind of connection.

After lunch it was time to wander again. We hit the t-shirt give-away jackpot! Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Cadillac were all giving away tshirts with the completion of a questionnaire. We will probably be bombarded with ads, but I’m sure there’s a cancel button somewhere.

With bags in hand, we decided to make a pit stop (pun intended) back at the truck to store our loot After a short cool off, we decided to head for what we thought was a great spot for pictures. Even with the map in hand we got lost We had a great tour of the camping areas and let me say these people are definitely NOT roughing it. This is “glamping” at its finest Complete with rooftop patios for race viewing from your own deck!

This is an endurance race of 12 hours, so there was a team of drivers. Louis Deletraz, Jordan Taylor and Colton

Herta teamed up to win the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Deletraz was in the car for the win

For us, the day totalled nearly 6 Km and 12,000 steps My fitness app was overwhelmed!

We are winding down our stay and will head back to Ontario in less than a week We have had an incredible first time as snowbirds and met some friends that we truly enjoyed Sebring Raceway grounds are enormous, says Karon who spent some time there last month. She and her partner Roy checked out lots of attractions in Florida, but this stop at Sebring was by far Roy’s favourite!

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –

The solar eclipse enhances your power and influence, helping you promote self-promotion and achieve goals Any problems should be easier to solve, and previous resistance should fade. This is a good eclipse for starting new relationships and asking for favors

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) – You will find the most efficient way to get the job done Your patience and self-discipline will keep you plodding without being distracted or discouraged Increased sex drive and sex appeal are good omens for new and existing relationships.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air)Your professional life should be balanced with your private life to promote harmony and success This is an excellent eclipse for making new friends and improving relationships with existing friends, partners, and family.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – The perfect blend of patience and ambition makes you determined to do your best, no matter how long it takes You gain the respect and admiration of superiors, especially men, because of your strong work ethic, attention to detail and trustworthiness This should also be a time of loyalty, security and stability in your close relationships.

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You should be feeling good with little to worry about This is the perfect time to take the initiative to deal with any recent relationship problems This is also an excellent eclipse to promote yourself and ask for favors because others will sense your self-confidence and balanced focus.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – Increased intuition and flashes of insight bring self-discovery and revelations These insights combine with increased selfconfidence, allowing you to express your personality’s more unique or quirky side. You will feel like trying something new outside of your routine This is an excellent time to leave your comfort zone and widen your social circle with some extraordinary people

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - The solar eclipse in Aries increases your determination to compete and win. But some people may oppose your efforts. If so, step back from the situation and determine why you are getting these reactions Compromise and compliments will make your life much easier

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – This is a good time to channel any recent frustration, suppressed anger, or resentment into hard physical work or a creative project. Your efforts will result in practical and enduring achievements you can be proud of It is also a good time to sharpen knives, apply for work, sit practical exams, and build and renovate

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – The solar eclipse has a harmonious and relaxing influence. If dating, you will likely attract just the right person at this time. Increased confidence means gains can also be made in your professional life You can expect favors from others, especially people with power

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – Your strong work ethic and perseverance can lead to marked achievements that earn your respect and recognition. Increased patience and self-control mean it will not bother you if results do not appear immediately

Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – The solar eclipse enhances your power and influence, helping you promote self-promotion and achieve goals Any problems should be easier to solve, and previous resistance should fade. This is a good eclipse for starting new relationships and asking for favors

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – This week brings the determination and endurance to succeed at almost anything You can plan out your course of action methodically and most efficiently A strong work ethic and attention to detail mean you can attack complex and challenging tasks. This is an excellent time to make solid progress with a long-term project. It won’t bother you that the results will not appear instantly