It was hot, but no rain today as clouds threatened overhead on the Sunday Blade that started, for most people, at Bay Pines Plaza. Half the skaters weren’t familiar with the plaza location (directly across from Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital), so people were lost, late, driving and parking up and down Tyrone Boulevard in St. Pete. That’s east and west, for the real estate people. Jeff Bigham patiently waited for the majority of 14 skaters to gather before yelling out his customary “Are we skating?!!!” We did, starting closer to 9:00 AM.

Joining the regulars again were: Christa (welcome back), Charles, Jon, Joe, Kylee Kyle and Jeanine. Good seeing them. Missing were a few regulars who were on various travels near and far, such as fearless leader Bruce, Janice, Karin and Deborah B.

Congratulations to everyone who skated to the end of Pinellas Trail, approximately 16 miles round trip. They were the ones who came later to breakfast, red faced and panting. Others (a/k/a recreational skaters) turned around sooner but got a head start on coffee at Doe Doe’s.

Doe Doe’s was accommodating. Everyone squeezed in around one table or we thought. We later learned Jon thought we’d left so he ate in another room. Travis joined us for breakfast (Caroline was working!). Welcome to brunch, Travis! The most popular orders included crab cheese omelet, and polish sausage with eggs. Rob gave his breakfast a 9, and that rating seemed pretty universal.

Glennis was the photographer of the day who took her job seriously. She tried getting us to pose in pyramid fashion but we settled for leaning instead (no, there isn’t anything wrong with her camera). Thanks Glennis!

See you next week rolling when Bruce and troops have returned. Should you get lost or want to sleep in and join the skaters for brunch, email Bruce in advance with your contact information or give Deb D. a ring at 727-580-9074.

The skate starts at Straub Park in St. Pete. Be there or be square.

Special Thanks to Deborah (Deb) D. for this weeks skate report.