This well-worn Jeep has the best view on the beach

This Jeep seems to live on the sand at the edge of the Seaplane Basin on Davis Islands. My guess is it's cheap transportation for one of the sailboat live-aboards whose boat is anchored in the basin. There are lots of weathered bikes and several small row boats tied up to the boat dock nearby. Occasionally I see a VW bus that looks like a cousin to this jeep; both have seen a million-plus miles but flat refuse to retire. The shape tells me it was probably a U.S. Postal vehicle when new and after its years of hauling mail were over it was sold. It enjoys a beach bum's life now. Hanging out at the water's edge, sucking in the salt air, and watching the incredible sunsets from the best seat on the beach. What a way to live. (Sure beats delivering the mail, doesn't it?)

Is this a cleat that the ropes to the SS American Vistory Ship are tied to?

These ropes are tied to the SS American Victory ship, a 455 foot long merchant cargo ship built in the 1940s. It's a big ship and it amazes me that these roes are what keep it tied to its dock. A museum now after almost forty years of distinguished service beginning during World War II and continuing through the Korean War and Vietnam, it now serves as a museum in the Port of Tampa. (Visit their website, SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship, to see what a really extraordinary story this ship has to tell. I posted today a photo of the ship in port at Tampa Daily Photo.) The big question I have is, Is this big yellow thing called a cleat, even though it is humongous? Does anyone know. Any sailors out there who helped tie up a ship of this size? Obviously, I did not serve in the navy.

The textures and colors of New Mexico come to life in Tampa's Ybor City

I know I am a very long way from the indescribable beauty of New Mexico and the warm earthen colors that make the state so magical. To my right brain, I see a touch of Santa Fe or Taos in this scene. Perhaps it's the stuccoed, adobe-like texture to the wall or the brilliant rust red color, but I couldn't help but be reminded of one of my favorite places on earth. The City Different, as Santa Fe is called, creeps into your soul and takes hold of you in a way that I can't describe. Venice is that way. Paris of course. But to spend time in a pueblo, spell the flat bread sizzling and gaze up at an adobe church, that time can not be surpassed by many other of the world's sights, sounds or smells. To witness the sun setting in New Mexico is beyond words. It is ethereal. The sight takes command of that part of you that forms memories and embeds itself very deeply. Florida is also a place of tremendous nature beauty, but isn't the human brain weird that it would let me see this simple wall and be transported to an entirely different place, in all its magnificence and near sensory overload like New Mexico. Bless you and thank you poor cracking wall in Ybor City. Love you for the power you have on me. I needed that.

Tampa's Smoke Barbecue & Grill on Platt heats up as the hungry arrive and the rainy night closes in

If you know and love barbecue then Smoke Barbecue & Grill on Platt Street at South Boulevard is a place you'll fall in love with. From the incredible aroma as you pull up and very cool bar and outside dining area, the owners thought long and hard about what kind of total eating experience they wanted to create. On top of delicious food, the fast, friendly service, fun menu (check it out here) and a comforting, wrap your hands around a fresh corn-on-the-cob atmosphere are the reasons why this restaurant has become a popular and much talked-about dining destination. Located in a very old and funky gasoline station from the 1930s or 40s, they transformed every inch of space into a smoking hot barbecue headquarters. Lunch. Dinner. Slow-w-w smoked. Plus live music fours nights a week. Or, 8 Days a Week as they put it. Home away from home. Yep, another fine restaurant that's a must-go-to in South Tampa.

Yacht Starship anchored in Garrison Channel

Back many weeks ago at Tampa Daily Photo I featured a little ship's captain whose job was to direct visitors and diners to the Yacht Starship docked in Garrison Channel. I thought it was about time that I showed the Starship itself and its proximity to the Channel District and Shops at Channelside. The 30-story twin Towers of Channelside rise up behind the ship. This growing area is home to several of Tampa's most popular venues and attractions including the Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Aquarium, the St. Pete Times Forum, American Victory Museum plus new apartments and condominiums, and Tampa's cruise ship terminals. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is even located here. (A few days ago I featured the wonderful, found-objects, metal football player/transformer that was crafted at Rustic Steel Creatives . The studio is located just a couple of blocks north of here. You could walk over and see the giant metal dragon before dinner.) Obviously the Yacht Starship isn't the only reason to the visit this area but it is the only way you can enjoy fine dining as you sail Tampa's port.

The repair garage of last cartoon resort: Sure, we can fix it. Just wait til we move this truck out

This truck is mighty big and fills this space so well. I just can not resist the hunt and the joy of finding murals like this one. Don't you agree, they add so much to otherwise bland, nondescript wall surfaces? Plus, another benefit not to be overlooked, they bring a smile to our lives.

FROM BEHINDS? Where was my grade school English teacher when the dog park called?

I couldn't resist this sign. They always fascinate me but this particular sign was so professionally printed. Can you just imagine the reaction of the person at the neighborhood sign shop when the customer insisted on this exact wording. It may or may not be proper English, but it clearly gets its point across. Being a dog owner, and knowing that dogs respect "territory" and feel the urge to frequently mark theirs and that of every other dog that has crossed their path, does this "All Dogs Welcome" park provide separate facilities for the animals...off the property? Do they play awhile and then have to raise a paw to be excused? Off to the doggy outhouse or a designated fire hydrant? Nothing? Now, that's harsh.