Pinellas Trail, Day 3: Dunedin to Clearwater (Lakeview Rd)
- terrimccomb
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
4.7 miles (7.5 km). I walked early, temps only up to 70C (21C), so perfect walking weather. The trail was mostly off the main roads, but for one stretch just coming into Clearwater. At that point it became pretty urban, but as it was Sunday, it was also very quiet. Past Court St it becomes a leafy path again.
It was a lovely walk out of Dunedin. I passed several cyclists and some joggers. The path walks inland along the coast for a while, and you can see the ocean at the end of each street crossed. There were no conversations today, and there were fewer and fewer people as I got further from Dunedin, only to pick back up again past Court Street in Clearwater. Good conditions for head-clearing.
It was a weirdly short day. I completely misread the distances. I did plan the day to be shorter to fit it in before church; but I planned to walk to Court Street, which I’d estimated to be between 5-6 miles. Then on Day 4, I would walk to Taylor Lake in Largo (which is where my parents live), another 5-6 miles.
Nope. When I arrived at Court St it had only been 3.5 miles, and signs were saying there were only 3.5 miles to go to Largo. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to walk all the way to my parents’ place, but I did walk a bit further on to Lakeview Rd. I will now have to replan the next few days.
Another reason replanning will be needed is that I’ve been told that some areas near Seminole become a bit deserted and go through underpasses in areas where I might feel uncomfortable walking alone. No major reports of any assaults on the trail, but definitely some warnings online that were corroborated by a friend of my Aunt Karen (who is a resident here in Pinellas). Stay tuned for more info on my alternate route.
Some highlights of the day:
Mom did the drop off and pick up. When she arrived at my aunt’s at 6:30 am to pick me up - in the dark of pre-dawn - she had a mocha ready for me! A great drive up to Dunedin for both connection and (caffeine) fueling. :)
Dunedin was pretty deserted at drop off time, just before sunrise. I took some time to enjoy the peace in town and along the water before I set out.
Both yesterday and today, I came across the same man on an e-bike. A hippy looking older guy with long gray hair, riding, smiling, and listening to his 60s-70s music. I saw him both coming and going on his route, and he called out a friendly greeting each time. Nice morning routine. Lots of people living their joy around here.
Photos of the day:
Quiet, early morning Dunedin:
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