There was a party in town last night, and everyone was invited. It was, sadly, a going away affair. The Pier, a landmark since 1973 is being demolished for something new. Florida is tacky, and they seem to relish the tackiness. Down here, everything is disposable: flip flops, surfboards, and, apparently, iconic structures that represent the city. The inverted pyramid has been around a long time, but because the foundation is crumbling, we aren't building a new inverted pyramid, no, we are going to build a new iconic structure that represents the city. It's a good thing the French didn't erect the Statue of Liberty down here, it would have been razed a long time ago, probably when it needed its first coat of paint.
This ain't my town, so I guess they can do whatever they want. But how often do you get a chance at a structure so unique and different that it elevates the cultural level of a town by half? Yes, the foundation was crumbling. Yes, the city has been subsidizing it for years. But why not build a new inverted pyramid? No, that's too logical, they are going to build some kind of dual walkway that is called the Lens. OK, you can do whatever you want, I guess, but after you re-do yourself too much, you cease being much of anything at all. Just look at Joan Rivers.
Anyway, I went to the party, to see a grand lady off. Yeah, I like the Pier. It was where the kids took me the first time I traveled down here on vacation. It was where I saw the Lynx enter the city and salute. Its where Patti and Amy visited when they were down last December. I did a plein air painting of it a few months ago. I'll miss her.
On the walk from the Vinoy over to the Pier the smells wafting from this boat that happens to be for sale, hit me hard. The skipper was grilling out and I hadn't had supper.
See him back there working it? Now that's my kind of boat. A modern day African Queen.
Friday night downtown and a party at the Pier. It was non-stop people and all the cool stuff was there.
Looking back across the marina at the Vinoy Hotel.
The Pier was rockin' tonight. The observation deck was packed.
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The long walk from town out to the Pier gives you lots to see. This Pelican was intent on grabbing a snack off the sidewalk and even lunged at someone walking to close to him. He worked his problem-solving skills then jumped down, grabbed some bait with his scoop and then returned to the ledge.
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View from the Pier looking back toward town.
A few gentlemen singing a little Doo-Wop at the Pier. Hey, Dawg, a little pitchy.
The Pier was a kind of mini mall with restaurant, bars, clothing stores and stuff like that. It also had an aquarium in the 3rd floor which was kind of neat. It was also the winter home of the HMS Bounty that was lost off the Carolina coast during hurricane Sandy.
Kids playing at the base of the Pier. The old foundation is crumbling so all this is being torn down.
Better get your walking shoes on if you want to walk this. Its a long walk but they have trolleys for the less adventurous. Oh, never mind, its all closed up effective June 1st. Bring in the wreckers.
Part of a mural depicting the various incarnations of the Pier.
From the observation deck of the Pier. Much like climbing the grain elevator at BFE, I would guess since that remains on my to-do list next time I'm up North.
Also from the observation deck looking south. That is the Whitted Airport.
Come Back Tomorrow for the Final Salute to the Pier.
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