All pictures taken at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter’s World.
This past week we were back in Tampa again for a Doctor’s appointment.
Friday morning there was a story on their local news alerting the area viewers that the movie so many have long-awaited,
Dolphin Tale 2, would begin filming on Monday, and that public weekday visits would cease until the film wrapped in about three months.
Those of you who are following this Blog may have already read the two prior stories here about Winter the Dolphin.
Her tragic, yet ultimately amazing story, has affected and inspired legions of followers and dedicated fans all over the world, so just before we turned to go North and head for home yesterday morning, we decided to make a slight detour and go to see the place where it all happened just a few short years ago at the Marine Aquarium in Clearwater.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by many friendly employees whose only purpose seemed to be to make us feel most welcome to Winter’s World.
After parking and getting Breanna out, we started making our way around the huge area that was already filling up with eager visitors.
Even though the entire area is being transformed for the film, the constant din and hum of man and machines, does not deter any of those who came to see the Dolphin whose life story has shot like a comet around the planet.
The guests arriving for the day, included some physically challenged children and adults as well.
Winter’s story of overcoming unbelievable obstacles, has influenced others who face similar ones, to come and see her for themselves.
They seem to be compelled to see her in person, maybe just to be sure that she really does exist other than just in a movie.
When we asked about the cast and if the original one was kept, we were assured that they were and in fact, we were told that Harry had just been there yesterday and had already taken a swim.
After taking our pictures in various places and talking to the courteous staff about the film, we were told that we could find Winter mementoes to take home at their gift store downtown.
It was getting hot by then and of course Breanna could not go inside the Aquarium, so we left to go take a look.
Clearwater is such a beautiful town and it is doing its best to show off its local superstar with hundreds of banners on every light pole in town announcing the exciting event about to take place there.
The gift store in downtown did not disappoint, it was filled with countless memories of a day at Winters’ World, as well as a continuous running of the film and a tour guided mini-adventure inside the building.
The gift store is a “must see ” for any truly devoted Winter fan.
So, can one Dolphin really make such a difference in so many lives?
Why not come on down to Clearwater and ask all of the people who still continue to come here to see Winter.
Those who make the pilgrimage here are drawn by the strength and courage of a creature they have never met, one who overcame a crippling injury against all odds, and has not only survived, but has thrived and ultimately inspired others to believe that if she can do it, so can they.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium can use all of the financial help it can get and your visit to the Aquarium and purchases at the gift store help to support and maintain the wonderful work that they do for the many creatures that are cared for here.
Welcome to Winter’s World~
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Really lovely story, thank you. I had never heard of Winter before I started reading your blog and it’s so nice to hear something positive come out of something so tragic. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Thank you for the kind words Rachel.
Have you had the chance to see the movie yet?
It is simply awesome~
An inspiring story,thank you 🙂
Thank you Adam, glad you liked it~
Nice post. I haven’t visited Clearwater in many years. I hope it’s as lovely a town as it was then.
It is still quaint and inviting. Come on back!
About 5000 miles by boat. 😉 When I need a really perfect sun break from northern France.
I remember the reading about Winter, it made me go all teary eyed. What a wonderful creature and what a fantastic team of people!
She and they are so inspiring.
Hope you have seen the movie~
I’ve never been to Clearwater. Maybe I should add it to my bucket list?
Actually Russell, any coastal town in Florida would probably be pretty nice.
You could start at the top of the state and make your way all the way around~
Winter the pioneer. And giver of hope. Glad you chose to revisit this story, GW!
Had to do it after the trip to Clearwater~
Oh my goodness, I love this! I am definitely adding Clearwater and Winter’s World to my list of places to visit. This is such a wonderful post and I thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Thought you might like it.
PS Would you mind if I added some of your pictures to my Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Pinterest Board? I will, of course, provide a link to your blog and give you credit.
Of course you can share our personal pictures, but any that are not ours, please be sure to give proper credit.
If I do not list a person/place for a picture, it is public domain.
I added two of them! Thank you!
Thank you for caring and sharing Jackie~
What an amazing animal, thank you for sharing your experiences. I had never heard of Winter. It is so refreshing to read something positive and to know that there are people out there who care about animals and people also. Very inspiring indeed.
Winter has dealt with so much in her short life, but now it is all behind her and she revels in the sweet attention that her ordeal has brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where she was rehabilitated.
Hope that you and all who come to read this, do get to see the movie about her life, Dolphin Tale, it is such a beautiful story of love, strength and dedication overcoming tragedy.
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