Monday, December 1-Wednesday December 3^rd Tarpon Springs

We are now in Tarpon Springs for the month of December.  We will be on the boat for a while and then head back for the holidays and then return before the end of the year to restart and continue our adventures.  Tarpon Springs a town made up of two sections.  The one many people are familiar with is the waterfront working seaport and the Sponge docks area, which is the Greek community with shops, Greek restaurants and a lot of shopping and a lot of eating.  The other section of the town is the Downtown section with historic buildings and Victorian homes.

Of course we did shopping, a lot of sponges available with goats milk and olive oil soap; Greek groceries with Tom’s favorite Greek olives and cheeses.  The first restaurant experience was from Mykonos where lamb, saganaki, and Greek wine and beer was enjoyed by all.  The dinner was shared with Simpatico, Connie and Bill, and Sweetwater, Pam and Tim, both of who survived the 22 hour crossing with us.  After a short nap, food was on our mind and Mykonos was a great way to start our visit.  The next evening we enjoyed a dock party with our new friends.  Both Tom and Tim bought shrimp from the local fishery.  Tim grilled his and Tom boiled his for peel and eat.  Greek bread purchased from the local bakery along with cheese and olives was shared by all.

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs

So many olive oils and so little time. This is one of my favorite grocery stores.

 

 

  There were 16 of us sharing our food, sharing our stories and enjoying each other on solid ground. (Tim and Pam, Andy and Julie, Cliff and Mid, Mike and wife, Jay and Sue, Burk and Stel, Connie and Bill, and the Kataras)

One morning we lowered the dingy and went for a ride.  The main purpose of the ride was to find the Spring Bayou and the manatee.  The manatees gather in this bayou because of the fresh springs that feed this water area. Because this is a protected area, Tom had to row into the Bayou to watch these mammals.  It was great.  These lazy, sleepy animals swam around slowly.  We stared at them, watched for their “snort” as they came up for air and watched for the swirl of water made by their tails. 

No motors were allowed so we rowed are dinghies up to see the manatees.

Not a gator just the swirl when a manatee goes under.

 

Wednesday was a beautiful day, sunny, warm and calm winds.  We pulled the bikes off the boat and headed to the beach.  Rode to Sunset beach and to Fred Howard Park.  Then went exploring thru downtown Tarpon springs, enjoying the ride.  After a refreshing beer it was necessary to stop for more Greek bread and baklava for dinner.  The bike ride was great – 11 miles and exploring the town.