January 21, 2012

After a night at anchor, head into Tarpon Springs.  Tarpon is known for Greek heritage, lots of Greek food, and sponge diving.  Once we are settled in at Turtle Cove Marina, we meet our dock neighbors, Jim and Lisa Favors, on Kismet, fellow loopers.  They have their Gold Birgee (completed the loop) so will tap them for information later.

We asked for a recommendation for Greek food, Jim suggested Hellas Greek Restaurant and Bakery.  This is a major tourist town.  Sponges are everywhere.  Every little shop has sponges, individuals have set up make shift sheds to sell sponges from and there are even sponge boat cruises.  We had heard that the diver actually has sponges in his pockets and dives into the water and miraculously comes up with sponges.  Who knows?

Turtle Cove is knew to the transient boaters but has come up to speed quickly.  We are very impressed with their attention to our needs.     It's shallow coming into the marina but we had a map from them to help us navigate.  I find it interesting how some boats are stored.  Reminds me of a tiered parking lot.  The boats are lifted on and off at the owners request.

Tarpon also has a great bike/walking trail.  It stretches from Tarpon to St Petersburg.  It's flat and easy to walk and bike.  We walked a small section  today.

After lunch we walked to West Marine, Radio Shack and found a Panera across from them.  What a deal!  It was a round trip walk of about 4 miles.

Back at the boat, we washed off the salt that had dried on from the crossing.   

We invited Jim and Lisa over for drinks and to share anchorages they used going south.

Great evening, quiet and calm.