Greece in Tarpon Springs (#91)

Our third stop on our Big Bend Crossing was Tarpon Springs. After Tarpon Springs, we will be in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and will not need to find good weather windows for open water crossings in the Gulf.

On this spectacular day we were greated with calm seas without fog.

As we left we saw a fishing boat maintaining the crabpots we had been dodging on our trip to Crystal River and Tarpon Springs.

As we headed into Tarpon Springs, we started to see the ICW and homes along the way.

The water was calm and we could see the horizon.

Laura went for a walk on the Spongedocks when we arrived in Tarpon Springs an sat next to this bronze statue with a wing that is around her. Along the way were many vendors selling the sponges that locals area allowed to dive for in the area. Greeks moved to the area to dive for the sponges.

We almost had a situation where we couldn't get off the boat. We needed to back in, but starboard side is always preferred because of the dinghy. Ted was able to take down the ladder and it fit within issues. We decided to stay 3 days after we figured we could get off the boat.

Our first day we got ourselves organized, and the second day we saw some sights in Tarpon Springs, including the Safford House Museum. When we arrived there was an ambulance because the tour guide had fainted, fallen, and hit her head. We started the tour with the second tour guide.

This is the main Tarpon Springs where yearly, on January 6 (epiphany day) all the boys age 16-19 are allowed to jump into the water to try to find the cross that is thrown in the water.

We left in dense got in a narrow channel. We could see this boat towing the 60 ft boat as they approached us in the fog. They had announced their passage on the VHF so we knew to look for them.

We had two Greek meals, and the second was far better. We ate at the Acropolis, just walking distance from the marina. They were not officially open, but the food was fantastic. Because of the Greek influence, there were many Greek restaurants to choose from.

Stay: 3 nights

Tarpon Springs City Marina

Pros: Helpful staff, clean bathrooms, great location to both sponge docks and short walk to town, Greek Food

Cons:Few slips and can be hard to get off boat, Heard of couple that hit ground getting in. Were more cautious leaving

Rating 4 stars