Crossing the Gulf

The greeter at Tarpon Springs docks.

WE DID IT!  We safely crossed the Gulf of Mexico and are at port at the city docks in Tarpon Springs. The weather windows for crossing have been few and far between this season, so we took the leap on a moderately okay day.  We anchored behind Dog Island just off the coast from Carrabelle Monday night and left in the company of Frank and Cindy aboard the power cat Peacekeeper at 3 a.m.  Even with a 3/4 moon, it is mighty dark at 3 in the morning.  Eleven hours later we were tied up at Tarpon Springs.  The first half of the journey was bumpy as we were headed into 3 to 4 foot waves.  But about halfway, the seas became more friendly and by the time we were two hours out of Tarpon,  it was down to one footers and very welcome.  Sunrise was a beautiful sight that day.

Sunrise on the Gulf crossing.  This was taken through the wing doors.  The small dots are salt crystals.

Tarpon Springs is an interesting little town.  We are tied up at the city docks which are in the sponge section of town.  In the late 1800's, Greeks came here to harvest the sponges in the gulf.  They had the knowledge to gather the sponges by diving whereas prior to that it was done by raking with long poles while looking overboard from the boats through glass bottom buckets.  At one time there were 200 sponge boats working here.  Now there are many souvenir shops and lots of Greek restaurants.  We have definitely gorged on the Greek food and drink!  And of course, we are now in possession of several sponges as well as Greek cheese, olives, and wine.

Sponge boat at dock.  Notice the sponges threaded together.  After removing the membranes, this is how they were stored to dry and be out from underfoot on the boat.

Greek Orthodox church and school in the historic part of town.

Too funny.  Had to shoot this picture!

A storm blew in Wednesday afternoon with wind gusts well into the 30mph range.  We were mighty glad to be securely tied at a dock.  Today, Thursday, is sunny but still quite windy.  We are watching the wind/wave reports to see whether to move on or stay one more day.  Oh darn, more gyros for lunch!