December 10-11

Anclote River Tarpon Springs

December 10-11 Tarpon Springs FL--Another beautiful day. Loopers Victory and 2 if by C arrived today. Mike is off today. They did not schedule him to work since his restaurant was not sure when he would be across the Gulf. Mike said he would pick us up after lunch, so we could head to the grocery store. 1:30 pm was the appointed time and he was right there! Mike needed a few things at the Dollar General Store and then we were off to Publix grocery store to re provision. We made arrangements to eat dinner at Mike's Restaurant (not really his restaurant) but he is the chief public relations officer and daytime Mater' De' for Jack Willys restaurant that is brand new and sits on freshwater Tarpon lake. Very busy and upscale casual. Again Mike was very punctual when he picked us up. Had quite an enjoyable evening and a very good meal. Of course Mike introduced us to all the help and many of the patrons and quite often a story to tell about each one. Also took us to his apartment. We didn't get to meet any of his roommates. Festus (I think that is his real name is temporarily in jail) and Karen was at work. On Tuesday, I did some maintenance on the boat. The macerator pump motor has been acting cantankerous and sometimes refuses to start. The pump was replaced. Also the holding tank gauge is stuck at 1/2 full, which I believe is a stuck sensor in the tank. If it doesn't dislodge itself, that will be another project for another day. Tonight Mike and Judy and I ate at Snookers Restaurant just down the street. Very good. Mike knew the owner, Theo, and they reminisced about the time Theo and he were involved in running a boxing ring, the referee made a bad call, the whole crowd of Greeks, (Tarpon Springs is a Greek community) got up simultaneously and the referee bolted for the door and jumped in the Antclote River to escape the crowd. Mike claims the guy hid in the River and showed up on his doorstep the next morning!