December 12-13

December 12-13 Tarpon Springs-Clearwater---Tarpon Springs is the sponge capital of the world. It is also a Greek Community. Many Greek restaurants and stores. Before departing for Clearwater we took a walk down the main Street of the Greek Community and visited the many gift and sponge shops. You can buy a sponge in any shape or size. Visited a wonderful Greek bakery for a mid morning "snack". Departed about 11:30 for our short jaunt of 20 miles to Clearwater Beach. The tide swing here is about 3'. The low low tide occurred about 8:30 am. The harbor here is shallow in spots so it is best to leave on a rising tide. Tarpon Springs is located up the Anclote River 3 miles. The River itself is 7-10' deep and is well buoyed and dotted with commercial fishing vessels, marinas, expensive homes. Our trip to Clearwater was slow and scenic. We arrived about 2pm. Several days ago Judy thawed out some pork chops. Too many good restaurants interfered with that plan so Judy said we better cook them tonight or they won't even be good pelican food.

December 13--Just a short walk to all the activity of Clearwater Beach. At the roundabout we picked up a Trolley($1.25) and rode around the town. We were the only patrons so the driver talked non-stop about the town and gave us the grand tour. Ate lunch at Frenchy's restaurant, walked around downtown and went to the beach. Great day-lots of people at the beach since the temp was in the low eighties. Tonight we went back to the beach for the sunset party. Kind of like Key West but not near as many performers. Saw a fire eater put on a good show. Another beautiful sunset. Had dinner at Cooters (not a miss spelling, it is a C). Grouper specials tonight. Looper Tanuki left this am. He was in a different part of this huge marina and we did not know he was there until we saw him leave.