Sponge Docks!

Today we went to a place called 'Tarpon Springs', just north of Tampa.

Over 5000 years ago, Florida's earliest inhabitants were attracted to Tarpon Springs because of its abundant waterways. These 'Native Floridians' settled by the shore near the mouth of the Anclote River. The last Indian tribe disappeared during the 18th century and the land was uninhabited.

Then settled in the 1880s, Tarpon Springs became a Winter Resort in the early 1900s with visitors drawn to the 'healing waters' of the Spring Bayou, the charming waterways and fine weather.

John Cocoris was the first Greek man to come to Tarpon Springs in 1896. He introduced sponge diving as the primary method of sponge harvesting. In 1905, he and five other Greek men started a prosperous sponge diving business. Word of their success spread to Greece quickly and the migration of Greek people to Tarpon Springs continues to this day.

We were very pleasantly surprised by what we learned, saw, tasted and experienced at Tarpon Springs today. We went into the 'Spongeorama Sponge Factory' and learned about diving and harvesting of sponges. We walked through the sponge docks and looked at the various shops and tasted some Greek food.

After lunch, we went on an 'Island Beach Dolphin Cruise' - a 90 min fully narrated cruise. We toured the waters of the Anclote River and the Gulf of Mexico. We went out to the beautiful Anclote Island and looked for shells and saw the lighthouse. Both on the way out and back, we saw dolphins - but they were too shy to be photographed! The beer and margaritas were exceptional as well!

Stopped in at Bealls Outlet on the way back to the motel for the girls to do some shopping. Jim and I stopped in at the bar nearby and the bar staff recommended a closeby restaurant La Haceinda for Mexican. Wow, great food and 2 for 1 drinks and great prices. Back to the Rooms, internet, blogs, washing and bed.