Tarpon Springs!

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach, FL MM 129.0

Weather: Brezzy SW 20-25 knots; high 85, low 79; partly sunny

Comment: Our hosts took us to Tarpon Springs, FL. A mostly Greek community founded by sponge fishermen. Today, it is touristy with lots of sponge and trinket shops and many Greek restaurants. We had a great authentic Greek meal at Hellas on the main drag. It was delightful! Before heading home, we purchased crabs, clams and fish for a seafood feast at dinner time.

It was another great day in the IRB area!

Historic Sponge Boat

Working Sponge Boat

For Sale!

The main drag in Tarpon Springs

Don's Marine Salvage!

Friday, March 2, 2012 Don's Marine Salvage

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach, FL MM 129.0

Weather: SW @ 12 knots; daytime temp in the mid 80s, nighttime in the high 70s; partly sunny

Comment: If your into anything nautical and you ever get to Largo, FL, make it a point to visit Don's Marine Salvage (click on this link to view their E-Bay store). 

The following paragraph is how they describe themselves in Internet advertising:

"WE CAN SATISFY ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS.........OVER 6 ACRES OF Parts...........WE'VE GOT IT ALL..........25,000 Sq. Ft. OF COVERED located on west Florida's Gulf Coast, Don's Marine Salvage has been a preeminent provider of new and used boat parts for over 30 years. With over 6 acres of inventory including boat motors and parts, sailboat parts, trailer parts, baitwells, fuel tanks, rope, stainless hardware, teak wood and trim, outdrives, propellers, cables, rigging, seats, bimini tops, anchors and antique nautical supplies, Don's Marine Salvage will have the Boat part you are looking for, new or used. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist in locating your boat part, provide international shipping, and even discuss trades!"

The place is overwhelming! One could spend days looking through the grounds, sheds, and storage trailers. Every turn of the head brings a special piece into view.

SPYC!

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach, FL MM 129.0

Weather: High 86, low 70, calm

Comment: The Gray's took us on a road trip today. The target was St. Petersburg. We enjoyed lunch at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and walked around town. 

The Vinoy Basin, once a popular anchorage now usurped by the Pilot Mooring Field Program.    

The Vinoy Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This glass sculpture draws passersby into the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete.

The Flea Market!

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach MM 93.3

Weather: sunny, light wind, high 83, low 70

Comment: The Gray’s took us to a huge Flea Market today/ Besides the usual junk, there were dozens of produce vendors. We bought some produce and a couple of “T” shirts and then stocked up on other groceries at the local Winn-Dixie.

After arriving home, we strolled the beach for a bit. Luce and I waded in the Gulf. The news station reported the water temp at 69 degrees. It felt warmer than that to us.

After a tasty scallop dinner, neighbors Tao and Scott came over for a rousing game of dominos! 

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach MM 93.3

Weather: sunny, light wind, high near 80

Comment: Wow! Another great day! Willis and Luce took us out on their boat (Offshore 25). It's a great center console with high gunnels that make one feel very safe. It gives a great ride, very smooth with no pounding in chop and it is fantastic in corners and tracks well. The boat sports a "T" top with a lookout tower above. It is powered with two Honda 150s that provide good speed with little noise.

The famous Harp Tree on Caladesi Island  is documented in photographs as far back as the 1880's

We enjoyed an outing in the Gray's Bluewater boat!

Caladesi Island State Park (http://www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland/) Is one of the few completely natural islands along Florida´s Gulf Coast. Caladesi´s white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Saltwater anglers can cast a line from their boats or surf fish. Nature enthusiasts can spot wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island´s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. Marina rates for an overnight stay are $1.00/ foot for a slip or $2.00/ foot for a "T" head (as of February 2012). The park is accessible by boat or ferry. Ferry service is provided by the Caladesi Island Ferry (727) 734-1501 and departs from Honeymoon Island State Park.

The park has an outstanding nature trail that takes one through several distinct habitats. The 2 1/2 mile trail is well maintained. There is pamphlet is available so one can take a self guided tour.

After dinner we dined at the Pub in Indian Rocks Beach. The Grouper Ruben is outstanding!

A Six Mile Beach Walk!

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach MM 93.3

Weather: Sunny; high temp 80, low 65; E @ <10 knots

Comment: After a light breakfast, we took a walk on IRB. We covered over six miles in two hours and ten minutes.

Willis and Luce arrived back from Daytona. They decided to return home to watch the race on TV after they heard that the race was postponed to 1900 hours. We watched with them. It was a long race with several crashes and a fire. The race was finally over shortly after 0100!

Yuck!

Lay Day: Indian Rocks Beach MM 93.3

Weather: Shower in the early AM; wind E @ 20 knots; overcast high temp in the low to mid 60s and low in the mid 50s

Comment: A dreary day with no sun. The threat of showers combined with the cool temps kept us indoors. The Daytona 500 was postponed for the first time ever! There was more rain in Daytona than in Indian Rocks Beach.