Tarpon Springs

Today started out in the mid 50’s and partly cloudy.  The high for the day was in the mid 70’s.  A little after 1600 we ran into heavy rains which lasted a good part of the way home.

We left a little after 0915 for Tarpon Springs.

As we left the parking lot, we were hit up about a boat ride to see how sponge diving was done. This is the boat we went out into the bay on.  The total trip and demonstration took about 45 minutes.

Our Captain explaining about the different types of sponges.

Our diver, Frank, is suited and ready for his helmet.  His boots weigh 24# and additional 70# of weight will be hung over his shoulders.

The suit is inflated and Frank is in the water checking the suit for leaks.  He will open the valve on his helmet to let air out of the suit and sink to the bottom.  Sponges are collected by the diver walking along the bottom.

 

 

This is Frank getting back into the boat.  Note the 35# weigh hanging around his neck.  There is also one on the back side.

All these pelicans are waiting for the return of the fishing boats

Next we headed to Hellas Greek Restaurant for Lunch.

 

We both ordered gyro platters. There was gyro meat, enough for at least 2 gyros, a pita, rice, green beans with tomatoes and 1/4 boiled Greek potato .  This  is about a half eaten meal.

Her are some pictures of the display cases in the bakery.

 

 

After that lunch, we didn’t have any room for desert.

The rest of the day was spent hitting the various shops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We never made it to the museum or several other displays.  It looks like we will have to come back again.

Thought For The Day – You were born an original don’t live or die a copy