Wed. & Thurs., Nov. 1 & 2 - Tarpon Springs, Florida

As we were enjoying breakfast on the patio at the marina restaurant,

 this was happening right next to us!

 It seems this marina is a VERY busy place with a lot of dry stacking!  As we continue to enjoy our breakfast, from our seats we can see our boat and two people looking at it; then I get a call from Midge ("Rambunctious")!  Yes, it is our looper friends looking for us!  We enjoyed catching up with them about our "crossing" on Tuesday; so thankful it went well for both of us!

A few hours later, Dave and I decide to check out the town by bike.  Tarpon Springs is known as one of the largest sponging industries in the world!

Holding his breath, Dave's ready for a sponge dive!!!😂

An actual working sponge boat.

Sponges on the boat all set to go to market.

We learned a lot about the Greek history that goes with sponging. 

 Including the explanation of this statue:  

"The Blessing of the Bayou and Casting of the Cross" is part of Tarpon Springs Epiphany Tradition.  

After an early morning church service, the community has a procession to the Spring Bayou where the Archbishop throws a golden cross into the water.  Young spongers and high school students wait anxiously for the great moment to search for the cross. The divers dive into the waves, as they  swim, wrestle, and churn the waters in search of the cross.  The throwing of the cross symbolizes casting of the bread of truth upon the trouble world.  The plunging of the young boys into the waters signifies the immersion into the river Jordan of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The diver who retrieves the cross then climbs onto the barge and kneels before the Archbishop, handing him the golden cross.  At this time, the Archbishop blesses the young man and congratulates him.  

This is the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Tarpon Springs.

So, so incredibly beautiful!  It truly is hard to capture the true beauty in pictures, 

but you get an idea at least.

Our fellow looper friends, Midge and Walt, will continue to stay in this area for a little while, so we meet with them for a fabulous dinner at Rusty Bellies, where Dave has stone crab for the first time!

Friday morning we head for Clearwater Beach!😎🌴🏖