...Here's what really happened...Despite the fun, excitement and adventure of our nomadic journey of 5 and1/2 months, we found ourselves ready to get back to Naples and "settle down" for a while. Therefore, we rolled right past Gulfport, Biloxi, and Mobile Bay (boyhood home of the great Jimmy Buffett)...
...We did, however, drive slowly along the Florida panhandle to see the sugar colored sandy beaches. We really liked Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Fl. Maybe we didn't give it a chance, but we were underwhelmed with Panama City, where we stayed overnight at the local Walmart. We had driven for over seven hours, essentially sightseeing, but were tired.
...Leaving Panama City, we saw the first rainfall since arriving in Decatur, Indiana in July...
The following morning, we left at a civilized hour to make our way to Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs is a small Greek fishing and sponge diving village. We stayed at a site which was directly on the Anclote River. The views were wonderful, and the clean, jungle like growth along the riverbank reminded us that we were indeed back in Florida.
This was an easy travel day...only 6 hours in total...
...The Boys, Rocky, Murphy and Opie arriving in Tarpon Springs...
...From left to right...Tequila Sunrise ( traditional safe arrival beverage), The Captain, The Murph, and The Rockman...all watching tv...well, not the beverage, of course....
We ate at a local Italian restaurant that evening. ( Your Captain is not fond of Greek cuisine, and finding a non Greek eatery in Tarpon Springs was a real challenge.)
The following day, we ventured out to the Sponge Docks, to do the tourist routine. We enjoyed strolling among the many souvenir shops (all of which sell sponges and soap...these Greek folks are really cleanliness freaks...)
...A very tame sea bird at the restaurant...he had heard they had good seafood...
...This may be the only city in the world with a bronze statue of a Sponge Diver...
...Typical street scene...
...Literally the (big) "kid in the candy store"...they had everything, from Mary Janes to Pineapple Licorice
...The next day, we finally headed home.
...The Skyway Bridge...
...Collier Blvd exit from Interstate 75...
...The welcome sight of the Pelican Lake entrance...
...Rocky stands guard while his Daddy ( your Captain) takes a restful nap...Home at last!!!
Tune in for the next and final chapter of Travels with the Captain as we reflect on the Great American Road Trip...
Eagerly awaiting your next entry!!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn (Stinnett)
There are days when I wish I was doing what you are doing and then days when I am just as happy with relaxing around home or letting someone else do the driving...like a cruise ship Captain. [grin]. The important thing is that you seem to be enjoying the trip and I am enjoying reading about your adventures. Thanks for sharing. Jack Barnes from Ocean Pines....remember that place??
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