Days 88-91 – 12/30/23-1/1/24

Starting location: Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina, Tarpon Springs, FL

Weather: Low 50s am, low 60s pm, partly sunny – Saturday 12/30, high 40s am, mid 60s pm, sunny – Sunday 12/31. High 40s am, high 60s pm, sunny – Monday 1/1

Ending location: Caladesi Island State Park Marina. Just across Saint Joseph Sound from Denedin, FL

Statue miles: Approximately 18 (twisting and turning through some channels the whole way)

General summary: It was a very short 1.2 miles from our prior marina with no waves or wind. 😃 Tricky docking as they wanted us to moor stern first, which is difficult in this boat, but we did it with the help of the manager. Walked up and down the waterfront. Tarpon Springs has a strong Greek influence and history in sea sponge harvesting from the late 1800s. Re-provisioned. Got local seafood and Greek take-out.

Cocoa was due for a trim and we wanted to have her fur cut short for anticipated hotter weather as we continue heading South. Dockside Doggies did a spectacular job!

We took the Jolly Trolly (free on New Years Eve) South to explore Dunedin, a lovely waterfront city with Scottish roots between Tarpon Springs and Clearwater. Most stores were closed for the holiday, but we checked out the marina there and then walked about 1/2 way back on a well-thought out and popular trail.

We haven’t seen any further evidence of mouse activity in the last few days and no traps have been activated, so we think (hope) evil Mickey or Minnie has moved on.

Lots of fireworks for New Years. Had to give Cocoa a sedative, as usual. Happy New Year, everyone!!! 🎉🍾

Little wind and sunny weather for our departure to next stop. Nice way to start the new year.

What was fixed:

Boater information: Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina is small but in a great location, right downtown within easy walking distance to Cuban and Greek restaurants, a Greek bakery, Publix grocery store, PETCO, Lowes, ACE hardware, Walgrens. Has bathrooms, showers, water, power. No laundry, gas, or pump-out.