Tarpon Springs is a pretty town and considered the sponge capital of the world. Prior to our arrival we contacted Herb, the AGLCA Harbor Host. HE recommended a marina to us but the marina said our draft was too deep. We decided to go to Anclote Harbour Marina. There was plenty of water depth and friendly sailors on either side! The marina is right off the channel and has a fanttastic view of the channel and mangroves. THe marina has the usual showers, that were very clean, a washer and dryer in both the men's and the women's washrooms and excellent wifi.
We weren't up very long after the long run here.
This morning, (15th), Herb came to visit with a welcome package and a wealth of information. He told us the story of Tarpon Springs.
The sponge beds were accidentally discovered in 1873 by Key West turtle fishermen whose nets were pulling up the sponges at the mouth of the Anclote River. In 1896 500 divers from Greece were brought over to dive and help bring in the sponges for the growing sponge industry. As the story goes the young divers needed food to sustain them for the diving they were doing so they brought parents over to cook for them and hence the amazing Greek Restaurants here. Herb recommended that we go off the Main Street to Costas on Athens Street and it did not disappoint. We had Grilled garlic Octopus, Lamb Souvlaki on a pita, an awesome Greek Salad and the most delicious sangria I have ever tasted! We spent the afternoon cruising the shops and found a great sweet shop and bakery!
The sunset at the marina is amazing.