Tarpon Springs Florida

The last week has been hard on us as we pushed to get Mystic across the Gulf of Mexico. The last three days of our journey were each over 70 miles long. This means we were dodging crab pots for 11 plus hours every day. The weather was gorgeous except in the direction that we were headed, south! Every day, we faced a headwind coming from the south. We were thrilled when the wind would shift just enough for us to let out a bit of the jib in order to ease our bumpy ride; but mostly it was motoring, all day, sun rise to sun set!

Sunrise over Cedar Key

Our final day of the crossing turned out to be our best weather day. We started out with the usual south headwind but it literally died at midday and we were able to move gently through the emerald green water without being tossed by confused seas. The dolphins are clearly visible underwater as they dance and play in our bow wake.

Dolphins in our wake!

Swinging my feet over dolphins

We arrive at Tarpon Springs, Florida at 6:30 pm. Dave called ahead but we wouldn't arrive in time to stay at the Municipal Dock. There are only four slips, first come, first serve. He was able to secure a slip at Anclote Harbor Marina instead. We will arrive after closing but we have a place to go after our long journey.

Welcome to Anclote Harbor Marina

Mystic docked at Anclote Harbor Marina

Sunset at Anclote Harbor Marina

Anclote River View

The entrance to the St. Joseph Sound is busy on the weekend. Tons of boats are anchored on the Anclote Keys. It is shallow here so we slowly making our way through the channel with an eye on the depth finder. It takes us almost 2 hours to get to marker number 1 and up the channel to the Anclote River. Boats are flying by us on their way in. There is a no wake zone but no one seems to pay any attention to it. We keep Mystic at idle speed and arrive at our marina just before dusk. We slide into slip #3 and tie off. Once our harnesses are off, we drop below, look at one another in awe and relief and embrace. We have finally completed the Gulf crossing.

As we expected, the place is closed but we meet a boater who lets us borrow his men's bathroom key. We'll both have to take showers in the men's room. This is a busy marina that serves over 400 boats but only has about 40 wet slips. Most of the boats are stored on racks in covered sheds. The boaters call ahead and have their boats launched and waiting for them when they want to go out. It's a big business here!

River Traffic Near Anclote Harbor Marina

In the morning, we met Mary at the marina office. She is sweet and funny and loves to talk about her family! We enjoyed chatting with her as we fill out our contract and pay for dockage. Mary loves her job and points out the gorgeous view on the third floor of the building overlooking the Anclote River. She tells us, "Who wouldn't want to work here?"

Mary at Anclote Harbor Marina

Mary's View at Anclote Harbor Marina

On Sunday, we headed out for our next stop, the Municipal Dock at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Our Connecticut (and now Florida) friends, Jean and Ray Santos are coming to meet us there. They have been keeping a close eye on us since we left Mobile, Alabama; eagerly awaiting our arrival. Today, they drove to our boat and brought wonderful “nibbles” and wine to celebrate our friendship and our journey. We had a great day exploring Tarpon Springs with them including an authentic Greek meal at Hellas Restaurant and a fabulous double chocolate something for dessert! We know how lucky we are to have friends who care enough to follow our journey and to celebrate our accomplishments! Thank you, Jean and Ray. You are a highlight of this journey. Today is a memorable day because of you!

Jean & Ray on the Sponge Docks

Relaxing aboard Mystic with Jean & Ray Santos

Life IS Good!

Friends Toast