Great Loop: Tarpon Springs Explorations

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Lunch at "The Living Room", Dunedin Florida

29 January 2022

Unexpectedly we found our stay in Tarpon Springs to be 12 days, but for a good reason.  The bonus was we had time to explore the surrounding area more thoroughly!  To extend our range, we used our bicycles and the local "Jolley Trolley" to expand out into the surrounding communities.  Our targets were tasty or unusual restaurants, bike trails, nature preserves, and downtown areas as well as waterfronts.


Lunch was a delicious chicken salad sandwich accompanied by tomato bisque or corn chowder soup


Delicious Beignets


Opportunistically, we found we could get the bottom paint renewed on Amy Marie at Port Tarpon Marina.  They completed the job in 5 days, with two of those being rain days.  We should not have to repeat this process for another 2 years.  Although they cautioned us to have a diver check running gear for barnacles at least once a month.  


Amy Marie at the Spa - New Bottom Paint

Except for the two days it rained, we were able to get out and explore the surrounding area.  Our favored mode of transportation was our bicycles.  We were able to benefit from the exercise as well as the ability to explore where our whims took us.  We found a nice nearby nature preserve with trails as well as a beach front county park with boat launch ramp.


Anclote River Park


Anchorage at Anclote River Park


There is an abundant supply of Ospreys in the area


Lots of Spanish Moss in the trees.
Coastal Anclote Trail


A local tortoise alongside the trail

Walks were another tactic for local exploration.  Especially in the nearby neighborhoods.  We found Spring Bayou a 20 minute walk from the Sponge Dock area of Tarpon Springs.  There were lots of well maintained older homes to enjoy.


Mike at Spring Bayou


Beth at Spring Bayou


Manatees cavorting in Spring Bayou


The Jolley Trolley which allowed us to explore adjacent cities.
An all day Senior Pass was $2.50 - a real deal!

These were the tactics we used to make the most of our 12 days in Tarpon Springs.  There is no reason not to range near and far when you are tethered to one spot.  Walking, riding and public transportation are all excellent methods of exploration.  They can also be combined as the buses had a bike rack to bring you home if you wanted to explore a greater distance by bike.  Additionally, we rode public transportation to find interesting towns or neighborhoods to explore on foot.  These can also be recon trips to preview marinas or anchorages for future overnight stays. And of course, you have to eat to maintain your energy levels while exploring, so that necessitates sampling the local cuisine!  Always a fun task.....

Cheers!



Location: Dunedin, FL, USA

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