Mar 29 Hernando Beach to Tarpon Springs

When we worked our way out the channel from Hernando Beach the tide was rising but much lower than when we entered the evening before. It is good the water there is clear, because it felt I could have jumped off either side of the boat into knee-deep water- it was that narrow. Once out in the Gulf, the wind was from the north, but light; we had a long distance to cover so we motor-sailed to Tarpon Springs. The morning temperature was only 42F but the sky was clear and it was soon comfortable to be on deck. We called ahead to the Tarpon Springs City Marina and got the surprising recorded message that they were closed Saturday and Sunday. We went all the way up river to the marina anyway and found an empty slip into which we tied up with the help of a man named Blair (?). We invited ourselves and our liquor over to his boat for drinks. He and his girlfriend bought a large old houseboat last fall and he has completely gutted and rebuilt the interior since then, using materials, hardware and furniture he bought used from wherever. An amazing job in a short time. Then we walked up the street to Rusty Bellies seafood restaurant. Maybe its just because when we've been there we have been cruising, which makes good food taste better, but we believe it's the best seafood in this area. They have their own boats and everything is fresh. On the way back to the boat we stopped at a Greek bakery for dessert and breakfast pastries. If there were more Greeks there would be a honey shortage. Good stuff.