Great Loop & Cruising Adventure Blog

We just spent a wonderful week with Mom… aka Diane (Jim’s mother) and had a wonderful time. Diane, like Barby (Lisa’s mom) is very easy to have on the boat and goes with the flow as easily as if she always travels with us. A couple of days after her arrival we left Tarpon Springs for an anchorage but first we made a brief stop at Caledesi Island so we could walk the beach and collect sea shells. My mother was beside herself in excitement with the warmth of the sun and not having to wear all the winter garb that goes with a long, cold, snowy winter like they’re having in Ohio, her home state.

We spent a night on the hook in a well protected cove in Boca Ciega (St. Pete Beach area). We cooked out on the cockpit, played cards and watched the largest full moon of the year from the confines of our boat. Lisa and I wanted to give Mom a sense of what it is we do while we’re cruising. It was a picture perfect evening and one we hope she’ll always remember, I know we will.

Don’t know what the big gesture Jim is performing for his mother (above left) but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with a boat story. Diane Thompson, Jim’s mom, is on board with us for a week. While still in Tarpon Springs we rented a car and picked her up at the airport on Wednesday. Of course, as always when we have access to a vehicle we shopped all morning on our way to pick her up.

We knew that both of our moms would make good boat mates and Diane seems just at home on the boat as anywhere else. She is a natural for this lifestyle and we are so happy she could join us for a week.

Back to Hella’s for lunch with Diane.

Yes… the sponge capitol of the world.

Tonight we had a fantastic surprise from Brad and Patti Salvage, Salvage Crew. They showed up at our dock with big smiles which led to big hugs all around. We last saw them in Solomons, MD as we were docked for the summer and they were traveling through (north) to complete their Loop. We’ve had some fun times with them on and off while cruising and it is always fun to see their smiling faces. Patti is also one of the contributors to the new book we will be publishing soon… Women On Board Cruising. (Due out in April - for more info Click Here)

We got back from our lunch at Hella’s downtown and this cute little tug “Toot Toot” was tied up next to us at the dock.

Here is just an example of the range of tide (high and low). Due to the approaching full moon every night we went further down every night.

On Barby’s last day on the boat Lisa’s brother and family (Mart, Gina, Christina, Tanya and Craig) came up to Tarpon Springs from their home in Dunedin, Florida (only about ten miles away). We always love to stop on the west coast of Florida because it means we can visit with Mart and his family. They always take time to drive to us, wherever we are docked, for a good visit. When they left they took Barby along with them and they’ll help her get a flight home to Michigan.

Today was my mother Barby Targal’s birthday and we celebrated with a big breakfast while still on the island. After we got to Tarpon Springs we went for a walk downtown and came across a harpist playing on the waterfront. Who would ever have thought to see a harpist playing on the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs. Jim and I have been here many times before and never saw a harpist on the waterfront. We think it was destined to have happened while my mom was with us this time.

Well my mother was delighted because she used to be a harpist herself many years ago. We sat and ate our almond cookies and listened to some very nice music. Barby (below) in the mid-forties.

Hellas is our favorite Greek restaurant in Tarpon Springs.

Happy Birthday Barby. The “Mom Cruise” was a huge success!

It is only about 14 miles from Caladesi Island to Tarpon Springs so the cruise should have taken only an hour and a half. This morning, in the dense fog, it took us twice as long to arrive.

One of our favorite stops is Tarpon Springs. A week long visit to immerse ourselves in all things Greek… music, sponge divers, shells and of course the incredible food. We arrived mid-day at the Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina and we took off to shop and pick up some almond cookies.

We were to leave Caladesi Island today to go to Tarpon Springs but there were high winds and very unstable weather. No problem for us as Jim and I did some more exploring of the island. We took the 2.5-mile trail around the island and got our dose of fresh air for the day. We didn’t see much wildlife but the hammock was lush and inviting.

We took Thomas’ advice and sat for a while and just listened.

Today all the birds have been hiding out from the high winds in the mangrove behind our boat. They look cold and wet but they sure know where to hide out.

This armadillo was the only wild creature, except for some birds, stirring on our little jaunt through the hammock and he seemed totally oblivious to our presence as we were trying to get a good photo of him.

The weather held out today for an amazing walk on the beach. After all the cold weather we’ve experienced lately it was a real treat to soak up some warm sunshine. The pristine beaches of Caladesi Island provided the crew of Kismet an opportunity to collect some sea shells and much needed exercise. Tomorrow the weather appears to be degrading with heavy winds and rain. We may just have to stay another day.

We have always wanted to visit Caladesi Island. Lisa’s brother, Mart, who lives in Florida has been telling about this island for years. While Barby was traveling with us we made it a priority to visit at least for one night as we make our way to Tarpon Springs.

Caladesi Island was named the No. 1 Beach in America by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, A.K.A. Dr. Beach. The marina has 108 slips and as you can see it was mostly empty today. There is a ferry service from Honeymoon Island if you need transportation here.