Tarpon Springs

I promised Ashli that I would post a few pics from our family outing on Columbus Day. I didn't have to go into the hospital that day (one benefit of doing a rotation at the VA), so we surveyed the map and decided to take a trip over to Tarpon Springs. It's about a 45 min trip from our place, over on the coast, not too far from New Port Richey. Tarpon Springs is a little Greek town that was established years ago.

Brief history of the town: Many Greek immigrants came here after 1905 to continue their traditional trade of sponge diving. Tarpon Springs is known as "the sponge capital of the world". All aspects of the sponge industry take place in Tarpon Springs, from the harvesting of the sponge, all the way to the auctions that are held weekly at the Sponge Docks for the wholesalers.

We had a great time exploring. We ate lunch at a little Greek restaurant, browsed the little sponge shops, took a boat ride and saw dolphins. It was a fun little day trip.

Kade and Ashli checking out the sponges.

The greek food was outstanding. Here Ashli attacks this huge gyro!

The four of us at Tarpon Springs

Kade and Ashli on the boat tour.