We ran a few errands this morning then drove over to Clearwater to have a late breakfast at Lenny's again before we leave. Since the Phillies were playing a night game today over near Orlando, the restaurant was not as busy as it always is before a home game. As usual, we had a great meal with typical east coast large portions.
After breakfast we drove up to Tarpon Springs and picked up a few things at a nearby Camping World. We then walked around the sponge docks in town again, shopping for a few things we didn't know we needed. The town is a tourist mecca and is always crowded, especially during their high season right now. It has a lot of attractions - a picturesque waterfront with a European flair (Greek), great restaurants, plenty of tourist attractions such as boat tours, sponge diving demonstrations, etc, entertainment, plenty of shoppes and usually great weather.
We then drove down to Dunedin for our sunset cruise. Since we had some time to kill before the cruise, we walked around town a little then had a glass of wine and an appetizer at Bon Appetitte, the waterfront restaurant at the end of the wharf where we have eaten several times before.
We boarded the ParrotDise Express cruise boat at 5:00 pm for a 5:30 pm departure. We went on this cruise last year and wanted to do it again. This year, the weather was warmer, the seas calm, and there was little wind. We also did not have a full boat which made it easier to move around the boat to take pictures. It was fun and interesting. The captain and mate provided plenty of information and all the drinks you wanted (cheap white wine, sangria, rum punch, beer, soft drinks, water and coffee). There was also recorded music (beach music) and a running commentary as we looked for dolphins to swim along with the boat
The cruise went out into Clearwater Bay then circled back and through Clearwater Pass into the Gulf of Mexico. The cruise normally continues north and back into the bay through Hurricane Pass between Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. Tonight however, there was a full moon and unusual high/low tides. The captain decided that the water through the pass might be too low to make it across the sand bar, so we doubled back and returned essentially the way we came.
It was a great trip. The water was not rough and the weather was almost perfect. It was a friendly crowd on-board with a mix of elderly couples, young families and teenagers. Most were visiting from out of town and a few locals were escorting people visiting them. We saw dolphins, an osprey nest with chicks, lots of boats, seaside mansions, a green flash sunset and a full moon rising. It doesn't get much better than that.
It was a long day and we arrived back at the RV at 9:30 pm. The plan is to sleep-in tomorrow and go from there. The Phillies are playing another night game in Sarasota so whatever we do, if anything, will be sightseeing related.
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