Tonight we are in Clearwater after a very nice afternoon sail just offshore. We are finally in warmer weather and the water is starting to warm up as well. It's not 'mommy warm', but warm enough for Kaylee to take her first swim of the trip . . . well, that is first sanctioned swim. Two days before we left Carrabelle, Kaylee went with Ken to the boat for a day of prep while I went to Tallahassee for some last minute packing. While on the drive to Tallahassee I got a call from Ken saying they had had a fun morning and then asked Kaylee if she wanted to tell me what happened - Kaylee declined. She had fallen off the finger dock next to the boat in to the (very cold) river in a sweater dress, pants and shoes - thank you ISR (Infant Swimming Resource). She stayed afloat and tried to get back to the boat and Ken, but there was a little current in the river so Ken jumped in after her. Everyone was fine but a little chilled and needless to say Kaylee is extra cautious on docks now! Maybe a good lesson learned, but scary.
These guys visited this evening right at sunset.
Everyone will get sick of sunset photos, but I can't resist.
Tarpon Springs was a great stop. We visited the small local aquarium, saw and touched live snakes, stingrays, alligators and turtles. And, they had a little indoor playground where Kaylee could jump around for a bit. We also learned all about natural sponges, how they are harvested, cleaned, and prepared for sale. The history of Tarpon Springs, the sponge industry and the Greek immigrants who started it was fascinating to learn about. We stayed on the 'sponge docks' at the municipal marina (thanks to Ron and Linda for the suggestion!) and enjoyed incredible Greek food.
