Tarpon Springs,
Florida,
United States
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
After a speedy flight across the Atlantic, just 8 hours, we were made to circle out in the Atlantic for 40 minutes whilst a thunderstorm moved across Orlando Airport. Once down it was the usual queuing for an hour to get thorough customs. They now take your photo and your finger prints, of course we would have to be pulled over for a double scan of our bags too. I was a bit nervous as we had a few food items for my cousin in Georgia. Still all went through smoothly. We managed to find the hire car transportation, and arrived at the Hertz depot to join yet another long queue for an hour, jees I know us Brit's like queuing but this is getting a bit tiresome now! Once on the road it took us about 2 hours to drive out to Lake Tarpon. Just a provisions stop on the way, and a takeaway pizza! We managed to find our way in the dark, and were soon tucked up in the villa. We strained to keep awake until about 10pm (3am UK time). I woke around 5am, and before long the sun was rising over the boats moored in the marina. Today is glorious, in the 90's but fairly humid which is typical for Florida at this time of the year. We visited Tarpon Springs, where the Greek community set up in the early 1900's running sponge diving businesses. Today there are many Greek shops and restaurants in the area. Having just returned from Greece we didn't rush to sample the food! On our way back we visited a couple of the Gulf Coast beaches, we only paddled along the shore, but I have to say when people refer to a sea as being as warm as bath water, there is no exaggeration in this case, it was incredibly warm.
Over the next few weeks we will make our way north to Georgia, do a loop around the Deep South. Stopping in Nashville to celebrate Julie's 21st birthday! which just so happens to coincide with American Independence Day on July 4th, so there should be plenty of free fireworks for her! After leaving this area we will make our way north along the Blue Ridge Parkway, traveling the length of the Appalachian Mountain range until we reach Washington DC. We then hug the coast by train, calling in on Philadelphia, New York and Boston. I think that's quite enough for you to get your heads around for today!
A special thanks to all of you who have kept in touch either via the blog or by personal e-mail, it is great to have you on the trip!
Kindest Regards
Andy & Julie
Comments
Dotty
Hi Andy and Julie
Doesn't time fly by. I thought you were still in Greece ! Looks fab and we're all a bit envious. Hope you're both well and keep the updates coming in. Love Dotty XX
Great Trip
Great to hear from you both, sounds like your having a fantastic time. Julies birthday celebrations sound well organised! Bet your missing us here (Not). We are still surviving just - but you don't need to know about that. We have jsut got back from Corsica - lovely time but not sure how you managed without a car!!.
Take care
Suzanne
hello
hi, nothing new to say as only saw you Sunday but though would say hello anyway! Continue to work my socks off tendering to the ill with my well known compassion and sweet nature!
Off to Newport tonight for a meal and drink with the other Julie, poor Chris is home alone as Rachel away, my heart bleeds for him.
Keep in touch
Tracy
Hi fat belly
Hi lovelys,Sounds good your end. Sallys over for Ascot racing next week,and goes back to Guernsey on the 22nd and I'm goin back over on the 1st July.I'm sure we'll see you as usual in August lol.cos it would'nt have been to to hard to have worked that into your trip.eh. x x
Travel Bug!
Hi A & J,
Only just had a chance to catch up on your travel blogs, all looks amazing and you have sunshine in Florida! The weather has been up and down here, hopefully summer will arrive sooner rather than later. Take care and how's the budget going?
Speak again soon
RP