Caladesi Island State Park

Our last night at the Tarpon Springs City Marina was a wild one with 30+ mph winds that strained our dock lines and rocked our boat. The winds blew so much water in from the Gulf that the high tide was almost over the docks. Before we left in the morning, I made one last trip across the street to the Sponge Factory where these amazing huge decorative sponges were on display.

We cruised only 17 miles across St. Joseph Sound with a strong north wind first on our beam (that's the side of the boat) which rolled us from side to side and then on our stern which sent us surfing down the waves at about 2 knots faster than the boat was moving. It was a roller coaster ride, but it was daylight and it was only for an hour, so it was quite manageable. We didn't want to anchor in the strong winds, however, so we headed for Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island is a barrier island, just a couple of miles off the ICW. There is a well sheltered 100 slip marina, but only 5 other boats were there. Just a short walk across the island is the beach where big waves were rolling in due to the strong winds. The island and beach are kept in the natural state, including the seaweed that washes in.

Today we went for a long walk along the nature trail. The dominant palm tree is the sable palm and there is a whole forest of them here.

The forest then transitions to a pine forest. The tall white pines have the same type of needles as the white pines in Minnesota, but are shaped differently.

Next, the foliage changed to a hardwood forest, with the live oaks being the predominant tree.

Here's an interesting pine tree with a split trunk that is over 100 years old. The trail guide said it was a favorite photo place on the island, so we took a photo.

Tonight we are the only boat in the marina and the Park Ranger has gone home so we have the island to ourselves. After another delicious boat dinner, we're listening to the Vikings on satellite radio and planning our next destinations. Life is good.