It's quite an annual rite -- the retrieval of the cross in the Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs where Epiphany Day was celebrated today around 12:30 PM. Thousands of people came to watch the action as 62 teen boys dove into the murky waters in a mad watery dash for the cross. The big Archbishop was in town to bless and the balmy temperatures of 79 degrees were welcomed by all.
I bicycled over to the event and was happy to see all the other bicyclists who used their two-wheelers to navigate the Spring Bayou park area a couple of blocks west of Alernate 19 in Tarpon Springs.
Tarpon Springs is famous for its Sponge Docks business district, where Greek food, sponge ships and souvenir shops are big tourist attractions.
Bicycles also doubled as perches.
Did I say people arrived by bicycle?
The teen boys prepared by readying themselves on boats.
Everyone, even the Coast Guard, got ready for the cross toss and retrieve.
The Greek orthodox priests offered prayers -- then tossed the cross into the bayou and the teen boys went nuts to find it.
People arrived by bicycles -- and I mean all types of bikes.
Crowds gathered by boat, too.
Tarpon Springs police also ride bikes.
Even dogs came for the watery action.
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