Eventually I realized that the cars weren’t just driving up and road and revving their engines, they were leaving, the cars and coffee event was over. But the water taxi was due to arrive in a half hour or so, and I figured that a round trip on the river might be a fun thing to do before I headed home. You can ride for the day, and get off and on all you’d like, which I’ll have to do another time so that I can explore the stops along the river. I had to google most of this information because I have realized that I know next to nothing about Tampa. But I know more now than I did before I rode the river.
This is the Howard W. Blake high school and it sits right across the river from the Armature Works where I first boarded the water taxi. What a location. This high school has a strong academic program with an emphasis on the arts.On a photo walk a couple of years ago a ‘beer can building’ was pointed out to me. I think this is it!Henry B. Plant built this fabulous building as The Tampa Bay Hotel in the 1880s. It had 511 rooms, and all were electrified by by Thomas Edison himself. It was to be a palace to go with his railroad empire, but the Great Depression eventually led to the property being sold to the city of Tampa, and a rent of $1/year is still being paid today. At least I think that’s what the taxi operator said.The American Victory Ship and Museum is one of only 4 WWII ships still in operation. During the war it supplied troops and supplies wherever they were needed by all branches of the service. The guide said that this port usually looks like an airport terminal with cruise ships lined up at the docks here.The time to see the Jose Gasparilla is at night with the sails unfurled. If you want ride the water taxi to all of it’s stops you must change boats here.This sculpture is called The Form of Wander, and is supposed to represent trees overhead.T’cars and coffee’ ampa hosts rowing teams from universities in color climates, and they are encouraged to add their artwork here along the river, in honor if their schools
The clouds seemed to be on the verge of breaking up, or so I told myself as I rode the taxi. But it was still a pretty day to be out on the water.
Living on the Nature Coast of Florida provides constant photo ops, and I need an outlet to share what I see. And sometimes what I think...
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2 thoughts on “Riding the water taxi…”
Definitely a lot to see from the river taxi! You are very good at finding these little gems to explore!
A Snowbird's Life Through the Lens 
Definitely a lot to see from the river taxi! You are very good at finding these little gems to explore!
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Should have done this long ago.
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