Tampa

We arrived at David Island YC on Saturday afternoon and once we had things squared away we pulled out the bikes and then went upstairs to the lounge for a late lunch. The club was full of kids for the annual party and we watched the fun.  We went for a short ride around the area just to get our land legs back.  On Sunday we rode to Mass at a treasure of an old church in downtown Tampa.  It was dedicated in 1860 and is one of the most magnificent works of art I've ever seen.  Granted, I've never been to Rome, but I have been around!  Some people might see only excessive architecture but I would argue that the Church provided much needed work for artisans and laborers alike.  If not for the "Palaces to God" built around the world, many families would not have been provided for or even starved.  Of course, it gave many talented artists meaningful work as well.  I think of these grand places as early public works projects.  The parishes didn't just dole out money, they provided work with dignity.
Besides church, we rode around and ate at a cafe recommended by one of the parishioners who was preparing to ship out the day after Christmas.  We rode around the downtown area and along the waterfront while we kept a wary eye on the approaching storm.  As it turns out, we had time to explore downtown, throw the discs and ride all over David Island before the light show came.  By the time it really hit hard we were all snug in cabin watching Dallas seal their playoff bid.  Great day all around!

The art work was so beautiful.  Before literacy was common, stained glass
windows were used to tell the most important stories from the Bible.  The details
of these windows was amazing.  You can only begin to imagine the work required.

The front facade was intricately carved and beautifully executed.

Those huge round windows were on three sides of the church.

The Tampa River has walkways and parks on both sides running through
the downtown area.  You can tell the city makes a real effort to keep the open
spaces nice.

Just some of the big buildings in downtown.  It was a bit intimidating riding our
bikes there.  I sure wouldn't want to do it on any day but Sunday.

This is a draw bridge looking back towards town.