While our outing did not go as planned today, my friend Amber and I made the most of the lovely weather. Since the hurricanes blew through a couple months ago we’ve both been busy working and restoring our lives. There hasn’t been a lot of time for fun, so wandering around downtown St Pete this afternoon was a pleasant reprieve.

Our walk was really quite beneficial – not only was the fresh air and exercise good for us but Amber purchased a gift at the Pier market, I found a drill bit, and we stumbled across a fun little oddity.

In the grass along the waterfront, across from Al Lang Stadium, a small, unassuming slab of granite caught my eye. Of course, I had to veer off the sidewalk to check it out. It sported a bronze plaque touting the launch of the Titanic on October 29, 1976.

Amber and I were intrigued. We knew that it couldn’t actually be related to the infamous ship so a quick Google search ensued. Thanks to the Tampa Bay Times for providing some background:

“The men named on the plaque resurrected an old wooden Chris Craft and, taking into consideration its potential, named it the Titanic. On launch day the crew – complete with captain’s hats and deck chairs – hired an orchestra to play Nearer My God To Thee at the moment of launching. Then they joined their guests for a champagne luncheon.”

Little is known about the fate of this second Titanic, nor does anyone seem to know who placed this monument to absurdity. As for me, I’m glad this bit of whimsy exists in St. Pete, it’s a good reminder to not take life so seriously.

“A grateful St. Petersburg commemorates the site of the launching of the Titanic Oct. 29, 1976, and salutes these gallant, farsighted, unselfish citizens: Capt. Gary Froid, Capt. Joseph Lettellier, Capt. Raleigh Greene, Capt. William Mills, Capt. David Knowlton, Capt. William Mills Jr. and Capt. John B. Lake.”