Daytona Here We Come (Day 049)

Daytona, FL MM 829.2
Distance Traveled: 38.7 Hours Underway: 6:15 Average Speed: 6.3

We're in a parade of six sailboats

Weather: Partly sunny, temp range mid 60s – low 80s; Wind out of the east @ 12 to 15 knots

Comment: Up anchor before the agreed time (0700 hours) because we planned a fuel stop at Palm Coast Marina. We took the crew of Tally Ho by surprise and as we motored by, we caught a glimpse of the captain in his night shirt! He began barking out orders and was soon underway with Canvasback Too.

One of a pair of Bald Eagles to circle the boat in Daytona

We completed our fuel stop and rejoined the group who had passed the marina only five minutes prior to our leaving the fuel dock. When we re-entered the waterway, we were in a group of six sailboats on our way to the L. B. Knox Bascule Bridge.

This was a good day on the water as we had the current and wind in our favor all day (well at least until we dropped the anchor at 1245 hours. At times, SUNSHINE was making 8.5 miles an hour with the jib unfurled and the motors humming nicely.

Charky the Magic Man shows Vanessa a few tricks

After setting the anchor and rafting Canvasback Too to SUNSHINE’s hip, we enjoyed a quick sandwich followed by a dinghy ride to town where we met the crew of Tally Ho for a walk to Old Daytona. We were surprised to see that almost one-half of the store fronts were closed and up for lease or sale. Apparently the “Old Daytona” idea, although very attractive, never took off. Also surprising is that we passed seven or eight motorcycle shops on our way to Old Daytona. They were all open. We can only assume that bikes are still selling!

Charky's Card

Before returning to our vessels, we enjoyed a few libations at Caribbean Jack’s where we were entertained by an octogenarian gentleman who performed magic tricks. He was most entertaining and even had Vanessa blushing at his “under the blanket with George Clooney” trick.

Arial view of our anchorage in Daytona

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