Chicken or Smart, It Depends How You Look At It!

A cold front came with some brisk winds. You would think we would love the winds, which we do when moving, but not at night on anchor. So we made a decision to go into a marina in Daytona. One of the reasons we decided this is because of the circumstances of dockage at the marina, and second, because it was predicted to be in the mid forties at night. Heat would be nice! With the dockage situation, it is that we are planning on docking the boat at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart, FL for three weeks so that we can fly home for 10 days over Thanksgiving. It is cheaper to rent the slip for a month and Loggerhead has reciprocal dockage at other Loggerhead Marinas, one of which is in Daytona, the rest are south of Stuart. So we have a week of days we can use at other Loggerhead marinas, so why not use them when it is so windy and sooooooooo… cold?!!



Sailing in ICW



On the way to Daytona Beach the winds were 18-20knots.  We sailed in the ICW as you can see by the tilt of the boat with the winds abeam.  When we pulled into the marina the winds were still 18 knots. Speaking of knots, that was what my stomach was in, since we had to get into a slip with the winds blowing so strong. However, it was all for “naught” because Al did a perfect job. The cold front definitely came through as it went from the high seventies to the low sixties and finally to the forties for the night.

 

View of Daytona Beach from bridge that we biked.

We had never been to Daytona, so exploring was a must. Out came the folding bikes and our winter jackets. Since it was a Saturday, we biked to the Farmer’s Market on City Island to get some needed produce because there was no major supermarket close by. We were lucky to discover the Halifax Arts Festival going on with at least 120 or more stands of high quality goods, food and music, I enjoyed myself immensely looking at all the art and crafts while Al, who hates to shop, took the produce back to the boat. After lunch we then biked over the bridge to see the beach side of Daytona Beach. With it being so brisk, there certainly were not many people out and about. Al and I agreed we have never seen so many motorcycle shops and bars in one place as in Daytona Beach. I think I was glad there were not many people around! I cannot imagine what it is like here during “Bike Week.”



Halifax Arts Festival

                                                                                                  


Boardwalk at Daytona Beach



We had a great meal at the marina’s restaurant called “Caribbean Jack’s” It is a popular spot for locals with people sitting outside on the deck from lunch through late evening. I think we lucked out being closed up for

the cold so we did not have to hear the music all night long.

On Sunday I went to church. For those who are Catholics and travel, you cannot beat the website, www.masstimes.org. for finding a church in the city you are in. We visited the Arts Festival again and then accomplished various chores. We are getting ready to move on to Titusville area tomorrow since the temperature is suppose to start climbing and be near eighty by midweek  Hopefully I will be able to get rid of my fleece top and vest!