Day XI
27 June 2011 | Jacksonville to Daytona Beach
Don
The day started out under overcast skies but by late morning we were back in the bright Florida sunshine. The best thing about being in a boat is the natural "air conditioning" as you cruise down the river. The first part of this leg took us through a 10-mile serpentine channel that is lined with small houses and campsites. Although we were not in a No Wake zone we would routinely reduce power to respect kayakers and fishermen. A quick refueling stop at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina found a crew working on a replica pirate vessel. The ship's store had the usual marina supplies plus a plethora of pirate gear. A family putted their way through the miniature golf course and we were able to see two openings of the Bridge of Lions. Soon after departing the bustling St. Augustine harbor we were in a maze of sand banks in the Matanzas River where the remains of the nearly 500 year-old Fort Matanzas can be seen from the water. Reports of severe shoaling in the Matanzas and the "land cuts" that followed forced us to run at No Wake speed for more than ten miles. The coastal communities of Flagler Beach and Ormond Beach revealed stunning architecture and gave us an opportunity to push AHOD to cruising speed. We soon reached the northern boundary of Daytona Beach and experienced deja vu when coming upon Caribbean Jack's restaurant and the adjacent Loggerhead Marina. It was at Loggerhead where we were introduced to World Headquarters - now All Hanz On Deck - a little more than four years ago. With storm clouds ahead we decided to pull into Caribbean Jack's for a late lunch of Gator Bites and Peel 'n Eat Shrimp along with the requisite Adult Beverage. Upon seeing the sunshine we returned to the boat thinking we would be pushing on for another hour or so to New Smyrna Beach, but threatening skies on the horizon made us rethink the plan and we pulled into Halifax Harbor Marina - WOW - nearly 600 slips within two basins. Large enough to have three bathhouses and laundry rooms, RV and trailer storage, boat ramp, a West Marine and a Fire Department on site. But we are looking forward to the walk to the nearby 7-11 for an opportunity to replenish our dwindling provisions. However that will have to wait until the storm clouds pass. Tomorrow, we should pass through Cocoa (perhaps we'll run into Major Anthony Nelson and Jeannie) and Melbourne. It's only an 88 mile run, but the Manatee and Bridge No Wake zones are plentiful here, with a maximum speed of 25 mph. And we have yet to see a Manatee.