Captain's Choice blog: Daytona Beach

Between bike week, St. Patrick's Day and spring break Daytona Beach was a hopping place! When we checked in on Thursday at Halifax Harbor Marina we were informed it was going to be one busy place and they weren't kidding.
Friday being St. Patrick's day we ventured over to McK's Bar and Grill for corned beef and cabbage. They had a block party with a section of the street closest to their establishment blocked off and I think everyone had the same thought "nothing like an Irish bar to celebrate St. Paddy's Day".

Saturday we made our way over to a giant swap meet for the bikers so we could check out the bikes. It was reported that over 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts were in attendance during the week. What fun we had both days people watching...due to the cooler temps we saw people in all stages of dress...from winter coats to body paint...it was definitely an experience.
Just shortly before Kathy and Maureen arrived Saturday night we were able to watch the Delta IV rocket lift off. The view was not as good as when we were in Cocoa, but still exciting to watch.
Once the girls got settled we decided the beach would be the destination Sunday. They had a rental car so we were able to provision first, then drove over and on the beach. It's fun being able to drive your car right along the waters edge, especially in a windstorm. Also there is no need to exfoliate the skin as we parked and walked in the water to a beach side restaurant for lunch. Once again we saw all forms of dress as the spring breakers were there and they didn't care what the temperatures were, they were going to be in their beachwear.

Spring has sprung! Monday morning was beautiful with calm winds, which was great for our 23 mile ride to our anchorage at Cement Plant in Matanzas River. This is a canal right alongside the Palm Coast Sea Ray factory at Flagler Beach and is the location where our Sea Ray was built. It was a very relaxing afternoon as we watched a manatee and heron close by. We also had a lot of fun listening to Kathy belt out songs that corresponded to the subjects we were talking about...pretty soon we were all in on the action.

The Sea Ray employees are busy working on the new vessels that are in the water as we patiently wait for the tide to rise before venturing to St. Augustine's on Tuesday morning.