I love these guys. Sort of mini pterodactyls. They fly in and land on the piers and posts and give you the stink eye looking for handouts. They’re rough and battle-worn soldiers of the sea. You can sit on the beach and see big splashes far from shore where they dive down, down, down…tucking their wings in tight, stretching their beak and neck straight out and cut right into the water. They come up with their catch and swiggle and wiggle their heads around till they swallow their prey. It’s awesome to watch.

Yesterday was day two on this segment of The Grand Adventure. I had a big breakfast and headed out to the beach. There seems to be a constant breeze coming in off the ocean which makes the 86° and 100% humidity bearable. I did not know you can drive on Daytona Beach. The beach here is very wide at low tide and it is smooth and hard. It costs $10 a day to drive your car out but then you have all your stuff handy and it’s a quick and easy set up and break down. The sand is tan, soft and fine between your fingers and has gold glittery bits that shine in the sun. It’s a very clean beach, very few shells, and no trash. I am quite impressed. I walked at least two miles on the beach. I came back and soaked in the jacuzzi tub (because they have one) and took a nap (because I could!).

I can sit on the front patio of this condo and see the Halifax River across the road and from the side patio I see the ocean. This is a long, skinny island much like the barrier island of the Outer Banks. The water is a bluish-grey and is very clean. I am further down than the typical touristy areas so it’s pretty quiet.

I wandered around a bit yesterday afternoon and walked through New Smyrna Beach. I stopped for an excellent meal at Blackbeard’s Inn. OMGosh! They bring a bucket of hot rolls and fresh cinnamon buns to the table first. Fresh, HOT cinnamon buns that are to die for and totally NOT gluten free! Swoon. I had salad bar (I could have made a meal of the pickled beets!), a generous serving of coconut shrimp, baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Oh, just roll me home! The server asked if I saved room for dessert, and while that homemade key lime pie sounded divine, I demurred. I’ll have to walk a lot more than two miles today to make up for last night’s meal!!!

I’m looking forward to the coming days when the rains are gone and I can lay out on the beach at night and count the stars. I know it’s only been two days but I’m already a relaxed noodle. Thank you God for your gift of the sea! ❤️

“He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬