Best laid plans! We had planned to leave early today for Daytona Beach; however, St. Augustine was thick with fog. So much so that we could not even see the Bridge of Lions we had posted yesterday. We decided to spend the day sightseeing and exploring St. Augustine. The marina launch came at 10 and took us ashore for the day. We bought tickets for the Red Train tour then went to brunch at Bistro de Leon on the Cathedral Place, right down the street from the oldest Catholic Church in the US. Jeff had amazing Eggs Benedict with just the right amount of lemon in his Hollendaise, and Neala had a Salmon & Goat Cheese Omelet. After taking a walk, we boarded the tour train and were introduced to the major sights of the city. After the tour we wandered through several shops and art galleries. We had fun tasting balsamic vinegars and olive oils in a little shop called Ancient Olive on King Street. After several tastings, we decided on the Blackberry Ginger balsamic and purchased a bottle. Later, we wandered down Aviles Street, reputed to be the oldest street in the US, finally finding a table at Cafe Sol, a Brazilian restaurant. They had a trio singing and playing Latin music in front and we enjoyed a glass of wine with appetizers. Being a Saturday, there were lots of people strolling the street and stopping to hear the music. Lots of energy on that little, brick road!
Earlier that day, we learned that the annual Holiday Boat Parade was at 6:00 that night. The marina shuttle only runs until 5:30, so we went back to the boat to launch the dinghy. This required that we finally take the time to put the PA numbers on it. After completing that task, we realized that the fog had started to increase and we couldn't see shore or the bridge anymore. Not wanting to miss the boat parade, we decided to chance it and go ashore anyway, noting numbers on the various mooring balls along the way, so we could find our way back (kinda like Hansel and Gretel with the breadcrumbs!).
The town was really hopping. The lights in the square were lit as were all of the trees and buildings along the waterfront boulevard. People were everywhere converging on the waterfront and filling up the bars and restaurants. We were lucky to get a seat at a waterfront bar for a quick drink before heading out to see the parade. The fog had lifted and we could see stars! We lined up with the rest of the crowd and applauded our favorite boats. The parade was magical and was Neala's first holiday boat parade - they don't do that on the ice in Erie, PA!
We stopped to get something to eat (more good music) and then headed out to the boat. What a great day! We were so glad the weather had "encouraged" us to stay to enjoy the sites. Not only did we learn about the oldest city in America, we had great food, saw an enchanting boat parade, and heard some great music as well.
Pea Soup Morning
Snowy egret along the shoreline
Flat Stanley came ashore with us and loved St. Augustine. It was his first boat parade, too!
Neala and Art. Duh!
Snugglin' on Aviles Street
Neala and her new buddy
Cafe del Sol
The Latin Band Boyz Playin'
Neala's artistic wall photo
Interesting doorway off Aviles Street
One of our favorite lighted boats
Another favorite
Neala's favorite, that hippie girl!
Casablanca Inn in full holiday lights
Us at the Casablanca Inn
Downtown St. Augustine
Sunday, December 9 - It's Actually Warm in Daytona!Actually, it was pretty warm when we left St. Augustine. Jeff wore shorts and a tee under his life jacket and the weather continued to improve as we headed south. Unlike South Carolina and Georgia, the ICW from here south is mostly straight. We spent a lot of time on autopilot and by the time we got to Daytona Beach the thermometer was reading in the high 70s. We passed through the city for ten more miles and took an anchorage with three other yachts for the night.
Troy! Is this you?
Daytona Beach International Speedway Boulevard bridge mosaics. The most artful bridge on the ICW!
Our anchorage tonight on Rockhouse Creek, 10 miles south of Daytona Beach
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