May 16-17,2016 Harbortown Marina - New Smyrna Beach- Marineland, Fl.

Sunday May15 and Monday May 16 – Harbortown, Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach

After spending a wonderful week in Canaveral, it was time to move on.  We left the eclectic group on E dock and departed at 0755.  The engine checks showed the port alternator pulley was working and the temperature was good and the belts were staying intact.  There was great joy in Katarasville.  At 1100 we entered the Haulover Canal and once again saw a number on manatees.  Traffic was light during the many miles of manatee zones so we just keep moving.  We arrived at New Smyrna at 1442.  We won dockage in this marina at the MTOA Rendezvous and took advantage of the opportunity.  We explored both sides of the ICW –beach side and old town side – with our bikes:  riding on the sand beach, walking thru town shopping, lunch at the Flagers Tavern, and milkshakes at the Little Drug Co (an old fashion drugstore and fountain).   At the marina, off the stern of the boat was a small mangrove island.  For some reason this island attracted every bird in the state of Florida – all kinds – pelicans, Ibis, roseate spoonbills, egrets, and unicorns (not really, just keeping you on your toes).  They were noisy and active until dusk, and then they calmed down for the evening.  At dawn, they slowly departed only to return the next evening.  Pam the dockmaster and Rick the other dockmaster were helpful and pleasant.  It was a nice stay.

Sunrise in New Smyrna

Peddling along the beach

A long way to peddle. We rode 2.25 miles.

The New Smyrna Municipal Marina

Another view from our boat

The bird island behind our boat

 

 

Tuesday May 17, New Smyrna Beach to Marineland

Departed at 0801, engines checks were favorable.  We took the alternative fork on the ICW to pass by the Ponce de Leon Inlet and Lighthouse.  This lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest in the nation.  We then proceeded north past Dayton Beach.  At 1007, we pasted Halifax marina which was the farthest north, so far, by boast.  From now on we are in new, uncharted waters.  The weather was threatening all day with thunderstorms and rain.  We arrived at Marineland marina at 1460 and our luck ran out.  The boat was secured and then we experienced thunder, lightning, rain and high winds.  Glad we arrived when we did.   Between the raindrops we took a short walk to the dolphin center and the ocean beach only to head back to the boat in light sprinkles.   The rest of the evening was low key with a nice dinner and relaxing reading.

Crabbing is tough enough when your trap is in the water. This guy is a real optimist to hope that the crabs will
come on shore and crawl into his trap. Just a we enter Daytona Beach

What a retired tug boat captain has in his back yard.

The marina at Marineland, Fl.