New Smyrna Beach City Marina, FL to Marineland Marina in Marineland, FL
THE FIRST COAST
Day #287: Mike and I were up at 6:00 A.M. for coffee, blueberry mini muffins and cookies to watch the local weather. Engines were started at 7:30 A.M. the group of five boats were ready for departure at 8:00 A.M. At 8:00 A.M. "Dash Away", "Cha Cha", "First Forty", "Chrysalis" and "Parrot Bay" were underway. The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse was in view as the group started our journey. Mike offered that if one of the other boats in the group wanted to take the lead that "Parrot Bay" would be fine with that so at 8:30 "Cha Cha" took the lead. At 10:15 A.M. the group passed Daytona Beach. At 12:15 P.M. the group passed Flagler Beach. The group asked for the LB Knox Drawbridge to raise at 12:00 P.M. At 1:45 P.M. "Cha Cha", "First Forty" and "Dash Away" stopped at Hammock Marina near Palm Coast Marina with "Parrot Bay" and "Chrysalis" continuing on to Marineland Marina. at 2:45 P.M. "Parrot Bay" was secured at Marineland Marina with the help of Eric the harbormaster after stirring up lots of mud getting into the slip. Unfortunately we arrived at low tide. Mike and I traveled 50.7 miles today (2,899 miles total for the trip). After we checked into the marina they walked across the road to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure to double check hours for Wednesday as the two are going to visit. The two of us then walked to the beach which is just down from the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. It was just beautiful. Mike said that it isn't the Gulf of Mexico but the Atlantic wasn't to bad. The two headed back to the boat for happy hour on the flying bridge which again was awesome as it was shady and a great breeze. Mike and I talked to Debra and Gil from "Chrysalis" as they are leaving Marineland on Thursday and heading for St. Augustine the same as we are planning. Mike said that he was going to call St. Augustine Municipal Marina to confirm our reservation and check with the marina coordinating the tide/current situation. People have told Mike and I that the current can be very strong in the marina leading to loss of control of the boats and causing damage. Timing entry with slack tide is the best way to avoid issues. Mike and I had dinner onboard. It was then time for navigation planning on blogging.
