Fri - 13 Feb/15

Another sunny; but cool day.

Mid-afternoon we decided to get out into the sunshine. It was really cold with the wind; however, even with the top off the Del Sol the sunshine made it warm inside the car. Even the birds were out enjoying the sunshine.

Today was a "Nostalgia Trip". We headed to the east coast to see the Atlantic Ocean.

Specifically we went to Ormond Beach where Charlotte's Mom and Aunt spent many winters at the Bent Palm Club. We visited many times with the kids during March Break with a side trip to "Mickey".

The units have been well maintained although the most of the beautiful "Bent Palms" that once surrounded the pool overlooking the beach in the center of the "U" shaped complex are now gone. The palms rose up several feet then "bent" back down to the ground in a graceful arch before bending again to rise high into the sky.

The unit we shared was perfectly situated on the ground floor in the center section overlooking the pool, beach and ocean. Parking was right in front of the main door. Like "Rain on the Roof", the sound of the waves often lulled us to sleep. The smell of the warm, salty sea air was so refreshing.

The sand today no longer is marked, like Daytona Beach, with tire tracks, just the ripples and wave marks. We used to enter onto Ormond Beach at the last (Northern most) Daytona Beach Entrance where SR-40 and US-A1A meet. Years ago they banned left turns onto Ormond Beach. Since then it is vehicle free with access by many public walkways off A1A.

After our trip now "memory lane" we backtracked on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. We made a left turn immediately after crossing the Drawbridge over the St. John River to arrive at the Blackwater Inn for supper. During the week, except for Monday when it is closed, the Inn opens only for supper. On the weekend it opens for lunch and supper. Williams Landing, for more casual dining (Bar Food) is on the top floor. The Inn is on the ground (water?) floor. (grin). The casual window seating along with the panoramic view of the river was most relaxing.

We ordered the "Petite" versions of the main course entrees. Good thing - we couldn't finish everything. No room left for dessert either. The menu is varied with an emphasis on seafood (what else, when the venue is on a river). Charlotte really enjoyed her Tilapia which was cooked to perfection. Ditto for my sirloin (medium rare). I really enjoyed the baked potato (hard to goof that) as it came with plenty of real butter at room temperature. (I just hate frozen butter patties!). The salad bar was also excellent.

It was less than a half hour back to the park. We arrived just in time for (what else) Jeopardy. Now we must prepare again for an almost freezing night. The extra woolen blankets work just fine.