Vroooom! Daytona Beach

Before we got to the very modern Daytona Beach, we made a stop at St. Augustine, Florida.  It's the oldest, continually inhabited European settlement in the US and filled with old, Spanish architecture.

I have to admit though, I'm getting a little concerned about Jim's preoccupation with alternate forms of transportation.  What's wrong with the Chevy Chase Vacation Van????

This one is Cel's speed!

On to Daytona where we got a beachfront motel with views of the surf and a beach that stretches for miles.  We had never seen cars on the beach before, but the sand is so hard packed, that many drive to the beach, park and sun within a few feet!

We met up with Chris (a high school friend of Jim's) and his gracious, southern wife Leslie for a yummy dinner.

Later in the evening, we went for a beautiful midnight stroll on the beach under twinkling stars with the sound of waves crashing in.  Heaven!

Next morning, I'm sure you can guess that Jim was itching to get moving on that beach!  He had an early morning jog (which of course wasn't enough activity), and we both decided a bike ride on the beach was in order.  Why drive when you can bike??  We rode for an hour and a half and only stopped because it was check-out time. 

As you can see, we weren't the only ones with this idea...

It was a red flag day so the waves were really crashing in and we had to dodge water, but it was amazing!  We rode through stretches with only a few people, as well as the more commercial area with an amusement park, and ice cream trucks.  It somehow seemed a little incongruous to hear Christmas carols like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and O Come All Ye Faithful playing from the trucks!  

Next stop is across the state in Clearwater in time for Easter.  Happy Easter to everyone!   We have to admit we're missing family and friends this weekend, so send hugs to all.  xoxo