NEW SMYRNA, FL TO PALM COAST, FL

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Day 233
Miles Traveled: 43
Total Miles Traveled: 2964


  Our departure this morning was delayed by a little over one hour due to fog.  Fortunately, we didn't have as far to go today, so, that delay didn't cause us to alter our final destination. 

Fog delay at New Smyrna Beach, FL

  Shortly after departure we came upon the George E. Musson (Coronado Beach) bridge.  This bridge is 24 feet high, so some boats require it to be opened in order to pass underneath.  As we approached the bridge appeared to be opening, or was it closing.  No, wait, it was stuck and not moving.  Cars were backed up and trying to turn around.  Fortunately, "Seahorse" is not more than 24 feet high, so we were able to pass on through.  

George E. Musson (Coronado Beach) bridge stuck partially open

  We traveled on several waterways comprising the ICW today.  After leaving New Smyrna Beach we continued on the Indian River until the Ponce De Leon Cut.  This cut connects the Indian River with the Halifax River.  We passed by Daytona Beach Florida with its four bridges.  We then entered Halifax Creek which connects to Smith Creek which connects with Fox Cut.  Fox Cut connects the Halifax River with the Matanzas River (which we did not get into today).  Whew!  It was hard to keep track of all the names.  The river section was wider and when we entered the creeks and Fox Cut the waterway narrowed and along the banks were many homes with boat docks. 

Daytona Beach, FL

Fox Cut

  Adding to "You Never Know What You Will See on the River".  We noticed this interesting boat docked at a private residence.

interesting boat on Halifax River

  We also observed a large number of jellyfish when traveling Fox Cut.  We noticed one at the marina at New Smyrna Beach, but in Fox Cut they were many.  After an internet search, it appears they are Cannonball Jellyfish.  Considered a delicacy in Japan (Not sure we would want to eat one), their sting is mild and are considered harmless.

Cannonball Jellyfish

  Palm Coast Marina was our final destination this day.  We arrived in time to take the short 10 minute walk to European Village.  European Village has shops and restaurants on ground level and condos/apartments on the other five floors.  The developer must have been trying to put a piece of Europe in Florida.  The buildings are built around a courtyard and have European flavor architecture. 

One side of European Village at Palm Coast, FL

"Seahorse" docked at Palm Coast Marina