November 14. The Bridge of Lions doesn’t open at 0800 so we had to make the 0730 opening so we could head south.

The morning walk with the dogs went exceptionally well so we were ready early and were able to just make it through the 0700 opening. As soon as we were through the bridge we had to stop at the fuel dock at the Municipal Marina. The fuel stop was optional for us, but the big allure with stopping was that when you bought fuel you got the opportunity to top off the water tank. The Freedom’s came through the 0730 opening and took their turn at the fuel dock as soon as we were done. After that, it was southward ho……

The trip south was an uneventful motor sail. There are 2 anchorages in Daytona. The western one has a dogleg turn from the ICW and is 8 to 11 feet deep pretty much all the way, so of course that one was packed with transient boats. The eastern one is also deep but you have to cross a sandbar with uncharted depths on the way in. Not many people seem to want to chance the entry into this practically unoccupied anchorage so it’s the natural choice for us. But we have an advantage, a secret weapon of sorts…….

At times like this, Depth Boat 1 is the official designation for Jim and Debs Gemini 105. The Gemini 105 is a 34 foot catamaran with a surprising amount of living space, but the real advantage to this vessel is that she only draws about 2 feet. So whenever the depths are sketchy the Freedoms take the lead and we follow along in the relative safety of their wake. Depth Boat 1 has taken the stress out of a few skinny water spots for us and our decision to cross the sandbar was largely based on the fact that we had “eyes” to follow.

Right where you land the dinghy to go ashore is a West Marine, but this one is one of the best WM’s yet, as there is pub attached to it. Not that it’s that important but it was nice, oh yeah and happy hour was 2 for 1 drinks with free food, so a bargain as well!