Packy Malley's Wedding DJsA belated greetings from the shark bite capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach Florida. Located just south of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast, my son and I had a great week of R&R. I would've been blogging while there but the condo's wi-fi was out and I was without internet for a week! Now that's a real vacation.
We headed out on Sunday flying first class both ways to Orlando airport. It was Jack's second flight and first time up front. It was only my second time rubbing elbows with the elite. If you've never experienced it, well, words don't do it justice. Suffice to say there's better food served with real china, glassware and silverware, warm towels, free drinks, a drink offer before take off, and very attentive service. Have I mentioned how much I love Continental Airlines.
We arrive at Orlando airport on schedule and are shuttled to my favorite car rental agency, Enterprise. I'd reserved a simple compact car but was offered an upgrade to a Cadillac DTS that had been sitting idle for awhile. Another 10 bucks a day and we were riding in fine style to the shore. Here's a shot of it on the beach in Daytona. In case you weren't aware you can drive on the beach there for a small charge.
My son asked why we were getting such good deals. I told him it's because I was dressed in sport coat, tie and slacks. I'm from the old school where you used to dress up while flying, like going to church. Nowadays hardly anyone does so and thus you stand out as someone important amidst the slovenly dressed.
We arrived at our beachfront condo around 7pm. A co-worker of mine was the one who suggested I go to New Smyrna, as he and his family have been going there for 17 years. It's not as well known, meaning less crowded and is a getaway spot for many Floridians.
The condo unit is owned by a friend of his who gave us a great deal on it since it was going unoccupied that week. We were not expecting the close proximity to the beach and were in awe of our good fortune.
Here's a photo of the complex from the beach. Ours was on the right side, second floor, closest to the beach. That's Jack playing in the sand.
Here's a few more condo shots. Breakfast on the balcony.
Relaxing poolside.
Chillin' in the shade on the balcony after a swim.
Most of our time was spent either at the pool or boogie boarding. I am in need of a boogie boarding fix every year and this sure satisfied me. Here's Jack in action.
As it's prone to do in Florida during the summer, the afternoon thunderstorms would roll in. This would give us a chance to cruise down to Flagler St., the heart of New Smyrna Beach and about 2 miles north of us. There's some great shopping from art galleries to unique gift shops to surf shops. There's also some great well worn bars and restaurants as well.
Here's Jack at the much photographed Flagler Ave. sign.
Being an early riser I was fortunate to catch some spectacular sunrises. Sometimes while just lying in my bed and looking out the window at the ocean, or in the case taking a sunrise stroll along the beach.
I never did mention as to why New Smyrna Beach is known as the shark bite capital of the world. This year alone 15 people have been bitten. Most of them occur north of Flagler at the inlet where the intercoastal waterway empties into the Atlantic. This is where much of the surfing is done and also where sharks come to feed.
The bites mainly come from baby sharks who can't tell the difference between fish and a human. Though there have been some more serious bites inflicted by adult bull nose or nurse sharks. Fortunately Jack and I saw none. It was in my mind most of the time while boogie boarding but I didn't venture in much past my waist.
Here's a photo taken a couple months ago that's been seen world wide. It's a remarkable shot taken by a surfer/photographer in New Smyrna. He was just snapping away at some friends who were surfing and caught this adult shark leaping out of the water right behind them.
So, my son Jack and I, bid you adieu from the sunny shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
