APRIL 18 - WED. & APRIL 19 - THURS., 2012

WED - Today we went to "our beach" at Daytona - Ormond Beach, this is our favorite beach, where you can drive right on the beach. It was a super windy day, hot but windy. The waves were fast & strong. This is the the first time the beach was so sparse, not a lot of people. The water was cold. But we enjoyed the day anyway. Richard did his detecting - 83 cents. I sat on the beach, reading and watching the waves. Afterward we went out for ice-cream. Richard ordered a banana split, it was the huge! It was the largest one we ever saw. He had to ask for a lid, because he couldn't finish the whole thing.

THURS. - Today we went to another beach in New Port Richey called Honeymoon Island, inside Honeymoon Island Park. It started to rain as we were driving there, which is about a 2 hr. drive. When we got there, we saw puddles in the parking lot & people were packing their cars and leaving. It was just sprinkling then and Richard said we should stay because he thought the sun would come out & be warm. Sure enough that is what happened. Soon the beach was filling up again. They had a sign posted to warn against "beach insects". I asked the park ranger what they were. She said they were "no-seeems" those micro-mini bugs. But she said there should not be a problem today because it was windy. There also was a sign to watch for rattlesnakes which live in the area! They also had a purple flag flying which means to watch for dangerous marine life (sting-rays) and what to do if you are stung by one. The ranger said these are common warnings for this area, & only warnings. It was a pretty beach and it turned out to be a beautiful day. A lot of people were going in the water, but we only walked into water ankle deep. We didn't want to take a chance & meet a sting-ray & spoil our vacation. Richard did his detecting - found 43 cents, a fish sinker, a hot wheel, & some junk. I again sat & people watched & the waves.They were setting up an arch for a wedding which is to be held there Fri. All of the beaches we have been to are very well maintained. Florida does keep it's beaches clean. Richard was tired when we got back & he is sleeping already. Since I don't know how to post pictures, he will post them tomorrow.