chapter 308

Daytona Dreamin

3/13/2013

contrasts on the coastline

Got the invitation from old college buddy (we both stood up at each others weddings), so spent a week below Daytona right on New Smyrna Beach. That is the real story of friendship but hard to capture in an glitzy photo. Who invites outsiders on family vacations? I don't. The sun bathing human was at the bottom of our stairway to this beach. This shot looks north in the morning along the beach 7 miles up toward Minorca Beach and the Ponce Inlet Jetty. Quiet peaceful beach without stress or annoyances. Mucho barefoot walking the beach or with sneaks. The beautifully balanced profile of the Brown Pelicans all in line, triangle, or V formation cruise north or south over this barrier island all day. Their protective formations so much like the bomber runs of WW2. Their flight is so effortless irrespective of the on-shore ocean breeze barely flickering a feather as they glide. The military could certainly learn something from these guys. Probably a secret drone in the works already. Caught this Peli looking for fish at the Jetty. Upon close-up I noticed he was wearing the the brown 43H band (trackdown pending Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Miami rehab center). The species was quite threatened a few years back had it not been for the conservation efforts of various groups.

Bike week was happening with half a million riders all trying to be the same. Well, I try my best to be just like I am. But everybody wants you to be just like them. I don't want to say it's an old crowd down there but at least one bunch of cycle jockeys thought that WE were spring breakers. Too loud and trashy for my tastes but rather more enjoyed the mobs of Black Noddy Terns maybe 10-20 in a group sitting quietly politely patiently on the beach efficiently facing the wind. Their little black hats making them appear properly dressed and dignified awaiting the moment when they all somehow decide it's time to go on a fishing run.

Some of the revelry makers apparently like to cool down with a cold public shower at the aptly named Dirty Harrys. I only include this for historical accuracy because I know some doubt the authenticity of my journeys. I much preferred the beauty of the Snowy Egret here. Only a medium sized wading beach bird but beautifully balanced in any of it's multitude of poses. Compact and oval as it efficiently copes facing the wind. Sinuous and S shaped when walking on it's thin stilted legs cutting thru waves with little resistance. Long and lean as it stretches it's neck high to better peer down through the water for fish food. Delicate clean white wispy feathers fashionably wisping in the breeze.

James Audobon also thought these birds were spectacular. In fact, these Egrets were so loved by 2 women in Boston, that they started a movement to save these birds from slaughter which led to the demise of the plumage fashion industry, the founding of the Audobon Society, and the creation of the protectionist 1918 Migratory Bird Act.

Airboat ride at Loughman Lake (part of St Johns watershed) down at Mims was memorable. John's brother and wives joined. Should be on everyones bucket list for at least one time. Tried to mentally count maybe 50 gators, but seemed like hundreds in hindsight. Best part was the hundreds of White Pelicans, storks, etc in their natural environment. The pink Roseate Spoonbills were awesome but ride too raucous to get decent picture. Worst part was Capt Carl gunning full speed right at them so as to scare them into flight. I guess they think this "gives the tourists a thrill"? Don't want to use the term redneck but he had an awful deep tan from the shirt on up. He was-a gonna go hontin fer hogs later if them rat snakes didn't git him.

Kayak rented for only an hour on the St John River by Blue Springs State Park. Apprehensive about getting upended by the Manatees and crocks, ingesting the toxic algae or bit by water moccasin, but was a small risk. Was all I could do to slow down my impatient buddy long enough to get at least one shot of the stunning Sandhill Crane in a little lagoon. Some think all the shore birds are all just like the ones you see at a New Jersey garbage dump. I see things differently. Don't you have to stop and smell the roses? Then Tom shouted, "watch out for the Manatee" as the behemoth lumbered just a foot underneath our helpless tandem sit on top kayak. The clear hot spring run that the Manatees prefer was closed to kayaking at that moment but would be a real worthwhile trip when open. Although I tend to look for classic beauty, these Sea Cows do have their own appeal. 

Was exciting to walk down the Jetty. First, to make it down and back without breaking a leg amongst the jagged and slippery huge rip rap rocks. Second, to feel the exhilaration of the strong wind and surf breaking throwing salt water completely drenching the fisherman on the point. Third, to be at one with the birds: you and they were in the same boat. Struggling to hang on to the limited space fighting the wind and both seeking fish for food. They were within arms reach as it was a matter of survival.

Surfing good down by the Jetty but again, you gotta share the space with the Black Skimmer birds. All were riding the wind, with red noses and taking a gulp of water now and then.

Florida is for the birds, for sure. Californian professor Ron comes to feed gulls. Snowbirds like John comes for 2 months of reading and sipping refreshments at the heated poolside aside the well baked 6 month Vermonter guy. In contrast the family of 10 sandpiper Petrels are in constant motion skittering to and fro with the surf searching for microscopic food in the sea water. Their cute little fat bodies contrast with their skinny little legs that are going a mile a minute to avoid a dunking and meet their caloric intake for each day, every day. You can catch them in quiet family time in the early morning, awaking from their sleep on one leg with head tucked under wing.

Used my backup camera here due to the adverse sand and salt environmental conditions. It still allowed me greater vision and perspective than the eyeball. I suppose the only danger is a risk of embellishment. Everybody thinks I'm cuckoo, probably so but that's what I do. A good time had by all, as they say.

For Further Reading

New Smyrna Beach

Blue Springs St Park

St. Johns River recreation guide

http://www.birds-of-north-america.net/seabirds.html

Spanish moss southern live oak

http://web.fscj.edu/David.Byres/mutualism.html

Black legged kittiwake http://www.birds-of-north-america.net/kittiwakes.html

Black skimmer http://www.birds-of-north-america.net/black-skimmer.html

Storm petrels http://www.birds-of-north-america.net/storm-petrels.html

Ponce de Leon may have landed at Ponce inlet seeking fountain of youth

surfer killed in Bali 2002 terror attack

Seminoles bought Hard Rock Cafe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole 

Black vulture http://www.wildflorida.com/wildlife/birds/Black_Vulture.php