ICW, Florida Day 3 - Mantanzas Inlet to New Smyrna Beach

We left as the sun came up and thankfully the wind had abated.  Kenlanu with her shallower keel lead the way and kept us informed on depths.  Looking back on the anchorage a daybreak it looked like a different place from when we had arrived the previous afternoon!

Sunrise as we leave Mantanzas Inlet

The wildlife in such a remote area at this time in the morning was amazing, there were birds everywhere.  Pelicans came in from every direction, some skimming the water but others in larger groups heading south.  We also had huge volumes of what looked like some type of gull, they were also following the ICW south.

Pelicans in the distance

More Pelicans

As the wind started to build from the north we were able to actually get the sail out but only enough to motor sail, with Kenlanu pulling away in the distance.

Soon the pretty marshland started to peter out and first there were a few houses, then some not so pretty apartment block and then we reached Daytona, there were lots of higher rise hotels in the distance and many bridges to contend with.

Here we waved goodbye to Jay and continued our trip onto New Smyrna Beach, we had called the previous day to book a berth as we knew we needed to get a shore for shopping and washing! Lucky we called in as this time of year is busy and they had people waiting for any empty berth.  We had a fantastic welcome at the marina, Dolphins in the entrance, they are always a slight concern in the river as they seem to move much slower than at sea but they still seem to keep clear of the boat.