50 Is Happening Here

We decided to enjoy some of the warmer weather and hang out here in Daytona Beach for a couple of days. And it so happens that I turn 50 here. The idea for this family adventure started to bubble around more than a year and a half ago – before Shirley or I had learned anything about sailing. Turning 50 is somewhat significant in the grand scheme of life, if you are inclined to keep score at all, and this voyage was in part a way for us to celebrate this. And boy, is it working! As we walked along the beach today, amongst the cars driving along, Shirley and I were commenting on how good an idea this has been. Christopher seems to be thriving on many aspects of the trip and we are feeling very alive being kept on our toes everyday by the twists and turns that adventures are. So to celebrate we went out to the Aquarium Restaurant, which was right by the dock. Now the dock in itself has been its own adventure. And dinghy docks, by definition, are not supposed to be adventurous. We tie up to the ladder here and look way up to the dock, while the current is trying to push the dinghy underneath. Good thing we have had a ladder in the barn all these years for Christopher to practice. With ample spotting we make it to the top with our stuff and then it is a dash along the very skinny dock, somewhat like a gymnastic balance beam routine. Fortunately not 40 ft away is the on-deck bar! Complete with 2 for 1 happy hour underway. Which is what we did. The restaurant itself was fun being all decorated and lit up like an aquarium, even in the restrooms. After dinner some new friends we met, Larry and Karen, who live here in Daytona Beach treated us to further drinks on the deck. As usual, the people we meet along the way are a large part of the wonder of this journey. By the end of the day it is affirmed that turning 50 is good.