Daytona Shores, FL – Heading south along secondary roads lined in neon and pastel this morning, the calendar page seemed mired in 1957.We were greeted by faded cupcake-coloured buildings draped in etchings of dolphins, flamingos and palm trees. Vintage drive-in, Dairy Queen and Krispy Kreme signs sparked like rainbow bug zappers. Most could afford to buy a vowel.
It was such a time warp, you almost expected an old convertible Chevy to roar up with leather jacket-clad youth sitting atop the back seat, hair slicked back with Brylcreem. The car did eventually round the corner, cautiously climbing the curb – but driven by a man with hair as white as a starched business shirt.
In New Smyrna Beach, a diner sign proclaimed, “Let’s bring back the good ol’ days,” but at first blush, it seemed nothing had changed in the area for more than forty years. The economy has suffered a tremendous blow – an amazing number of decrepit gas stations, seaside motels and even churches sat for sale, crying for new owners. What is the price of salvation? (On average, a couple million, it seems.)
Given the area's history as a notorious Bible belt, perhaps some things have indeed changed.
Vitals:
- Time: 12 hours
- Distance: 311.9 kms
- Weather: Sunny and warm
- States: Florida
- Wildlife: Alligators, countless shorebirds, including hornbills
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