The weather wasn't getting any better in Daytona --- windy/chilly/rainy. Beach walks were deserted except for herons and bored lifeguards. Some indoor interest with a state championship in girls' volleyball. On the side streets something cheery is a yellow T-Bird. But beside it is a new brand to me --- a Japanese Mitsuoka looking like a Bentley til you notice the right-hand drive and licence. And then even cheerier --- the first robins of spring (they should arrive in Ontario in 2 months or so?!?!).
On the main shore road, two hotels bracket the old Daytona and the new. The restored Streamline Hotel is an art-deco beauty where a bunch of guys got together in 1948 to move racing off the beach and created NASCAR. Lots of memorabilia, rooftop vista, and real feel.
A quarter-mile drag away is the sparkling new Hard Rock hotel. Instead of car race decor, it's full of --- (duh) hard rock. Jimi and Janice, Fab 4 and Queen Bey, Mick and Bowie, Taylor and... A wow but it feels made-up and lacks real soul so far. Take me to the Streamline, and step on it!
On the one sunny day we walked the trails of Halifax River. One nod to the original peoples here is their well, still bubbling up clear fresh water. Stalking birds love it, lots of minnows. And on the first day of the Chinese Year of the Pig one of them was strolling nearby. Did she stoop and scoop?
Happy to head home on the usual epic 24 hours on the road. We slipped through the blizzards but got splattered and salted. Towns glowed but not from a sunrise. Always relieved to re-enter the best country there is, including a welcome-back smile from a cheerful border lady. And the Toronto greeting --- is that white confetti??
On the main shore road, two hotels bracket the old Daytona and the new. The restored Streamline Hotel is an art-deco beauty where a bunch of guys got together in 1948 to move racing off the beach and created NASCAR. Lots of memorabilia, rooftop vista, and real feel.
A quarter-mile drag away is the sparkling new Hard Rock hotel. Instead of car race decor, it's full of --- (duh) hard rock. Jimi and Janice, Fab 4 and Queen Bey, Mick and Bowie, Taylor and... A wow but it feels made-up and lacks real soul so far. Take me to the Streamline, and step on it!
On the one sunny day we walked the trails of Halifax River. One nod to the original peoples here is their well, still bubbling up clear fresh water. Stalking birds love it, lots of minnows. And on the first day of the Chinese Year of the Pig one of them was strolling nearby. Did she stoop and scoop?
Happy to head home on the usual epic 24 hours on the road. We slipped through the blizzards but got splattered and salted. Towns glowed but not from a sunrise. Always relieved to re-enter the best country there is, including a welcome-back smile from a cheerful border lady. And the Toronto greeting --- is that white confetti??
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