Cameron's Big Adventure Daytona Beach, the Races & Gators

It was 4:30 a.m. & 12 degrees, when we stopped by to pick up Cameron on Thursday, Jan.29, 2004.  Yes, it was dark, cold & nasty, but we had an early flight so we would have more time in the SUN! After being a bit worried about the flight, he white knuckled the take-off & then said, "But I'm scared of heights" & then asked, "When are they going to give us our parachutes?"  That fear lasted another minute or so & soon we were leaving St. Louis' cold & snow behind.  We arrived in Orlando late morning, grabbed a car & headed for Daytona Beach!  Since we were a bit early to check-in at the hotel, we picked up some Subway sandwiches & headed to the infield at Daytona International Raceway.  Through the tunnels, under the track & on to a sunny, 68 degree infield for lunch & RACING!  These cars were LOUD & FAST for Cameron who kept covering his ears.  I gave him a set of ear plugs I picked up before we left St. Louis & he was happy.  We watched some time trials & practice, cruised the garage area & then headed for the hotel. It really wasn't until we checked in, went to the room & I pulled the drapes to the balcony that Cameron saw the ocean & beach.  Really cool!  When can we go to the beach?  We went down for a quick look-see before heading for dinner.  And Cameron, what will you have? Shrimp!  Pretty obvious since it was a seafood restaurant on the pier! Back to the room for a little sleep before a BIG day on Friday!  He had NO problem sleeping!

Click Photos to Enlarge

These are the stairs, looking down from the top.

The first stop, after a big breakfast, was Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.  The tallest Lighthouse in Fl & 2nd tallest in the US, topped only by the Cape Hatteress, NC lighthouse on the Outer Banks.  Lighthouse guide books consider this the "Disney World" of the houses due to historical significance, height, preservation & overal beauty!

And yes, Cameron climbed the 213 steps up the 175' tower, as his mom did many Sunday afternoons when she was about his age.  Above is a photo of him at the top looking out at the ocean, beach & boat yards.

Above is a Fresnel lens, similiar to the one located in the lighthouse.  To appreciate the size of it, find Liz in the upper right side of photo explaining the lens to Cameron, then be sure to click photo to enlarge. To the right, Cameron is getting a little photo instruction from Liz.

On to Page 2 - Cameron at the Beach

Here's a Link to a Great Web Site on Ponce Lighthouse

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