Drive from Conrad Orlando to Daytona Beach and our stay at Grand Seas Resort, Daytona Beach.

We checked out and after trying to get our Tom Tom GPS working, it suddenly operated perfectly. The weather is overcast with the threat of storms coming from the Ocean into Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. We had a drive of some 90 minutes approximately. Ken was driving and the initial driving was on freeways to get us to the Interstate 4 East.

The traffic was driving at steady speeds close to the 70 miles per hour speed limit. We chose the Express lane and enjoyed an excellent run to Daytona Beach drove passed the Daytona Speedway and continued on toward Atlantic Drive. There is much work being progressed right along Atlantic Drive North following the signification damage from tornadoes some 2 years ago. this Great SDeas resort has been substantially remodelled but there are almost 45 rooms on ground flor and almost 50 metres of the front deck and one large pool totally destroyed with further work planned over next 2 years.

The location on trhe beach is quite stunning and this is a day with big waves, significant rain squalls and you really sense the impact of Mother Nature and the pressure and damage of these acts of nature.

We checked in after purchasing groceries and supplies for the next several days. We are here for 3 days, then 4 days in Orlando and we will probably visit Epcot at Disney world.

Our check in was smooth and we are advised that we have a studio of one bedroom with a full lay equipped kitchen and separate bathroom. Recently totally refurbished and very comfortable and you feel as if your are in the ocean looking out over the pool deck and then to the beach. Our unit is 3018 and we are very pleased.

Ken visits the beach area and is surprised when the security guard advises that the sea will come in and cover the beach and will bang against the 12ft Seawall.

He walks about 800 metres both ways and is still surprised as to thje amount of damage that was caused by the tornadoes and trhe time it has taken to refurbish. The resort still has much work to be completed. Earlier we had drove further up Atlantic drive aqnd drove by Royal Floridian Resort 1 and 2. We have stayed there on 2 previous occasions. ITR appears that there was somewhat less damage in Ormond Beach, whereas Daytona Beach seems to have copped the full brunt. This afternoon there are severe squalls and heavy rainfall.

Yet the temperature is 80 degrees f and very humid.

The following photos reflect the changes of the afternoon.

Thus we have travelled from Orlando to Daytona and Ormond beaches, then checked to Grand Seas Resort and then unpacked and subsequently enjoyed a salad and apple pie for Desserts and a glass of wine from Napa. It has been a good day, we will retire early and hopefully catch up on our sleep and recover from the travel.

Ken remains concerned as to this whole area and the apparent dire consequences of climate change, dramatic weather events and tornadoes.

The resort is comfortable and well fitted out. We feel comfortable and relaxed and after 2 days of driving on the “other side” are at ease.

Tomorrow will be another realaxing day.