The Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010

Tri-pod - check, camera - check, batteries - check, warm clothes - check, alarm set - check! At 2:50a.m. I struggled to shut off the alarm and manage to dress for the lunar viewing. The mild air was most welcome. I'm used to dressing like the Pillsbury Dough Boy for most of my Northern celestial observing sessions.
The moon was near totality by the time I got outside. The reddish color made the moon look out of place.

I took this photo just after 3:00 a.m. It's a two second exposure taken with our Nikon Cool Pix camera.

There are also two stars to the lower right of the moon.

I missed a potentially great photo of a plane flying across the path of the moon. I've got to chalk it up to being out of practice, but I missed a great opportunity by not taking off the lens cover. I place the lens cover on the camera to prevent moisture from forming on the lens. Darn! At least I did get to see a Meteor streak across about 20' of space and break up, and that was well worth seeing.

In this last picture you can see that the Earth's direct shadow (umbra) is beginning to move off the moon's surface as the Earth and Moon's movement moves into the indirect shadow (penumbra).

I hope everyone who made the effort to see this celestial event got to witness this once in a lifetime show!

We don't just peddle around!

Besides our weekly group bike ride we do find other things to do in central Florida. We do take advantage of being so close to Disney World, so we do visit the parks quite often.  For example, here are some of the scenes from our recent visit to Downtown Disney and the Magic Kingdom...

These two handsome visitors are a welcome site to the (not so) snow covered area.

Christmas cannot come fast enough for the kids!

Even our feathered friends can't get enough Christmas spirit!

Waiting for the ferry to the Magic Kingdom, the kids get to decorate the pavement!

What else would you expect to see on "Main Street" than a Barber Shop Quartet...

...and don't forget the "Main Street" Philarmagic Band!

Somethings a little bit "spacey!"

The "Hall of Presidents" is always an inspirational attraction.

The Princess' Castle from the rear, showing the Castle restaurant.

Walking down "Main Street" can be a bit tedious when there is a crowd!

But, a peaceful ferry ride can be good for the soul.

And then there's always another bike ride... off to Winter Garden!

With many of our group either waiting until after the Holidays to head south or heading home for the Holidays, seven of us hit the West Orange Trail.

The temps were hovering in the low 50's but we're getting used to bundling up for our weekly ride.

From left to right is Rose, John, Jane, Buzz, Ray (hiding) and Joe.

Ray was a bit reluctant to have his picture taken. I don't know why, I think he looks pretty cool in his bike helmet and baseball hat!

Today I found out what its like to take the "lead!" As they say, "it's lonely at the top!"

There I was hitting the trail feeling the responsibility of the leader and at least trying to stay ahead of everyone. Suddenly, my cell phone rang. Stopping to answer it I began to think someone in our group was playing a trick to put a stop to my "glory." I dropped the case, had to remove my gloves and play "stiff fingers" with the tiny buttons of the phone to see who was calling... as the rest of the riders headed off into the sunset!

Finally, I managed to check the caller and it turned out to be Bill (of Bill and Angela). He knew right off when I didn't answer right away that it was our bike day. Still not sure if he was part of the "plan" to thwart my "leader" status we chatted and then said goodbye. It turned out it was merely a coincidence and there was no "mutiny" afoot.

I made my way to the rest stop and all the riders were refreshed and ready to head out but were gracious enough to let me set a spell and pass along Bill's greetings. Off we went. The riders somehow let me back to the lead... that is until Jane and Joe had enough of seeing my red tail light flashing in their faces and blew by me like I was going up hill.

Rose wanted yours truly in a photo so... you don't mess with Rose!

Our group made our way to the Winter Garden Pizza Company. Pat and Darlene drove up to meet us and  Pete and Joan (who drove Jim and Judy to the airport) also joined us.

Yep, our lunch was great, the conversation was lively and fun as well, and we get to do it all again next week!

Double Brrrrrrrr!!!

This is Florida? Our bike ride today was even colder than last week. We didn't budge much above the 40's and when you add to our peddling into the wind plus a 15 to 20 mph wind ,our wind chills were down in the high 20's. We looked a whole lot heavier than normal thanks to our multiple clothing layers, thermal undies, and whatever else we could put on to seal out the cold.

Our first stop at the Fort Wilderness Trading Post made us appreciate the modern convenience of indoor heating. Jim took the opportunity to "hunt" for a special BBQ apron. Actually, it's more like he was warming his hands. Just before we entered the building, he mentioned that he thought his hands were white! I think he's got something going with this "frostbite" issue.

The cold morning meant that a number of our riders chose to forgo the ride for a warm camper. Pete was our leader and did an admirable job by the way. He even treated us to a "mud and snow" trek over hill and dale when he cut across the campfire area of the tent section to the paved section. He did stop to let us "slip on" our all terrain tires!

Here, Judy and Joan were still showing the "frozen face" thing after coming in from the cold bike ride!

We didn't dare chance the icy cold boat ride over to the "Wave." Instead we rode out to the Fort Wilderness Lodge for a stop and headed back to the "Trails End" for our lunch.

Today is Buzz' birthday and our Server, Donnell did a bang-up-job getting the entire "Trails End" complement of guests and Cast Members to give a salute to Buzz' special day. The "Wilderness-Smor's" didn't stand a chance. There's something about chocolate that both Buzz (and his dog, Winston) can't resist! Last year Buzz and Darlene didn't get to eat many of the several bags of Giradelli's chocolate thanks to Winston emptying the fridge of the sweets!

Our cold but fun bike ride went to just over eleven miles. We didn't chat very much in an attempt to keep as much of our heat on the inside as we could.

Pete can also lay claim to being told he was right today! Joan counted ten of us for lunch and Pete proudly announced there were eleven of us. With a quick "finger count" Pete won out and Joan graciously accepted the correction... at least that seemed to be the end of it! Come to think of it, I didn't notice Pete's bike on the back of the truck when they left Fort Wilderness!

Something those of us from up North take for granted is the glory of our Fall foliage. Here in Florida the "Fall foliage" is far more subtle. Here it is mid-December, the recent winds have downed many of the leaves that have ended their life cycle. Those leaves that remain, struggle to retain their usefulness and offer us a reminder of their claim to fame in the form of color.

If you look carefully at the photo below you can, at least, take note that a seasonal change is in order.

Till next time!

Brrrrrr, and the Palm Tree Bikers 1st "Pit Stop"

Surly, all of our "Northern Friends" will be lambasting us for complaining about the cold but we can take it. After all, we are "die-hard" bikers and nothing comes between us and our bike ride, er lunch!

Let's see, battery heated socks-check, hooded sweat-shirt- check, hand warmers- check, Vodka and water mix- check. Fourteen of us headed for Celebration and our brisk ride. Pat and Darlene would meet up with us for lunch (after they hit a few stores in Celebration).

It took us a couple of minutes longer to "stage" ourselves before hitting the "trail." Rose and Ray once again with us, we were still chatting about getting the PTBs all together as the "SnowBird" season commences. (It was more like... do we really want to do this?) Off we went! No turning back now.

Heading into the wind at a blistering 8.4 mph the wind chill factor dropped to roughly 32.879' f. (Steve, no need to confirm my figures with your Scientific Calculator.) It seemed like our first stop at Celebration Hospital came up quicker than usual. (I think Pete was excited about having Ray back so he didn't have to concern himself with finding our way out of the back streets of Celebration!) Leaving the hospital Jim mentioned to Judy (in jest) they were serving hot cocoa and cookies. Judy thought she missed out on the treat.  (Its not nice to play jokes on people when someone has the "power of the pen" to put them in their place!)


Off we went. We peddled back to the open part of our ride and into the wind. Now we can feel the cold "licking" at our faces only to be sprayed by a series of lawn sprinklers along the sidewalk. The cold was beginning to lace its tentacles into all the tiny openings of our clothes.

Our second stop was in the sun and the only "whiner" was Jim mumbling something about his nose and frostbite! Judy told Jim the tip of his nose was white! He didn't seem at all concerned but when we saddled up to move out we could see Jim looking into the little bicycle mirror on Pete's bike to check his nose!

Rumbling over the wooden bike/walk path is the best part of this ride. We try to keep alert for any and all kinds of critters this thickly wooded area camouflages so well.

Sandy's husband Bill took a tumble at a sharp corner as we left the wooden pathway. Fortunately he was fine and his bike ended up with a couple of new adjustments he had to make. (We'll hope and pray that there are no more "spills!")

We pass by more beautiful homes and you can feel the pace pick up. Lunch was beckoning. (It's more likely that our leaders got a whiff of the food cooking!)

A change of venue was on order. Our outside lunch at the Town Tavern didn't have its usual luster in 40' temperatures so we traveled on.... to the next building, the Market Square Restaurant! Our normal ten mile ride turned out to be just over nine miles... or so. It appeared there were more than a few riders deliberating just how many tenths or so that we actually rode. Where is Steve when you need him?
Gee, what was up with Jim, he kept looking at those little mirrors!
The food was great and so were the portions... and everyone got to warm up!

Our story continues... our fun loving riders got together for this year's "1st Pit Stop" at Pat and Dave's abode. It was fun watching all of them riding in on their bikes with boxes of spirits and food bungee corded to their backs! Naw, that didn't happen... it was even colder today than our bike ride yesterday!

Our group gathered under one roof to share the afternoon with outstanding food, conversation and friendship.

Remember the "good ole days" when you went to a teen party/dance? Remember how the boys ended up on one side of the dance floor....

...and (with one exception) all the girls on the other side! Well, it wasn't that bad but close enough to notice!

Our group is a great mix of personalities, backgrounds and experiences. Together we enjoy a unique bond that makes our "winters in the south" that much more enjoyable.

All too soon, one by one, they made their way toward their homes away from home looking forward to many more "Pit Stops" and bike rides!

Next week its back to Fort Wilderness... Reuben, Reuben, Reuben!

A taste of Hollywood and another bike ride!

We headed out for a few hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios and hit the Animation Academy to draw "Stitch." Along the way we couldn't help but notice the Disney Christmas spirit in bloom!

After a peaceful but frustrating drawing session (Stitch is somewhat frustrating to draw) we tried in vain to get into "Toy Story Mania!" (Grrrrrrr!)

So, with our dampened spirits, we strolled over to see "Mulch, Sweat and Shears." They put on a great show and played some "rockin" Christmas tunes....

They always manage to out-do themselves with "guest interaction!"

Pat was "thrilled" to get to meet the "Manager" up-close and personal!

To top the evening off we took in a few minutes with the "Dancin' Lights," all five million plus of them!

Then Monday came along and another bike ride. It was north to Winter Garden. (Did I forget to mention we'd finish our ride with lunch?)

I'm sure all of you thought we didn't actually ride with all the talk of lunch but, there we are. See all the smiles, dry shirts and natural skin complexion. (That lasted about one third of the way.) It was muggy and Mother Nature provided us with just enough wind to make you think you lost 30% leg muscle tone.

Our leader, Pete, was on a mission. The new high-tech rear axle on his bike needed to be "exercised." He was pushing the limit (11 mph) over hill and dale. We blew right by our first "watering hole" stop. Yours truly was beginning to assume the "tailgaters" position (the wind you know)!

At last, the Kilarny Station!

Some of the members checked out the bike store while others found the chairs and water bottles.

We "set up camp" on the shaded deck and proceeded to correct all of the worldly problems!

The respit was short lived, lunch was five miles east. The return pace seemed a tad more energetic. Somewhere along the trail something caught my attention in my handle bar mirror. Two of our riders behind me seemed to be peddling at a "blurring" pace. Suddenly, the normally laid back "tailenders" blew by me leaving a dust trail! Judy and Joan zipped by shouting something about food!

All too soon I realized I was now the "tailender." The gap between me and the group stretched out and I began to feel like my brakes were on!

The gap in this photo lies.... it's three times zoom!

No one even looked back! Come to think of it I think I remember hearing Judy and Joan shouting something about, "can you smell the tomato sauce" as they sprinted to the front of the pack!

At last the center of town was in sight and the Winter Garden Pizza Company was literally a "sniff" away.

Any vehicle getting in our way would be dealt with. Hah, we laugh at danger, lunch is near!

Lunch was interesting, we got to see that Judy can be tough on Jim when it comes to sharing her pizza!

Oh, and Pete did a great job leading the group, we never got lost... the trail was straight five miles out and five miles back!

Out and around!

Our "circle of friends" are slowly but surly returning and our activities are picking up. The "Palm Tree Bikers" are still waiting for a few more members to arrive but our numbers are increasing.

As you can see, we're at the end of the ride and eager to enjoy a good meal at the "Wave" in the Disney's Contemporary Resort. The Reuben was the main choice for most of the riders! Our bike group is beginning to get a "reputation!" Nearly all of the wait staff and management of the "Wave" have come to welcome our monthly visit and enjoy our fun loving members. Our favorite hostess, Betty, just happened to be off this day and you can be sure we'll let her know about it.
My sources say that the bike ride around Fort Wilderness was uneventful. They didn't get lost. Steve found the GPS signal (I think), and they found their way to lunch. All in all it was a great ride!

Here's a couple of local places we took in over the past few weeks.






Here is what the Christmas Light Show at Hollywood Studios looks like before it's lit up.......

We'll get there again before the holidays to see it in all its glory.

Then a few of the "lights" from Downtown Disney....



Ahhhhhhh, the home of the "Sinful Cinnamon" Pretzel!



We've already sampled a pretzel or two, but there's always room for more!!

This "Statue" is quite interesting. She's part of the evening entertainment at Downtown Disney. She's a terrific crowd pleaser, especially for the children.

Speaking of Downtown Disney, Disney has recently announced a major change to the property. Pleasure Island will be leveled and over the next few years will undergo a major transformation. New restaurants, shops with a night club or two will complement the "Hyperion Warf." The "SoundStage Club in the background will be removed along with "The Adventurer Club" and a host of other older night clubs.

Lake Magic Resort, home to most of our riders and friends is also "gearing up." Dinners, shuffleboard, cards, ice cream socials, breakfasts, along with a myriad of activities are underway. Even though we're still missing some of our fellow "snowbirds" we're anxiously awaiting their arrival over the holidays so we can "kick it up a notch!"

Speaking of "kicking it up a notch," we visited EPOCT one afternoon to take in some of the (er) "talent!"

Here is the Morocco band "MoRockin" ... and their belly dancer!

Well, we presented a tiny overview of our activities, we don't want you to think we just sit on the Lanai and while away the time!

Oh, we also take in some of the "locals" from time to time.....

This three inch grasshopper spent an afternoon on our screen. Naw, they don't bite but don't stand in their "flight path!"

Even Winston got a chance to see the FL wildlife up close and personal....

And so it goes folks, we just sit and rock our time away in "Gods waiting room!"

Another bike ride.... another lunch!

Can you believe it, we're actually talking about how cold it is the past few days! In the mid 40's in the morning. Now that I've tweaked all our Blog Friends in New England where it's in the 20's at night, I'm sure I'll get "beat down" for that. We actually had to wear long pants and sweaters. We had to warm up our bike seats!

And so we headed to Winter Garden and another ten mile ride finishing up at another favorite place for lunch, "The Winter Garden Pizza Company." This time, our leader, Pete turned right heading east instead of west. Our five mile ride "out" was somewhat more hilly than some of us "first timers" to this trail expected. We hid our pounding hearts and throbbing quads behind smiles and subdued panting! We were never going to let on that we had to struggle up several hills that felt like we were climbing Mt. Washington.

We made it look so easy... until several speedsters in spandex blew by us as in a blur. That was humiliating... they were girls! We pressed on and made it to our five mile marker only to brag about how exhilarating the ride was. None of the "pros" in our group caught the oxygen bottle being passed around camouflaged as water bottles! Although, Judy and Jim brought along some sort of "elixir" called "syrup water!" It must have been some sort of "energy drink!" Jim turned it down but Judy did seem to ride to the lead on the return leg of our ride!

We did take advantage of one of Florida's "locals" and took a (breather) stop to admire this young six foot gator...

Funny how they always look like their "dead!" Yeah right! We admired him from afar and rode on.



The five mile return trek became a mission. It was getting close to noon and I noticed the pace quickened... for some of us! Strange the "down hills" on the way out seemed so much shorter on the return trip! By this time the sun was higher and just right to remove our sweaters. I think some of us took our sweaters off so we could expand our chests for more air intake.

We all made it in great shape (cough, cough) and bragged how easy the trail was!

Now don't take my "tongue and cheek" too seriously, after all it's all in good fun! Can't you tell by all those smiling faces? (You'll notice we are in a private room. It's soundproof, so the rest of the guests can't hear all the moaning and groaning!) Oh, wait a minute, come to think of it that might have been Judy who claimed she didn't eat an entire pizza by herself! Judy's husband Bill wouldn't verify her claim!