Four Parks in Four Days!

There's nothing more special than to share some really "Magical Moments" with a couple of youngsters who have never been to Disney World. Sure the kids (and Dad, Bill Jr.) did lots more than what you see here but I'll let them tell everyone about their experiences. Our Blog is presented here to share some of the special "Magical Moments" they will never forget.

Yikes! The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT in four days is a whole lot of walking. Bill and Angela's son and his two children visited with Bill and Angela and Pat and I for their Winter break. They left the snow covered Northeast, shed a lot of warm outer gear and headed south. Shorts, Tee shirts and sneakers were the uniform of the day. Bill Jr's children, Chase and Jordan were getting to see how their Grandparents spend their winters while here in FL. Let's just say they were in "another world"... Disney World!

Oh, the kids got to do much more than you'll see in this Blog post, we're just going to show you the really special stuff they managed to experience. I won't bore you with lots of verbiage, instead I'll let our photos tell the story...

Chase and Jordan learned early on that there was something really unique about getting to "hob-knob" with many of the Disney Characters that was really cool.

They climbed Swiss Family Robinson's tree house... but Angela thought it best to "vicariously" enjoy the "climb" from Terra firma!

The two kids enjoyed a few of the rides but managed to seek out the "autographs" of some of their "friends!"

All was quiet until the "Dance Party" came down the street... and that's when Jordan got to "get down" with her favorite Disney Character, Donald Duck! 

Jordan topped the "rockin" opportunity off by "shaking a leg" with her other "best buddy" Goofy!

She even got a "High Four" from Goofy!

Ah, we all might as well get into the picture....

Well, we closed the place! The six of us and about a couple of thousand other folks headed for the parking lot. I had enough, I saw a single seat left on the tram, so, along with the keys to the car I said "See ya!"

The next day I didn't have to take too much ribbing from the group, they were all still half asleep when we "dumped" them into the car and headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

After a rousing "Lights, Motors, Action" Stunt show we prepared for a great performance by "Mulch, Sweat and Shears!"

Chase and Jordan were introduced to "Mulch, Sweat and Shears" and Chase got to be part of the show...

Chase was "ecstatic" to be part of the band.

His expression is priceless, "what am I doing up here!"

The band's Manager was nearly ready to sign Chase up for a "gig!"

The kids could hardly believe their eyes when they saw who they could get "up close and personal" with.

Above, "Lotso" "smothered" Chase and Jordan with "love."

After another long day at Hollywood Studios we headed over to EPCOT the next day, where the park is prepping for the Spring Flower Show.

  

All the Disney Characters are in place for show.

We obviously did a great deal more than you see here. I'll just leave most of the story up to the kids when they return to (ugh) school and the teacher asks them... "and what did you guys do over vacation!"

                             Gotta go, Chase and I are headed out for another "futuristic" adventure!

What's been happening!

Well, time is flying! Two bike rides, work, a party and two new Disney Cast Members to report on. Last Monday's bike ride to Celebration report is thanks to our "Ghost Writer!" Your's truly was busy working so our trusty "sleuth" took to the bicycle seat with pen in hand.

Our riders seemed somewhat sedate as they took to the "saddle" this past Monday. You just couldn't tell there were twenty-two riders. Our writer noted that the morning gathering at the Clubhouse parking lot was a great deal quieter than usual. The routine chatter might have a tinge of "leftover" Valentine's Party revelry that may have taken its toll on our group. Hmmmm, perhaps a tad too much libation!! Naw, not this hearty group of elders!

Ray couldn't wait any longer. He rousted the group and headed out and follow they did. Ray led the motor brigade to Celebration and then on their bikes as far as the hospital. (My guess is the group following just weren't keeping up to this tall man's pace.) So, Pete took over! Pete proudly took the helm and never looked back. Well, almost, some of the group had a difficult time staying on the path. It might have been the water on much of the boardwalk. (Maybe the "northerners" thought it looked like ice and they developed a touch of "homesickness!)

The "laugh" of the day was how some of the (dare I say) slower riders began to cheer for the need for a "Fast Pass!" Let's see, this idea could have come from either the leader going to fast or the rides going too slow. In any case, is it possible that some riders are a tiny bit more "in shape" than others!!! Naw, it's just a social ride... right?

Given the absence of the usual banter between riders, they observed the usual wildlife Celebration harbors. The usual, birds--ibes (sp),egret,blue heron, alligator and beautiful hawk were among the specimins that were seen along the trail. The report goes on that the real treat was the two raccoons that were less than 1 year old, playing at the edge of the bike path. (It's also possible that the party left some of our riders with "visions" in their heads!)

Pete lead the (unusually) quiet group to the TownTavern and The Columbia House. Our riders had their choice of lunch venues but they all agreed that eating outside in the warm sun was the "order of the day." Our reporter tells us that the award winning 1905 Salad was outstanding.

In other news, our Blog is pleased to announce that Bill and Angela are (finally) Walt Disney Cast Members.

Bill and Angela will earn their "Ears" in a couple of days. They are excited and still in shock! Bill will be working in Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Kali River Rapids and Angela will be working at ESPN Wide World of Sports as a Custodial Cast Member. They'll be spending their off time trying to learn and remember their schedules and how they'll be getting to work as they both work in separate parks! All kidding aside, we congratulate and wish them well in an adventure they've wanted to be part of for some time.

It's party time! Yep, today was our "Third Off-Trail Social!" Judy and Jim along with several other close by seasonal camping members of the PTB's hosted a get-to-gether on the lawn! A nicely shaded, grassy area near their campers made for a terrific gathering place.

Except for those working "to make the magic," we had a great turn out.

Ah, the "circle of fun!"

Don't let the empty chairs fool you. Everyone likes to get up and move. Talk about one social group!

Men on one side and the women.....

...and then there's the standing/walking munchers!

Remember, it's February 20th late in the p.m. (hate to rub it in back home)!

Hey, don't knock the sign, we had to pay for the fancy Tee-shirts!

Judy found out that Gary and his sister were celebrating their birthdays... after she got him off his phone!

Yea, those are pretzles on the treats (couldn't afford candles... remember... Tee-shirts).

We enjoyed a great afternoon, friendship, yummy food, treats and fun until it was time for ice cream at the club house. Larry and Judy, Bill and Angela managed to arrive near the end of the party. Don't 'ya hate it when work cuts into your fun activities!

A RIDE WITH SPLIT PERSONALITY

Our routine "check in" at the Club House was really neat. All in blue (except for those "rebels" in other colors) we gathered around Joan for role call. Suddenly, we recognized our "founder" Kathy outfitted in the latest in bicycle head gear. The "Venturi self-drafting Helmet!"

The design is simple yet offers the rider a 15% less drag effect. You have to admit, Kathy is a great sport to allow us to post this photo (she had no choice).

Our band of "blue" headed out this morning for the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden. Of course that meant another photo op!

NOTE: All riders not in "uniform" to the rear!

Stunning eh?

The West Orange Trail can be ridden west or east from our starting point. Our leader, Pete, made for a "split decision" and some of our troup headed east and some west.

Your's truly headed to the Winter Garden Pizza Company to get their phone number so we can reserve our seats for lunch... and no one waited for me! I headed east and caught up with our group at the comfort station. Wow, did I take a wrong turn!

I ended up with the "Blistering Bikers." They took off in high gear and never looked back. It took a lot of whining and pleeding but I finally got Joan to convince them to take a water stop at about three miles!

(I shoulda headed west!) There was no sympathy from the group. At least U.P. and I got to see a snake making its way up a golf ball fence and a beautiful hawk that flew right by Judy at eye level then into a tree. It stayed there just long enough for a photo op....

Remember those "speedsters?" Well, the wind hit us right in the face all the way back, and that just about leveled the playing field!

Oh yea, all that was left of lunch was empty plates!

Something new... a "Dead End!"

A day off and a bike ride to enjoy! We met at the Clubhouse like always. This time our group total is edging up to twenty-five riders. Joan, our "Attendee Supervisor" and Pete our "Trail Leader," asked us to head out in small groups so as not to shock the Gate Guards at Fort Wilderness. Before leaving I happened to do a bit more "snooping!" First off, last weeks "Frog" episode with Larry was nothing like you thought. It seems Larry developed a lapse in judgement and  entered the "Twilight Zone" of childhood. The "Frog" turned out to be of the playground type. You know, the one with the big spring and you sit on. Well, now you get the picture! Yep, his "mug" was posted on Facebook! I'll research this a little more.
As for Bobbie and the "dog-poo" story, let's suffice it to say she wasn't getting back on her bike until her sneaker was as clean as new!

The cloudy but comfortable day was to be dry long enough for us to get our ride in. Rain and possible showers were forecast for later in the day.
We stopped in one of the "Loops" to enjoy a campers creativity and voila... a photo op!

Still not warm enough to show off our great "blue" tee-shirts but you can certainly see how they stand out in the group.

Here is what caught our attention...

The camper decorations are mind boggling! However, what's even more amazing is; how do these folks pack all this stuff!

So, on with the ride. Yea, we tracked over more than one or two "loops" a couple of times but it finally happened. For the first time our leader turned onto a sidewalk and like Lemmings, we all followed straight into a "Dead End" at a restroom! We started clamoring for Steve's GPS only to realize that we were once again in the trees and all our excitement was for naught. We bunched up like children at recess. That's Pete in the red just to the right of the phone.

Pete took all the ribbing in stride and knew only too well that he'd be getting a little more publicity on our Blog. (Maybe that's why the shock on his face!) I'm sure Jim had a good laugh at Pete's expense!

With our composure back in check we headed out. By now we're on a mission. Not only are we headed to the Wave for lunch, a number of our members made plans to take the Monorail over to the Magic Kingdom to view the parade featuring the Super Bowl MVP!

Before heading out, I said no more messing around, get in line and "Wagons Ho!"

I couldn't believe it. This group hunkered down, saddled up and made way to the boat headed for the Wave.

They new I meant business. They sat like school children on a field trip!

There wasn't a peep out of them as we made way over the lake from Fort Wilderness to the Contemporary Resort!

This tone continued until "Sister" Judy wave her hands over the group and we knew we were in her good graces and we can all finally relax and enjoy lunch.

Once this picture was snapped (and everyone realized that we were all going to get 40% off our meals) we got down to the business of eating and socializing!

About half of us headed back to the campground and we waived goodbye to the "crowd seekers" as they made their way to the Monorail to catch a glimpse of the Super Bowl MVP!

Yep, that's Pete "bringing up the rear." I guess he's had enough "leading" for the day!

Another ride (lunch) and... "The Rest of The Story!"

Darn, I missed another great ride due to work! But what cha gonna do? Some one's gotta help pay for Social Security! At least I had my "Ghost Writer" to give me a "briefing!"

The "Palm Tree Bikers" headed out to  Winter Garden and the West Orange Trail. The trail is just hilly enough to remind you to exercise daily to enjoy the ride! The die-hards went so far as to tack on another couple of miles with a side trip to Lake Apopka.

Our little group is not so little any more. Twenty-four "blue tee-shirts" made for an impressive site as they stretched out along the paved trail.

We welcomed back our "founders" Kathy and Duane. Now we can begin to get serious about our rides and "Off-Trail Socials!"

What was the special interest in the playground "frog?" Hmmmm, I'll have to investigate this a little more!

Everyone managed to gander at the exotic animals at the wild life preserve along the trail. Bobbi, what was the "too-doo" over the dog "poop" issue??? You can all ask Bobbi when you see her. This'll be interesting.

The return trip to lunch at the Winter Garden Pizza Company is always much shorter. Some one tells me that there were a few PTB's with "heavy" eye lids during the lunch!! Me thinks more endurance training is in order!

And now.... "The Rest of the Story." In our last blog you may recall we caught a glimpse of "Jack" attempting a "speed run" along the Van Fleet Trail (if you didn't read it just read the blog below). Well, I'm sure by now that most of you know that the "speedster" in the photo is not really our Jack. But you have to admit it certainly looks like our Jack. We can thank Angela for this story. Angela recently received the AARP Bulletin and the photo on the front cover caught her attention. She showed me the photo and said this guy looks just like Jack. Well, that gave me a super idea for an article...at Jacks expense!

The article "The Real Fountain of Youth" cover story "Boomers @ 65" featured several people (ahem) our age and their quest to get fit. The two wheeled "speedster" is Terry Schleede 59 from NC.

In the words of the late, great radio announcer Paul Harvey.....
 "and now you know.....  the rest of the story......... Paul Harvey, Good day!"