"Something Old & Something New"

"Something Old & Something New"... well, at least New to us! This past week Pat and I spent much of our time removing nearly ten years of stuff packed in our "Old Friend," Our 2003 Winnebago Journey. We reached the time in our RVing lifestyle for us to "downsize." Traveling just two or three months a year in our "Old Friend," just barely reaching three thousand miles per year, seemed so unfair for such a complex diesel pusher to watch it sit and age.

Our proud "Old friend" has 57,400 miles on it. We had but one breakdown on the road due to a blowout. Even then it handled in outstanding fashion. Sure, we encountered a number of mechanical issues but she always "got us there."

So it was on Saturday December 22, 2012, in 45' temps, her block heater made for an easy start-up for her last journey with Pat and I. In fine fashion she glided over the twenty miles to her "next chapter" and to carry on with a new owner. Our "Old Friend" never sighed or complained as new handlers came out to inspect her pristine bays, unblemished interior and well maintained chassis.

In truth both Pat and I had more than a few moments of melancholy where saying "goodbye" was most difficult.
As we turned our attention to the pre-owned 2011 Winnebago Access 31CP we were about to purchase we just couldn't help but notice our "Old Friend" seemed to "turn its back" on us.

Our Journey served us well. We are the first owners and I have come to know just about every single nut, bolt and nook and cranny of this fine motorhome. We've given it lots of TLC and she paid us back with thousands of safe miles an equal amount of wonderful memories and meeting so many awesome and friendly people.

As we passed our "Old Friend" in the salesman's golf cart she seemed to say, "Its OK!"

With all the paper work completed and congrats handed out, our ride out of the Giant Recreational World parking lot was semi-sweet. We "tipped our hats" to our "Old Friend" and Pat and I said nothing as we idled past our mobile "home away from home."

Good bye "Old Friend."

Now, Pat and I must begin to adjust to the RVing lifestyle all over again. We wanted to "downsize" and boy did we! We'll be carrying ten percent of what we're used to in our Journey. I must go back to leveling the rig with wood rather than hydraulic levelers. The driver's cab makes us feel like we're in a VW. The V10 just can't compare to the Cummins 300 six cylinder.

In all, I personally wanted to downsize in complexity. Our Journey required countless electrical, mechanical, etc. systems for us to enjoy what we became accustomed to. Age and time (not to mention the salt on the roads up north) had indeed taken a toll on our "Old Friend." We traveled south two years in snow, slush, sleet and salt which cost us two alternators and the replacement of the entire dash A/C. Not to mention one summer I spent sanding and painting her undercarriage.

The brief amount of time we have spent in our "Old Friend" over the past several years led us to this (somewhat) emotional but realistic decision.

And so our (new to us) 2011 Winnebago Access (with 5,400 miles on it) is now tucked into our RV Port.

The Access is exactly the same width as the Journey. The Journey is about eight inches taller. The Access is three feet one inch shorter and a great deal lighter. The Access' wheelbase is twelve inches longer. The Access has one slide and a whole lot less inside (and outside) storage space.

Interestingly, the brochures lists the exterior storage as 95.3 cubic feet for the Access and 92 cubic feet for the Journey. However, 90% of the exterior storage for the Access is in one huge bay under the bed in the rear. But, in reality, the usable space is basically what you can place on the floor of that bay! You just cannot fill the bay to the top!

So what if we are limited to carrying but one change of clothes, wash them every other day and eat out for lunch and dinner and use the (what looks like a kid's E-Z Bake Oven) combo micro wave/convection oven to cook an egg in the mornings! Pat doesn't mind "dropping and rolling" into the bed and sharing the barely there closet space.

As for me, (the "Pack Rat") I'll be suffering from "packing envy" each time we head out in the Access.

We'll be having a yard sale soon!

At least we're still RVn!

(A solar pillar from Encore Lake Magic 12/23/12.)

Things to Do and Places to Go

Jack headed north last week. He forced himself into "big boy" pants and reluctantly made his way to the Jetway.

Sure, Jack is all smiles! We'd like to see his face when he stepped off that plane into the 30+ temps! We wish Jack and Alice and all of our Lake Magic friends who headed home to visit with their families as well as those yet to make their way south a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Everyone is waiting for the "great exodus" south and things can get back to the "routine."

Darlene, Buzz and Pat and I planned another evening at EPCOT. The guest reader at the "Candlelight Processional" was Lea Salonga.

But first, we had a few things to take care of. Such as Spaceship Earth.

Darlene and Buzz had "lofty" dreams for their future and headed for the sky....

Pat and I thought we'd satisfy our future need for more "depth" in our lives. We hit the ocean...

From there we jetted over to "Soarin."

On our way to the "Candlelight Processional" we were stopped by another guest trying to "escort" this "fella" across the walkway...

This non-venomous Red Rat Snake couldn't be bothered by all the on-lookers and picture takers. He simply (and literally) climbed up the flower bed wall and into the bushes.

It was amazing to watch him "climb" this wall!

Arriving just before the show began we staged ourselves at the chain outside the American Theater. Another great show! Then, one more time for Illuminations, Reflections of Earth. I mentioned in an earlier post that they added a Season's greeting onto the finale with .... well, see for yourselves....

Here's the regular finale...

But, here's the Holiday Season "Grand Final".....

(Click on it to watch.)

Finally, the Palm Tree Bikers held their first 2012-13 season "get-together."

...and low and behold, it was Judy's birthday! Happy Birthday Judy! Hubby Jim treated the party girl along with the rest of the PTB's to a scrumptious cake! (Of course, yours truly, the host and hostess got to "take care" of the leftovers!)

You might notice that Judy is looking very fit and trim. She's strictly adhering to her running training program and is looking forward to the upcoming Disney Princess Marathon. Good luck Judy and keep up the good work.

The beautiful Sunday afternoon and awesome food (with a few spirits thrown in) made for a grand time.

We (figuratively) played "musical chairs" as everyone made the rounds with each other for an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. (Hmmmm, that's funny, there were lots more people sitting just before I took out the camera!)

We topped off all this fun with a Monday morning bike ride along the West Orange Bike Trail.

(Sorry, no photos, Pat and I had to take care of "something old and something new." We'll be posting the story shortly.)

A Park, Golf and a Bike Ride!

On Tuesday, Buzz, Darlene and Pat and I headed over to Disney's Hollywood Studios to catch the "lights" with Buzz and Darlene. But, before the show we caught the last evening show of "Mulch Sweat and Shears." Look closely, does anyone look different?

Except for the bass player (in black on the stage and the lead at the right edge) a couple of the band members are new! Add to that, a female band manager! They're still terrific!

From there our entourage headed over to the "American Idol Experience."
While the others in our group enjoyed the show I was doing my best to deal with a rather large woman sitting next to me, crowding my space and trying to talk to me the entire show! Sure, Pat, Darleen and Buzz all thought that was funny!
About a week ago, "Big" Buz, Judy, Buzz, Darlene and Pat and I went out to eat and take in one of the parks. While waiting to order we were enjoying some conversation and somehow the topic of golf came up. Knowing "Big" Buz and Buzz like to golf, I turned to "Big" Buz and quietly asked him if he would like to golf at one of the Disney Golf courses? Before I could complete the question, "Yes," "Big" Buz beamed back at me!

I've never golfed in my life and I'm setting up a "foursome" for three golfers and me. No clubs and only putt-putt golf experience (years ago), oh yeah, I'm ready for this! Buzz, "Big" Buz, Tom and I head out to Osprey Ridge Golf  Course. The closest I've gotten to golf is on TV watching the pros. About ten years ago I worked with a football coach who was an avid golfer. He also gave golf lessons at the school. Pat and I talked about taking his course but the course never ran. No takers. But, he gave me some tips about teeing off. He told me about stance, swing and using the body, and that was it. I've watched the pros on TV and (at least) visioned  how to make myself "look good!" The day of reckoning was at hand. Driving up to the clubhouse I had no clue what to expect. We were treated like "Pros" by the staff. I was in "la la" land. Hey, all I planned to do was drive the golf cart. The guys had other plans. They each offered their clubs for my use and Buzz handed me several golf balls. I guess I was playing!

They gave me outstanding support and worked out all the nerves of playing a game I was never interested in playing. The expense, all the equipment and to top it off, I don't like people having to wait for me to do anything, golf just wasn't for me. We played "best ball" and that made all the difference. They set the pace and it was awesome! "Big" Buz let me drive with his monster driver and man that felt great. Over the 18 holes, Buzz let me rattle through all his clubs and helped me pick a club to match a shot.

To a man, they all said once you hit a great shot, "you're hooked." Well, on the first of two par three holes I hit a drive that sailed like an arrow nearly landing on the green. It was sweet! My tone changed. Each hole took on new meaning. Of course I had plenty of lousy shots and was glad to be playing "best ball."

Above, a mother raccoon and three kids fight for a scrap that she grabbed out of the trash. Tom and I had to stop the golf cart for her to get the treat out of the trash!

We did see a couple of Ospreys and half a dozen deer.

Osprey Ridge is just yards east from Fort Wilderness. It's nestled in a wildlife preserve, and it is beautiful

With the sun setting, our golf cart with nearly dead batteries, we were determined to finish all 18 holes.

Tom and I limped back (I had to get out and "help"

the cart up a number of hills) to the clubhouse and yet we all agreed that each of us had a great day.

Oh, "Big" Buz was right. I did "see the light" after the round...

....three days later, Pat and I wanted to kill some time so we drove to the Osprey Ridge Golf course to check out the Pro Shop. I had forgotten they were having a Disney Cast Member Sale and it was the last day of the sale. (We had seen the huge line forming in the clubhouse for the first day of the sale just after our round of golf a few days earler!) I noticed several people walking out of the clubhouse with great looking empty golf bags. I asked one guy if they were selling them. He said yea, for $20.00 each! This is it! I'm going to take the step and buy a bag and then find a set of clubs at a yard sale for cheap!

Right!

This is what I walked out with....

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

They were selling the rental golf sets including the bag for $150.00.

The set is the King Cobra FP woods and irons with a Titleist sand wedge and each set has a Scotty Cameron putter (whoever he is). (It all sounded good to me!)

Good grief, what have I done! To top it off, Pat was all for this! Somehow I think Buzz and Darlene had something to do with this.

It's also time for another bike ride! Celebration!

As usual we "circled the wagons" in front of the Lk. Magic Clubhouse. I arrived later than most of the PTB'S. Our riders were all excited about the winged creature removing chunks of tree out of the tall palm trees in front of the clubhouse. An elusive Pileated woodpecker perched long enough for "Little" Buzz to snap a photo of it....

These seldom seen  large woodpeckers are typically found in the deep woods. They are seldom seen in the open like our fellow riders witnessed this day. They chip large chunks of wood out of the trees that look like some one's been chopping the tree with a small hatchet and are extremely loud while doing so.

Seeing this beautiful bird was a treat for everyone. I would have enjoyed getting to see it.

To get an idea of their real beauty as well as the chunks they can remove from a tree, here is a photo (taken off the Internet) so you can see just how striking these birds really are...

The Pileated Woodpecker is the bird the cartoon character "Woody Woodpecker" got his looks from.

Editor's note: Last week, Pete and Joan set sail on a Disney Cruise. They had a great time and enjoyed every show on the ship. Pete says the weather was great in spite of a stiff annoying wind. The ship's stabilizers did their job well. Last week's Blog neglected to note that Pete and Joan were not in attendance for our weekly bike ride. However, the PTB Ride Director has deducted their "Lead" and "Tail-Ender" rider position pay accordingly!

We gathered  downtown and headed for the Florida Hospital pit stop.

The group enjoyed the gentle mist of the sprinklers to get us underway.

We couldn't help but notice all the construction along our route.

The Hospital is building a parking garage along with another addition to their buildings.

As we head toward our next stop we couldn't get over the size and scope of the land preparation for more houses being cut into the woods as far as the wooden walk way we ride on.

One of our riders, Sandy, fell while we were riding the back roads of Celebration. Fortunately, the only injury she received were some scratches on her elbow. We decided to cut the ride short and head for lunch.

Seventeen of us headed for the Celebration Town Tavern. The remaining riders dined next door at the Marketplace Cafe.

HEY! Turn around!

That's more like it!

 (That's Larry missing in the photo to the left. Sorry Larry, I moved when that bird nearly flew into my head!) At least he got into the photo above this one. He's wearing the hat at the right end of the table.

Oh boy, I'll be hearing about this from Larry! ...........

.

.

.

.

.

....but I'm ready for him......

.

.

.

.

.

.

DHS, DTD and the WOT

The title is your quiz for this post.

UGGGGGGGHHH!! I had to do it! I made a beer run and had to settle for this.....

...I'm from New England!

Oh well, at least the beer tastes good.

Pat and I headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios to see the lights...

...along with a few hundred thousand other people

Then, we caught sight of this unique Christmas Tree while walking at DownTown Disney.

Actually, I wanted to be in the photo for the last day of "Phineas and Ferb and You."

Yep, "Phineas and Ferb and You" moved on. It's headed for the Disney Cruise lines. It was very popular and great fun to work.

As you can imagine, It didn't take the Disney crew long to make it disappear. While we were taking this photo the crew removed anything that wasn't tied down.

Here's what it looked like the next day...

It's Monday, bikes are packed and we headed to Winter Garden and the West Orange Trail.

Actually, this is what everyone up North thinks we do when we "snowbird" down here... sit and rock on the front porch waiting to ..... well, you know.

Notice how we've grouped to discuss the heavy issues of the day.

OK, let's go! We've got reservations for lunch!

Some of our lady riders had (shall I say) a "close encounter of the strange kind" on the return ride.

You may recall seeing a middle-aged man running/walking shirtless and wearing a kilt! Well, riding downhill just after the animal preserve, this guy is doing push ups with his hands on the trail and his feet up on one of the rest benches. His kilt managed to just cover his rear and we all prayed that the wind didn't pick up as we passed him. However, we did notice that a few of our female riders developed a sudden burst of energy! Just after we passed this guy the ladies blew by us!

The Winter Garden Pizza Company didn't have enough room to fit us all into their large room so we sent the

"Adults" to their own table.....

While the rest of us sat at the "Kids" table.....

It was so nice of the "Adults" to pick up the tab for us kids!

I headed home to check the mail and something in the retention pond caught my eye.

It was none other than our resident 'gator. He's getting to know some of the residents and that can't be good! I walked to within ten feet of him and he didn't budge.

He's about five feet long and right at home. You can see his "skid" marks in the sand.

Me thinks someone is feeding him!

Later this week I'm hitting the links! Four of us are headed to Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course. "Big Buz, Buzz and another guest will  dawn their golf hats and vivid plaid pants and make a whole lot of divots in some expensive turf.  I'm going to be the golf cart driver and Caddy. No, I do not golf and the only golf club I've ever held is a mini-golf club! If one of the guys lends me a club I'll give it a try.

Hmmmm, never played golf, a lefty using a right handed club, yep this'll be interesting!

An Evening at EPCOT and a Bike Ride

Before I get into all the latest news I need to rant! I just reached into the near empty beer case in the cupboard and realized there are but three cans of beer left! ROAD TRIP! In New England (last August) we stocked up on several 30-Packs of beer. That's right, 30-packs... for $17.00 each! I think a road trip back to New England is in order.  OH the horrors!

How will I ever survive on 24-packs that costs more than a 30-pack up north!

I'll just have to tuff it out.

"Big" Buz and Judy, Buzz and Darlene and Pat and I headed to EPCOT for the "Candlelight Processional."

The guest reader was Geena Davis. The show was excellent. However, at one point in the show one of the choir members (an older gentleman) became ill and caused many concerned guests in the audience to focus much of their attention on the way the officials dealt with what could have been a very serious situation. Fortunately, he walked off the stage at the end of the show and through out the entire ordeal, the show was never interrupted.

The gentleman in question is the third from the left of the top row on the left side. Geena Davis is also at the podium in the center. The show was a hit even though daylight viewing isn't as good as seeing the show in the dark of the evening.

Moving on, we stopped by one of our favorite bands for a set...

"Off Kilter"

We warmed our hands in "Mouse Gear" and (almost) had some fun at "Little Buzz'" expense.

That's "Little" Buzz fleeing from "Big Buz" with the "glittering Ears."

We were sitting on the fence as to whether we should stay for "Illuminations, Reflections of Earth."

Well, with a coffee break and a tasty treat in Norway we held on to see the fireworks... and we were glad we did.

With the start of the "Candlelight Processional" kicking off Disney's Christmas season, Disney adds something special to "Illuminations, Reflections of Earth." With the grand finale they add on "Holiday Wishes" from all over the world as well as another grand finale to the pyrotechnic show. We felt like we were being "pounded into the ground" with the grand display. WOW!

A grand Christmas Tree says it all!

Before we knew it, it was time for another bike ride! The Van Fleet Trail was the venue. That wonderful, supremely flat bike path that makes you feel like you're peddling up-hill whether you are going or coming!

We dutifully lined up in the parking lot, which we filled!

First stop, what else but the restroom.

Sorry to say, I missed the best photo op of the day. I thought the Men's room is on the right, but Sandy walked out of the Men's room! Now you know that just had to make it into the Blog!
We also took note that Judy (of Jim and Judy) was not in attendance for our ride today. The story goes that
Judy had to take the day off per her training schedule. Judy is training for an upcoming marathon.  (Shhhhhhhh, I don't want to start any trouble but I think Judy is a "Closet Marathoner!")

Off we went. Our "Rocket Riders" put the "metal to the peddle" and took off. They were intent on breaking the ten mile limit of our bike rides. (Editor's Note: When we typically stop on this trail at the five mile mark, those who trek further on go out of site! They could tell us they went 15 or 20 miles and we wouldnt' be any the wiser!!! Hmmmmmm!)

We didn't observe much wildlife along the path, darn! Some butterflies, a turtle, Pete and Joan saw a dead Skink and a snake.

The non-venomous Yellow Rat Snake http://www.floridabackyardsnakes.com/YellowRat.html was getting warm on the black top. Our slithery friend is not run over. It looks all bent. It seemed to make that shape when we got close to it. This rather long Yellow Rat Snake earns his name as you can see by the above link.

We headed to Miller's Ale House for lunch where we could catch up with Larry and Judy who just set up camp.

I wonder if there's enough time between this Friday and my next shift on Wednesday to make a beer run to New Hampshire!

A Bike Ride and a little bit of Christmas

Nineteen of us headed out from Lake Magic to Fort Wilderness. Temps in the 60's had us all in "big boy" pants. Most of us were in our PTB Tees but you couldn't tell....

What a fine looking group!

Pete, our leader, set a comfortable pace. Just fast enough to get warm and just slow enough for most of us to get back into riding after a biking free summer.

Our first stop at the Trading Post was a stop Pete will remember. He fell while parking his bike and his metal wallet will leave a mark on his rear. He offered a "peek for a buck" but there were no takers!

Above, Pete  takes the lead after his tumble. He's OK and quick to take the helm.

We passed more than a few sites all decked out for Thanksgiving and (yes) Christmas. We can expect to see a major change in decor here at Fort Wilderness over the next couple of weeks.

One thing for sure, the Fort Wilderness Lodge is in the Christmas mood.

We took more than a few minutes taking in the main hall.

A cold boat ride and we were ready for the Wave...

Lunch was terrific! Much of the conversation at our table was about home buying here in FL. It seems there's more than a few "snowbirds" considering more permanent digs here in FL.

This'll give you an idea of the temperature...

 We hit the trail and as Joan says, "we're headed for the barn!" There was little conversation and a much more direct route to our cars.

About the cars, that's another story. Everyone set their bikes on their carriers and headed out. I needed to make a pit stop before I headed out. I took off my windbreaker and tossed it into the back seat of the car, locked the door and took care of business! My car keys were in the windbreaker! Duh!

Thinking I dropped the keys I back tracked my steps with no luck. Walking back I caught up to Steve. Luckily, he went to the ATM and he offered me a ride home to get our spare set of keys.

Well, there goes a nice afternoon.

Thanks to Steve, I was able to connect with Jack at Lake Magic who gladly drove me home and back to Fort Wilderness. At least I didn't loose my keys!

And a big THANK YOU goes out to Steve and Jack!

Yesterday Pat and I set out to find a sweater she was looking for at EPCOT. Along the way we passed this...

Yep, a Ginger Bread carousel! If you'd care to bake one for yourself here's the recipe...

Oh, there's 13 "hidden Mickey's" on the carousel!

Sorry to say Pat was unable to find the sweater she wanted. They're all sold out!

I'm working on Thanksgiving Day (grrrrrrrr). At least I know Pat will leave a light on for me...

now that Mickey's been fixed!

I guess I can cheer up. Thanksgiving Day I'll be working at "Phineas and Ferb and You".....

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.