The "gangs" here... well, at least some of them!

Seven of us headed to Fort Wilderness for our Monday ride. We ended up just a mile or two shy of our typical ten mile ride. It turned out that Jim and Judy found out what happens when you offer "full availability" to the Disney Schedulers! They were scheduled five consecutive days for the next couple of weeks... or until they change their availability!

None of us minded their leaving early and gave us all an excuse to "bow out" of a longer ride due to being out of shape.

Reluctantly, Pete assumed the lead and did an admirable job. He tried in vain to take us by all the Halloween decorated sites only to notice just a few sites worthy of our attention. So... we took the hint from the "ghostly travelers" below and moved on.

 

The below corner site was the one site with any extensive decorations.

 

Our boat ride to the Wave was complimented by a most cordial female boat Captain.

 

Ahhh, it sure felt like old times!

Pat also joined us for lunch.

Betty, Mel, Brian and other Wave wait staff welcomed each of us with open arms and are eagerly expecting our full entourage to return so things can get back to normal.

Yes, most of us selected the Reuben!

 

 

A day or so later (Little) Buzz and Darlene (and Winston) arrived at Encore and set-up camp.

Slowly but surely, our group is returning and our next ride is much anticipated.

Ahhh, a little ride... a little pain!

Our group was small but big in spirit! Representing the proud "Palm Tree Bikers," Jack, Steve and Dave headed out this morning to give the 2013-14 biking season a rousing "first day" bike ride.
As you might expect we drove 192 east in traffic and made our way to Celebration.

We were all just a bit tentative being that we eased out of our biking routine sometime last Spring.

But, we were ready and eager for the task.

 

Yours truly opted to lead for this ride. As they say, "it's lonely at the top!"

I thought everyone would be "drafting" me with the help of my blistering pace! To tell the truth, I think they just wanted to "ease on down the road!"

 

Things have begun to change in a big way here in the "Four Corners" area along 192. Many of you will be quite surprised by the building and ground clearing taking place between Encore Lake Magic and Celebration when you return.

 

Here's some of what you can see when you return....

Remember the hospital building construction last year? Well, here it is....

 

Remember the residential construction along Celebration Blvd.?..

 

Urban sprawl!!!

 

At least more than a few "locals" are still hanging around....

 

Speaking of people escaping winter's grasp, here's a surprise for ya....

Above is Jim (in their red car), Judy, Joan and Pete arriving for lunch at the TownTavern!

Welcome back one and all.

Jim and Judy just drove in this morning and just a couple of hours later Pete and Joan hopped off their vehicle transport train and dropped in rested and ready to go. (Jim said he was well rested as well. He only had to carry a tiny suitcase for the trip south!)

Jim and Judy had their camper moved on site and will have it ready for the new season in no time.

All Pete and Joan had to do to their camper is open the door and set the awning!

 

It's official! The "Snowbirds" are coming home to roost!

 

 

 

 

They're Back!

Hi Everyone,
Yep, It's October and the chill air of the Fall is working its magic. People are beginning to head south! Last week "Just" Jack returned to his hibernating truck and camper. Steve just pulled in yesterday. Larry and Carol have been here for a few days as well. And, tomorrow, three "Palm Tree Bikers" (Jack, Steve and Dave) will head for Celebration to kick off the 2013-14 season.

Here's a heads up for travelers heading to the "Four Corners" area. 192 will undergo road construction beginning 10/21/13. We're not sure what they are doing to the highway. It could be they are widening the roadway.

We know the next two weeks will be busy with "Snowbird" traffic from the North, East and West.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable journey south. See you soon!

Dave and Pat