The Van Fleet, other stuff and even Lilly!

The Palm Tree Bikers headed out to the Van Fleet Trail this past Monday and I'm sure those riding had a great time. As you know, I'm not really fond of the Van Fleet Trail for various reasons but those who like to ride it have many reasons why they like it. You really can get a good ride for speed, it's 29.2 miles long and straight as an arrow. It's possible to "meet and greet" a good variety of Florida wildlife. Or, you can take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet the rural area affords a rider. If there were more open areas to see the wildlife, I'd be on it much more often.

Here's a couple of photos thanks to Google Earth that will give you an idea of just how straight the trail is....

We start out at the parking lot pictured below and head north on the trail for roughly 5 miles. Some riders zip along further north trying to log more miles.

You can ride north into the town of Groveland, FL or south to the town of Polk City.

The actual trail (in the photo below) is the faint line parallel and next to the imposed yellow line in. The yellow line is exactly five miles long. It starts at the parking lot at the bottom of the photo and heads north. As you can see if your looking to make a speed run on your bicycle, this is the trail for you. The more I zoom out in Google Earth the less you can see of the faint straight line that is the Van Fleet Trail. Trust me the rest of the trail is just like it looks in this photo.

 

In other news...

Several of us headed to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to dine and enjoy the latest fireworks offering from Disney,

"Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular"

 

But first, Darlene, Bill and Angela and Pat and yours truly

were on a quest for German food!

We parked at Hollywood Studios and took a Friendship boat to EPCOT to dine at the fun filled (but loud) Beer Garden. This is our second visit to the Beer Garden and had even more fun this time because we knew what to expect. At the same time we were much more tuned into the large selection of German cooking so we knew just what we wanted to sample (more of ) this time around.

...and the band played on!

Great show! Just couldn't hear anyone at the table talk!

 

 Sometimes, when I take out my camera some people get "camera shy" really fast. At least Darlene and Bill didn't mind. Actually, to be honest, Pat and Angela didn't know I took the picture. (The other three folks at our table were from CA and I really didn't want their picture anyway.)

 We tasted the desserts more than we needed to!

 

Then, it was time for another 45minute boat ride back to Hollywood Studios for the much anticipated

Star Wars fireworks.

Naturally, we got there early. We managed to set ourselves in the center of the viewing area on Hollywood Boulevard.

Perfect!

Now we get to listen to the DJ play some really loud music as folks try to crowd in front of us. 

Pat and Angela stood guard in front of Darlene to keep all the "giants" from standing in front of her.

Believe me, they did a great job. Darlene had nearly 10' in front of her clear.

Finally! It was 8:00 p.m. on the dot. the DJ shut down and a female voice came on the loud speakers. We could feel the crowd anticipating what is soon to fill the night sky.

In a mechanical tone, the voice said, "This evenings program,

"Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular"

is cancelled due to technical difficulties."

SHE SAID WHAT?!?!

The crowd began mumbling but no one was moving. Then the DJ returned to the mike and confirmed, in fact the evening's fireworks are cancelled.

The crowd did a collective moan and slowly dispersed.

AARRRRRRGGGGGG!

 

We have another wood carving to talk about.

You can see more of "JJ's Wild Ride" on our Wood Carving Blog

Here's a quick look at it...

 

All right! Her tail's wagging and she's jumping up into my seat.

Lilly would like to add something....

 

Hi everyone!

I'm doing fine thank you. Just wanted to let you know Winston is fine as well.

I managed to take his plushy toy heart and rough it up while he wasn't looking.

We've been doing lots of long walks and between Winston and I, we keep Dave and Pat really busy picking up after us (if you know what I mean). Actually, Winston keeps them busier than me. He's older. There's only one problem being around Winston, I don't like it when Dave or Pat play with Winston! This is MY house and I'm their doggie! I have to "get in his face" and give him a piece of my mind!

I don't mind when Winston plays with my toys... but not with my owners! We have the most fun with each other's food bowl. He has an advantage over me, he has a huge mouth compared to mine. I'm lucky to munch one of his nuggets by the time he's emptied my bowl! I get back at him though, Pat and Dave sometimes give me a treat that he doesn't know about.

 

Other than that, I'm having lots of fun showing Winston around the streets and sharing all the smells as we walk. I guess if he can put up with me, he's an OK guy! I've had a hard week. I went to the groomers yesterday and I got this thing in my hair. What is this thing? Although, I do like my new hair cut and I smell really great! I love it! Everyone wants to pick me up and let me sit on their lap. 

 I guess I'm ready for my nap! See you Later!

 

 

Thanks Lilly!

Now you know what's been happening this past week.

There's something very special happening the weekend of February 18 for the illustrious "Team Printy!"

The Princess Marathon is taking place and once again "Team Printy" will be but a few of the thousands of runners to make their way around Disney World. We wish them and their Coach, lead cheerleader, moral supporter and Dad, Jim all the best wishes we can muster.

GOOD LUCK "TEAM PRINTY!"

They say runners always look so young!