The Long, Straight and Narrow, and who was that rider?

Hi Blog Friends,
Finally, back in the saddle again! Our leader, Ray said "go west young man" and so we did, to the "Van Fleet Trail." The Van Fleet is an old R.R. bed, straight and flat! It stretches from Polk City to Groveland (FL) for nearly thirty miles. The Van Fleet is a haven for wild life and that's one of the reasons we're tempted to ride this trail from time to time. The trail "fools" the rider into thinking this is a piece of cake when in reality, it's so flat that riding out AND back means you need to pedal every foot of the trail. No coasting here!

The PTB's unload at (roughly) the mid point of the trail and immediately head for the close by "comfort station!

We pay silent homage to the one and only "pit stop" before heading north on the trail. (At our age we take measures to assure a comfortable and relaxed ride!)

Last minute checks and we hit the pavement.

Along the way our highly trained scouts keep a keen eye out for any "signs of life."

Yours truly noticed the group held up just ahead and pointing to the trees. Knowing that I have "keen eyes," they began to quietly try to tell me to check out the magnificent hawk perched in a tree just yards from our trail. When I couldn't find the bird of prey, they began to yell trying to get me to see this creature. Just at the time I caught sight of the hawk he launched into full flight. He landed on another tree and appeared to be nearly two feet tall when perched and too far for a photo... besides my camera was still in it's case!

I had to settle for the eviscerated hulk of a hornets tree nest,  a few birds, turtle holes (that no one was willing to stick their hand in) and a lonely armadillo!

And that led me back to the "animals" of the "two-legged" kind!

We peddled out just over six miles and given the sunny morning, began to remove our warmer outer gear. Notice the classy PTB Tee-shirts! I didn't dare take off my sweater for fear I'd be "run out" by the members because I forgot my club Tee-shirt!

Our return trek is just like the first half of the ride... peddle, peddle, peddle! Except we noticed that Larry wanted to be the "tailender." He said he wanted to take in the scenery, hmmmmmm! Me thinks Larry had an ulterior motive for "hanging back!" (Too much water Larry?)

Just before heading back to the parking lot, Bobbi "picked up" an interesting "hitchhiker." This pesky honey bee felt right at home on Bobbi's shoulder. Except that, the longer he lingered, the less Bobbi liked him being there. Bill came to the rescue and dispatched the bee with a nearby four foot by six inch log! (Boy, she is one tough lady! What a whack!) Bobbi is just fine but her bright and clean PTB Tee-shirt needs some "rehab!"

We had a real "Close Encounter of the Strange Kind" on this ride. During the six mile trek back we lost track of Jack and never really noticed he wasn't in our group. Suddenly, we caught a glimpse of a "speed rider" heading for our group. In a flash, we made way to the trail sides to let this speed demon through. I just happened to pull out my camera and snap a photo of (none other than) Jack! Spandex, and all! Head down and feelin' the need for speed! An eerie hush came over our usually boisterous group as we couldn't believe our eyes! Is this possible? Jack is a "closet speed junkie!"

When the dust settled and we caught up with Jack in the parking lot Jack had already secured his speed racer and doned his PTB riding ensemble. We were all so startled we just looked at each other and said... hmmmm, let's go eat!

Thinking we were seeing things due to salt deprivation, our normally "sedate" group couldn't get enough salt from the peanuts at the "Santa Fe" restaurant. We were still reeling from our "Jack sighting" and we literally emptied the peanut barrel. Judging from the two inch layer of peanut shells on the floor we were still in shock by our "Jack" sighting!

I'll tell you the "Rest of the Story" about "Jack" in our next blog!

Dismantaling Pleasure Island and Bike Rides... sorta!

Downtown Disney is loosing some of its history. The night club section referred to as "Pleasure Island" is undergoing a major overhaul. In time the "Hyperion Wharf" will begin to take shape once the dust settles down of what's left of the night club section of the Downtown area. "Hyperion Wharf" (named after the street Wald Disney built his art studio on) will brighten and delight visitors with a theme of "lights" and bustling new restaurants with a couple of night clubs thrown in.
Before we see it reduced to rubble, I wanted to take a few pictures of "what used to be."

The construction barriers are in place.

Ah the history!

...and what we didn't get to experience, The "Adventurers Club!"

The now silent DJ studio.

...and the not so loud "SoundStage Club!"

But, time and tide wait for no one and rain doesn't make for a fun bike ride either!

But hey, a little rain ain't gonna stop us! But a lot of rain might! We were dumped on but never fear, we are a hearty bunch. We donned our rain gear, rubber boots and headed for............ LUNCH!

Larry, sporting his PTB Tee-shirt established the seating chart for lunch!

While Pete wanted one last look at the back of Ray's head. You see, normally, Ray leads and Pete follows Ray. Seeing that Pete has taken up the leader responsibilities he kinda misses his usual "scenery!"

Meanwhile, the other end of the table was having fun taking all this in!

It was time for another "Get-Together!" We met at Dave and Pat's for the 2nd "Off-Trail Social!"

(I guess the "Pit Stop" title sounded too much like our (bathroom) stop on our bike rides!)

The group was eager to catch up on each other. They all came in, found a seat, and got-down-to-socializing!

See all those empty seats? (They're all out getting their grub!)

They just can't stop planning! Here, Judy and Peggy are reviewing the topographical area map for our next ride. I tell ya, these riders are a serious lot!

We had a great time and are looking forward to our next outing... both on bikes or socializing!

One last thing to show you.

One of the mainstays of Downtown Disney is the "Lego" store. "Lego" has plans to double their store size and change their long time Lego character displays to Disney themed Lego characters. But, they're going to have to move to do it, and here is their "temporary" home......

Yep, a tent, and it may be "Lego's" home for more than a year while their new "home" is being built!

Tide and time (and Disney) wait for no one!

The "Thin Blue Line!"

Pat and I had some business to take care of and had to forgo our Monday bike ride at Celebration but we were there in spirit.

Just because we were busy doesn't mean I don't have an "Undercover Ghost Reporter" ready and willing to "keep tabs" on our highly spirited biker group!

I hear twenty-five eager "Palm Tree Bikers" decked out in their "blues" (tee shirts) gave new meaning to the
"thin blue line!" Their colorful presence was something to witness. I hear Larry gave the call to ride, NO SHIRT, NO RIDE!" The two riders who dared ride without "colors" were politely chastised but welcomed to the group.

Pete took the helm and masterfully guided our riders through the streets of Celebration (albeit with an oft repeated call... "where the h*** am I!")

We had several new members along with a few returning members join the ride. Bobbi and Dave, Bill and Angela recently arrived for the winter and rejoined our group. Gregg, Peggy and Linda also joined our group.

Ray thought he'd be cute and try out his new "wheels"...

Ray was an instant "superstar!" Although I can understand why Pete wouldn't let him lead!

Bill and Angela (like many of us) didn't do a whole lot of bike riding while up north so they thought it best to

"ease" into the ride with a unique "pedmobile"...

Everyone got a bit "testy" each time they passed a fellow rider and took a "pot shot" at them!

Bobbi's first time out turned out to be somewhat frustrating. Early on one of her tires went flat and her gear shifter "froze." Never fear, "Super Mechanic" to the rescue. Ever gallant, Larry exchanged bikes with Bobbi and "limped" to the hospital stop. As gallant an effort he made for Bobbi, along the trek to the hospital stop, you could hear Larry lament... "my legs are burning!" With Larry "howling" in the back ground, Bobbi felt great and enjoyed the ride. Bobbi's husband Dave came along and picked up Bobbi and her bike at the hospital stop to meet up after the ride with the rest of the group... where else but the "Town Tavern!"

Along the route the riders are ever vigilant for any wildlife we may get to observe. Today's ride was no exception. Three gators, a few blue Herons and Egrets. But the most interesting report is of the large coiled snake at the edge of a sidewalk!

I think I actually saw this snake on a past ride. (It's a lawn ornament!) It looks so real. It looks like a "Pygmy Rattle Snake" ready to strike. I can't imagine why any homeowner would put that at the edge of their walkway into their house!

The "long blue line" slinkied their ten miles to lunch but not before they were rained on, UGH!

A special THANK YOU goes out to our "Ghost Writer" so we can keep our blog going!

On the road again!

Our Monday bike ride a week ago was passed over due to even colder temps. So, we did the next best thing... we headed for the Market Street Cafe in Celebration for lunch! This time Larry and Judy joined us as they returned to "sunny" FL. Their new fifth wheel camper was set on their site and the lucky duo got to set it all up without the hassle of driving it down from up North. Larry spent "hours" levelling and tweaking the unit to his liking. Together, Judy and Larry worked over their new "digs" until it was "home sweet home!"
They also brought along some mighty fine "tee-shirts" that our Biker group members were waiting for with "baited breath"...

Like kids at Christmas, each of us in turn eyed our new club Tee's with pride and enthusiasm, we are finally, "Official!"

And that brings us to today. Most of us dawned our new "colors" and gathered for our bike ride in the "Loops" of Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground.

 

Twenty-one of us lined up (oops, comfort break first) to head out on our ten mile jaunt.

Our leader Pete, outdid himself as he stealthfully guided us through some "uncharted" loop terrain. As always we took in some exquisite campers and creative sites along our non-traditional route.

We were so glamorous in our new "Colors," albeit our sweaters and jackets hid our "solidarity." Two of our members fostered a bit of a "coup" by wearing their "Fort Wilderness" Tees. Judy and Joan proudly proclaimed their independence in a defiant display of their loyalty to the campground. (Noted: they were rubbing it in that you can no longer purchase "Fort Wilderness" Tees!)

We quickly and quietly (but politely) ignored their claim and pressed on!

Our noon time reservation at The Wave was waiting. Our last couple of miles took us down the long stretch leading to the Fort Wilderness Lodge. The stretch became a "pedal" race as our (normally) "tail enders" blasted by us and the pace quickened. Withing minutes we stopped at the Lodge, made a hasty return and made our way to the beach and our boat ride to The Wave!

Except for the couple next to Ray, we "commandeered" the boat for our journey to The Wave!

See, time, tide and lunch waits for no man... or woman!

The Wave and it's staff have become a truly welcome stop for the "Palm Tree Bikers."

Our gracious and super personality Hostess, Betty always makes our day!

....and, I thought she liked me better! It's not just Betty who makes us feel at home at The Wave. For the past two years, The Wave Staff have all come to know us and actually look forward to our visits, and so do we!

As I understand it, Larry had some issues with his Reuben. It seems he couldn't contain himself and made like a "Viking" and devoured his sandwich leaving nary a crumb on his plate. Alex, his waiter, gave him a smile and thanked Larry for "cleaning" his plate!

The great day, meal, our ride, our Tee-Shirts and everyone at The Wave made for one terrific day for the riders of the "Palm Tree Bikers!"

But, today we went one better...

...we all got in the picture!

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!