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".....

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Another (missed) bike ride!

Jack's flight arrived early yesterday but we still missed the bike ride! But not the free Veteren's lunch at the Texas Roadhouse. Anyway, my spies kept me up to date with the goings on of the "Palm Tree Bikers."
They headed out to Celebration.

Hmmmmm, who's that big guy in the back? The one without his "colors!"

Let's have another look.....

Yep, that's him.... "Big" Buz! "Big" Buz and Judy are back and camped at Lake Magic Resort.

Welcome back Buz and Judy!

Their ride was uneventful but fun.

They took the obligatory rest and photo op.

Ray lost the key to his bike and everyone had to search for it!

The group split up for lunch but they all had a great time, and the weather was perfect.

On the way to pick up Jack at the airport something caught my eye.

Ever the camera at the ready I snapped this photo through the windshield. You may recall this landmark......

That evening, Buzz, Darlene, Jack, Pat and I headed out to see the fire works at EPCOT. We also dragged Jack to ride "Soarin'."

Tomorrow I begin training for a role as one of the "Our Town Facilitators" at DownTown Disney.

Anyone who works in DownTown Disney goes through a one day training and that's what the Facilitator does.

It's a position in addition to working at DisneyQuest. A facilitator trains the "newby's for a one day intro and tour to DownTown Disney.

Gotta go make the  magic!

"I'm back in the saddle again...."

"....back where a friend is a friend...." (Oops! Sorry, I get carried away. Hmmmm, who sang that song?)

Click here to find out.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqRL7nJB48

Well actually, I did get to "get back in the saddle again." The bicycle seat that is. Thanks to a leak in my front bike tire I just barely made it to our starting point on time. Never fear, the "Old" Boy Scout in me was "PREPARED."

With the air pump strapped to the bike carrier, I was ready to ride! And you can bet I took one shopping bag of grief about my air pump! "Gee, you need a red flag on that thing!" "Hey, I can pull out the plunger and get a tow!" "How many batteries does that thing take?"

I didn't care a hoot! I wasn't pushing that bike back to the car.

I just happened to notice Pete standing "kinda tall and proud" next to this awesome new Ford pick/up! (I've informed Bill (Bill and Angel) of your purchase Pete. You will be soundly "dressed down" when he and Angela come down in January. (It's a Chevy thing.)

Off we went. I just knew the truth would come out. I haven't been on a bike for nearly five months and I wasn't about to make it look like I'm attacking the trail. However, there were a few that did just that. I hunkered in at the rear, had some good conversation with Jim and eased on down the trail. But guess what, those of us being realistic caught up to those "jack rabbits" who bolted down the trail!

First stop (and where I took the most grief about my "air pump") at the half way point.

At least we looked great in our "blue Tees." Ah, wait a minute, who is this to the left of the photo!

I shall verbally chastise Gary and Judy later. (Joe and Jane you shall not be spared the wrath either!)

Several of our group arrive at the turn-around point to enjoy a resbit.

While some sought out information or to see the latest goodies in the bike store.

I have a good memory, but it's short! I made our reservation at the Winter Garden Pizza Company for 11:30. The hardy bikers had to cut their ride a tad short but I don't think anyone minded. Next time it'll be reservations at "high noon!"

Pete and I and Ray and Rose were the "tail-enders" for the return trip. Due to setting his seat lower for his grand kids, Pete was having some knee discomfort. Fortunately, the return ride was mostly downhill which gave us some coasting time.

I think at just about the same time, Pete and I caught sight of the new frozen yogurt ice cream store, "JoJo's" a block west of the Pizza Company. I found out after lunch several of the riders just had to sample the frozen yogurt. How was it Pete? My spies didn't rat out the others. (Thanks Joan.)

Everyone had a good ride and we're all "working out the kinks." Although, there is one person who is getting super fit! Judy (Jim and Judy) is on a multi-week training program to run a marathon around the new year.

Judy is regimented and working her daily routine faithfully. She's tracking all her physical exercise to not strain her legs so she turned back a t a certain point in our ride. I'll post more info on Judy's "quest" in our next blog or two. Way to go Judy! Good luck.

(Can you hear the theme music to "Rocky?")

Listen here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PtvLTZS4Ik

Next week we're back to Fort Wilderness. And, I won't be in attendance. I'll be picking up our fellow rider and good friend, Jack, at the airport at 9:30am. But, I'll try my best to drag him to our lunch... where ever you go.

Guess what else is back!

It's that time of year! Earl of Sandwich is now serving the "Holiday Turkey Sandwich!"

A complete Thanksgiving dinner pressed between two (delicious) pieces of  bread!

Here's what it looks like...

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Here's what it tastes like...

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Works for me!

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Here's the "Earl of Sandwich" ad on their website http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com/

Very interesting! Hmmmmmm, how'd they do this, photoshop or Circus mirrors?

From DownTown Disney we headed over to the Magic Kingdom so Pat can get her flu shot.

We traversed nearly the entire "tunnel" to find out where they were giving the shots. The walk in the tunnel was neat. The really fun part was taking an exit and not knowing where you'd come out. For those of you who remember your Traditions class, we entered the tunnel next to Uncle Tony's Restaurant. Walked clockwise just about half way around the tunnel ending up at the tunnel ramp where you are brought for lunch while attending your Traditions class. Walking clockwise from there we came out (Exit #9) in Fantasyland at "Winnie the Pooh.

We got out just before the parade and caught the "Dapper Dan's" for their last show before the parade.

I just love those chime things they play......

Oh, "Deagan Organ chimes!"

And no, I didn't know what they are called, I had to look them up!

Pat and I also got to vote early today.

 At first we intended to wait until the 6th, but given there were lots of people voting early our guess is that election day is going to be very busy.... and that's a good thing!

The PTB's are back... well at least some of them!

Last Monday a handful of the Palm Tree Bikers headed out to Fort Wilderness for the first 2012-13 season bike ride. Thanks to Judy we have a photo report of the days ride.

A total of seven riders left Lake Magic right on time. Pat and I along with Jim and Marti and Buzz and Darlene  caught up with Jim and Judy on 192. I'm not sure they saw us. We passed them and then they past us. They both had their eyes on the road. In spite of two of us hanging out the car pounding on their door they didn't even turn their heads! (You can tell they're used to driving among Floridian drivers!) Anyway, Jim and Judy were first to arrive and they were greeted by a sign that stated,  "Parking for registered and guests with lunch or dinner reservations only!!! Yikes!! What's that going to do to our riding at Fort Wilderness this year. We'll have to do some looking into this. I'm going directly to Mickey Mouse in the morning!

The ride was short. (Kinda like this report!) Truth be told, every one's butt was sore from not being in the saddle over the summer, the legs got weak and lunch was beckoning! However, no one dare give any clues that any of the above issues were bothersome. It just seemed at about the half way mark of the ride, everyone started looking around just waiting for the first person to suggest...... lunch! The decision was easy, they headed for Trails End. "Big D" was their waiter, who was excellent, and he tempted them with the "Big D" favorite, the pulled pork sandwich.

Everyone had a great time and they're looking forward to Celebration this week. Once again Pat and I and Buzz and Darlene have other plans we need to take care of. I know Jim will not be there, he's in training.

Thanks to Judy we have some great photos to show you..... (Oops, I forgot to add one of Judy's photos.
Better late than never.)

(Ahhhhhhh, that's better.)

You can guess what time of year it is!

The "pack rats" are back!

Hey, shut the door!

Rose! Over here!

Hey look, a Halloween "Smart Car!"

That's cool. A ship that sunk in the dirt!

This camper has three extension cords going to his neighbors sites!

This site looks like the corner site in the 100 section.

Smile!

Hey, what's with the "outsiders" in the other color shirts!

All in all they had a great time and want to "rub it in" to all of you still up north.

Kidding aside, we are all praying that "Sandy" will weaken and spare everyone in the Northeast from harm and damage.

By now you know Darlene and Buzz returned to their site and were greeted by Jim and Marti's handy work and Pat and I helped.

We covered nearly all of Buzz and Darlene's site pad but I'm sorry to say that the chalk was too light to see against the concrete. But they got the message!

Buzz, Darlene, Jim, Marti and Pat and I headed for the "New Fantasyland" tour.

This was a Cast Member exclusive tour and it was packed. Under the "Beast's Castle" (above) we took in an interactive show, "Enchanted Tales with Belle" hosted by "Lumiere" and "Belle."

This is fun for the little kids. Almost a dozen guests are picked for "roles" as they "act out" a story.

We only got to do a "walk through" of the "Be Our Guest" Restaurant. (Note: Some (either very lucky or connected) Cast Members were given vouchers for a free lunch. And, no we were not that lucky!

We got to see some really awesome new "animatronics" (sp) in "Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid."

I tell you the new "animatronics" are so life like!

"Gaston's" favorite "grog spot" "Gaston's Tavern.

We spent two hours in the New section and walked through the older section which has also undergone some rehab.

We ate at "Uncle Tony's" surrounded by so many beautiful pictures of "Lady and The Tramp."

We napped in the "Hall of the President's

And, tried to make it until "Wishes" but we all agreed it was just a bit too much and headed home.

In all it was a great day. We just can't wait until the "Seven Dwarfs Mine" water ride opens!

Pat and Darlene have been busy getting Darlene and Buzz' fifth wheel interior ready for the season, while Buzz tends to the outside of the camper.

We had a Halloween Party at DisneyQuest and I dressed up for the event.

I put on dungarees, a dress shirt and stuck a name tag on my shirt that said,

H"i! I'm Jim's Dad!"

If you don't know who "Jim's Dad" is I can't help you. That's Meredith on my left. She and another CP (Wil) gave me the idea for the get-up. Wil (and a few others) couldn't get over how much I looked like Jim's Dad ( Eugene Levy below) in the movie "American Pie."

Oh well, I got a few laughs and didn't have to do a whole lot!

I'll leave you with the winners of the Party's "Best Costume".......

(Did you notice the picture with just Darlene's hair and face in it?)