A Ride to the Trail's End!

Our usual Monday bike ride started out damp and cloudy. Heading out from Lake Magic, the 23 riders set their hopes that the gloomy, dampness would leave us for a dryer and enjoyable ride through the "loopes." As luck would have it, a brisque wind greeted us at Fort Wilderness and helped "blow" out the dampness leaving us with a welcome cool beginning of our ride.

 

We gathered at the parking lot and began to organize ourselves to taking care of any "pit stops" and greetings to newly returned fellow riders. We welcomed Kathy and Duaine back to our group. They look great and were eager to get back into the "Snowbird" routine.

 Some getting to know who's who was in order.

 Hmmm, let's see, where did I leave my bike?

As usual we first establish our riding groups.

 

First, the "Easy Riders." They quietly gathered near Judy and waited patiently for the Fast Group to round up. (Note: we now call the Fast Group the (not so PC) "Mainiacs!"

 

Our leader, Pete the "compass" of our group, boldly and proudly headed his bike toward the trail and one by one we followed.

 

He started out crossing the street and onto the curving sidewalk to bring us by the Fort Wilderness Bus terminal.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, here's one for the "Palm Tree Biker" record books!!

 

Caught BIG TIME!

 

 

Pete, lead us directly into the dead end at the horse stables! His moment of shock is caught on camera.



 

It would be a great deal funnier if those of us following him caught his faux pax. You see, like Lemmings, we dutifully followed Pete... one by one to be "fence locked" into as embarrising momment as the "Easy Riders" gleefully voiced their comments as they peddled by. 

Humbly, one by one we turned our bikes around and regrouped.

 It goes without saying that the loops were dutifully decked out in Christmas decorations.

Blow-up decorations were the order of the season.

 

Our "pit stop" at the Wilderness Lodge at Christmas time is a must to check out the beautiful Christmas Tree.



We had time to take in the decorations.

 

 The weather cooperated and we made on time for our reservation at the "Trail's End."

Lunch time is a perfect time to enjoy a meal at the "Trail's End," we were basically the only group of people there.

 

 

We all managed to sit as a group. 

 

The "Trail's End" lunch menu selection is not extensive but the offerings were all good proportions and very tasty.

 

Everyone made it back to their cars with ease and had a terrific bike ride logging just over 10 miles.

On the way out, I took this photo of just one campers decorated site. We noticed dozens more loaded to the hilt just like this one!

 

Thought you might like a "peddle" through "memory lane".......

That was fun! We'll have to do it again next time!

 

 

 

Back at the keyboard...at last!

I had to dust off the keyboard! Can't say I've been all that busy, in truth I just got lazy. Now, I get to play catch-up... and you, my "Blog Friends," better get a glass of your favorite beverage.

Way back in October four lonely Palm Tree Bikers kicked off the '15-'16 biking season at Celebration. Jack, Steve, Jim and I logged over 11miles in the heat. It felt great to be getting back into the routine.

 

Our cousin, Angela and her husband Bob visited and they needed a park fix. We took a tour of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and then headed to the Animal Kingdom Park.

We enjoyed some of the "locals."

I get a kick out of the Fruit bats with dog like heads.

 

This Tiger had to be the "best of show!"

Nope, they're not co-joined twins!

 

 

The "Dapper Dans" put on a great show.

 

It's easy to like the Castle covered in "ice."



I passed this tall quiet man several times while walking our dogs. He struck me as a gentle, soft spoken man who offered lilly a treat. I'd politely turn them down and after the third time we met he remembered we don't give Lilly too many treats. He thought and asked if I'd like to give his dog the treat. Then, one day while reading the Community Newsletter, there was an article about one very brave and one of the most shot-up soldiers in the VietNam war. His story was captivating. At one point he was left behind by his helicopter pilot during a rescue. He had to take cover in the brush as the Viet Cong walked beside him. Once the pilot realized he wasn't on board he headed back, cleared the area and picked him up. After reading the article, I noticed a photo of this man and his wife. it was none other than the soft-spoken gentleman I'd pass while walking our dogs. Colonel Howard Buzz Randall was the guest speaker at the monthly Men's Club meeting. I'm so glad I got to talk to him and listen to his story.

To top off my night a gentleman 94 years old sat next to me at the dinner. Each November is Veteran's month for the Men's Club and the meeting is dedicated to the Veterans. As we introduced ourselves, one of the men asked the elderly gentleman next to me (who happened to be black) what branch he was in. No sooner did Dan reply, "the Air Force" the questioner responded with, "you'r a Tuckegee Pilot!" http://tuskegeeairmen.org/ What a night. I sat next to and listened to two incredible American hero's.

 

Over Thanksgiving our Greatniece Ashley visited with us... and time wasn't about to stand still!

 

Angela and Bob and Darlene and Buzz joined us for Thanksgiving. What a great day.

 

Just because dinner took the better part of the day it doesn't mean Ashley takes a break!

Below she demonstrates a few of her Hula Hoop skills.

 

Ashley was determined to hike Juniper Springs National Park. We planned to head to Juniper Springs on Saturday. However, I mentioned that we have our very own Lake Louisa State Park just down the road from us...! Well, we had to do that hike as well.

Lake Louisa State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/lake-louisa

It was neat to see all the cactus growing wild in the park.

Ashley couldn't get enough of the Floridian forest growth.

Ashley is in her element, the great outdoors.

Sorry to say we never did see much in the way of the wildlife.

A bat house.

This is it! The only critter we saw, and he wasn't in any hurry either.

Ah the growth to explore.

Lake Louisa and its "dark water."

...and it's pretty big! Looking west.

Looking North.

Looking east.

 OK that's enough walking!

 

Hey, there's still some daylight... let's go to EPCOT!

Ashley, Pat and I and Darlene and Buzz squeezed into the Rav4 and off we went.



Let's sample some beer!

It just happened to be the time for the "Candelight Processional."

We hugged the back of the theater and managed to see the entire show pretty well. It was packed.

To top it off Gary Sinise was the guest speaker. What a treat. (Sorry his face is bleached out by the lights but it's him.)

As we left the theater another show began in Morroco. Their set was one song and lots of dancing. It turned out to be really entertaining.

 

 

As we made our way "around the world," we happened upon another show....

The British Revolution! I believe they have two new members and I think they were even better than before.

We closed our "World" visit in fine fashion with the help of the Christmas (extra) fireworks show!

 

At last, Ashley had heard about Juniper Springs from a friend up north and she was on a mission to see what this park has to offer. http://www.juniper-springs.com/

The hiking trails are very short (just over a mile) however there was lots to see (except wildlife, grrrr). The Creek was crystal clear and cold.

It was great walking on an elevated boardwalk. The vegatation was thick and what you'd expect in the south.

It's difficult to see, but the photo below is of what they call "bubblers." In the center of the photo you can make out the sand turbulance caused by deep springs bubbling up to the surface.

Aha, wildlife!

...and more!

Ashley just couldn't resist a dip in the spring fed pool of the Juniper Springs Recreation Area.

Yep, it was cold!

 

 At last, I get to ride with the group! Before we can go anywhere we have to resolve the most pressing issue... where do we want to eat!

Most riders opted for the Columbian Restaurant while seven "loyalists" wanted to go to the Town Tavern.

 

We make last minute decisions.

Then it's rendevous at the sidewalk just at the edge of the center of town.

While waiting for everyone to gather we get to say hi to those new and just returning.

 

We make it to our first "pit stop" and Joan asked a simple question, "Can someone adjust my seat a little higher?" Well, it started out simply enough with just husband Pete maning the task.

Then, came the suggestions sprinkled in with a little guidance.

...then a couple more hands....

...then a little more help...

...and finally, Joan can sit a little taller in her seat!

 

 

Time to plan our lunch! Jim offered plans for next weeks ride at Fort Wilderness. As we're entering Disney World's busiest time we need to make reservations at Trail's End or we may not even be allowed in the campground. 

With all our plans and questions satisfied we break into our two groups. First the "Fast Group" headed out.

 

Then, the (renamed slow group) "Easy Riders" (to be a bit more PC) headed out. Interestingly, the "Easy Riders" were only minutes behind the "Fast Group) at the end of the ride. The "Fast Group" rode just over 11 miles. The "Easy Riders" rode just over 9 miles. 

 

We had a young deer check us out at one of the turns on the boardwalk but unfortunately it got away from my camera!

 

 

 

 

So, I'll take the liberty to "ad-lib!"