So, we got here

[fbhjr]

Right on time, a mere 36 hours before Delta told us was possible, we took off to Florida.
We took off over Troy, NY one of my ancestral homelands.


We flew right over NYC and there is no doubt there was a lot of snow on the ground.


Although I did not consider it bumpy, the captain id and we spent the whole flight with the seatbelt light on. After my morning soda, I have to admit I had to violate Federal law and get up when the light told me not to. In my defense, I was not the first of last to do so.
We spent most of the flight out over the ocean with little to look at but clouds. However, in a couple of short hours, the Florida coast appeared.


I’m told Manattees come in close when it’s cold. So, maybe they’re down there I can’t see them, but feel free to look yourself.


When the Orlando airport came into view, I really began to hope we’d make it.

Up until that part I had kept saying “we’re doing out best” to myself.

From the cars and vans we rent for Phoenix Swords I am a “preferred customer” for Avis. This has never benefitted me as much as here where I could skip the very long line of folks coming to see the mouse, go to the garage and have them hand me a key.

Once in the car I had an experience I have never had before in the 20 years I’ve been driving.
I had to move the seat forward.


Of course, then it was dealing with the road out of the airport which has 2 tolls in 5 miles.

I’m told it is because even though we don’t the road goes to Disney...

Soon we were away from the land of the Mouse and into the land near where my cousin mariness lives.


She was doing her “princess in a tower” impersonation when we got there.


She lives on the shore of a large lake. She had often spoken of living near a lake. I’m used to many smaller Florida lakes, not one quite so large.


We headed off to the center of the town she lives in for lunch.


It is a very nice old southern town that still has the brick roads at the center of town.

Seriously, the brick roads are there due to Kermit the Frog. They wanted to film a movie about where he grew up in the swamp and restored this town for it.

We had lunch at a very nice sandwich shop that had a wonderful desert option. I had the raspberry crepes for desert. But, when they were delivered, I found they were kripets. They still tasted good.

Then we set off to see some of the nature about the place.


It has a nice raised boardwalk through the swamp. I personally enjoy not walking in the mud on trails alligators use to get around.


We did see several birds and lots of plants.


At the edge of the lake we played “spot the gator”.


It was a nice walk that let us see more than theme parks, stores and parking lots.


Finally, for dinner, we went to a Christmas Thai restaurant across the street from Sea World.


The food was very good, the service very fast and the decorations very colorful.

I was left wondering about the place next to where we ate. A sushi place across the street from Sea World?
Is that what happens to fish that don’t get tourist approval?

After returning my cousin to her place, my wife and I came back to the very nice hotel my friend Al gave us as a present.
As soon as I opened my computer, someone else on the hotel network tried to hack into it.
So, I’m not sure how much we’ll be on while we’re here....

Comments

[gypsykate1890.livejournal.com]

Wonderful pictures! Hope you enjoy your trip!

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

HOORAY!

Glad things are going well so far!

Nice picture of the Osprey :D