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Friday, January 22, 2016

Catching Up on a Rainy Day in Florida

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We arrived at the "happy place", Walt Disney World for a three week stay. With all the parks to visit and sites to see, we haven't "checked in" with you for a while. Rain moved in today ... and Doug declared this to be a "coffee and pj" morning, so while he does the dishes, I will get you caught up on RVentures.




We made it back to Florida and celebrated the New Year in Panama City with wonderful friends. Once again we were surrounded by horses, oranges, greenery, and slightly warmer temps.  I love that the Christmas poinsettias are still blooming outside! We enjoyed seeing the equestrian skills of Lindsey and Stacy with their pals, Panda and Yogi.



The temps dipped into the 40s, so the winter coat came in handy ... yes, you can say it ... wimps! I decided that in January, it is still better to shovel horse droppings than snow!


The Wildebeest did enjoy his rest on the "farm", but it was time to explore southern Florida. After a small delay due to the front suspension not wanting to air up until it warmed up a bit first, we hit the road. First stop ... Ocala. Doug decided to get our generator fixed at the Cummins dealer located about 10 miles from his parents (Cummins in Ocala - very nice place to get your Cummins engine or Onan generator serviced), and we got to enjoy a relaxing visit with family. 

Loved that our daily walks are surrounded by so much blooming beauty such as Christmas cactus and red roses.



We took a day trip to Homosassa Spring State Park where we met another RV full time couple who we got to know in Little Rock. Love it that our travel paths meet once again!


Homosassa Spring State Park is an "assisted living" park for injured Florida wild life. It was wonderful to see flamingos, alligators, manatees, eagles and "Lu", the resident hippo, up close. 



 Now hippos are not technically Florida natives, but Lu was here when the state of Florida took over the area that was previously a zoo. At 56 years old, Lu seems to be enjoying her Florida retirement as much as we are!




We were also able to meet up with some "long distance" amigos. Doug's college roommate, Luis was visiting from Columbia, South America, and we were thrilled to be able to meet up with him and his friend. The visit also prompted me to start working on one of my retirement "bucket list" items ... learn Spanish. Using the app "Duolingo", Doug and I are working toward our goal in a fun and easy way. My incentive to keep at it ... a future visit to Columbia. I think that our fans would like to read the "RVentures International" version!



Generator fixed and the Wildebeest restocked with food ... time to begin RVentures "where dreams come true" ... Walt Disney World.



Someone once asked me how we "vacation" when we are always on "vacation". I can now say that we check into Fort Wilderness Campground, activate our Disney passes, and see all there is to see! As Florida residents, we are able to get a year long select seasonal pass for $275. The pass is only good Monday through Friday, and not valid during the busy times of Christmas, spring break and summer. Since we will be here three weeks, we figure that the fifteen days of Disney magic will be more than enough.


Nestled among the tall pines and tropical palms, we have the luxury of being close to Disney transportation to the parks, yet able to retreat to our quiet home after a crowd-packed day at the parks. Can hardly see the Wildebeest in there, but I am glad that its distinctive color makes it easy to find through the forest. 


Dopey seems to enjoy "hanging out" at the Disney campground and happy to reconnect with the other dwarfs and Snow White. There is no lack of Disney mascots in the campground. Other campers bring their Disney inflatables and lights, and the nightly campfire features a sing-a-long with Chip n Dale. 

 
So far we have been at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios numerous times. Love taking in the parks "in small doses" and finding new attractions each time. Lots to take in ... hope to be able to share some of the "magic moments" with you in future posts.


Until next time ... spend time with your special buddies ... and enjoy the adventures in your life.

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