• Old Town Kissimmee

    May 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    After a restful afternoon we got ourselves ready to go and see the Vintage Car Rally in Old Town Kissimmee, a good description would be Blackpool on speed.

    After parking the car we walked through the display of vintage cars parked up along side the Funfair. Rides included a Big Wheel, Go Karting on a track similar to a roller-coaster, and a Backwards Bungie where people are hoisted up into the air between two large towers and then released to swing backwards and forwards in the air.

    We walked around the town and waited for the parade of the cars through the small roads, the smell of diesel was horrendous, no catalytic converters here.

    To round off the night we had a beer in a bar and a burger and hot dog in a traditional diner.

    Back home through traffic as bad as the M25 at rush hour and this was about 10pm on a Saturday night,, still we have packing to do for our next adventure.
    Read more

  • Mayfair By The Lake

    May 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    During the night we had a terrific thunder storm. I was woken by rain hammering on the window closely followed by a bolt of lightning and a very loud clap of thunder. No sooner had the rain started it stopped just as if someone had turned the tap off but the lightening continued for a while. Fiona and I were watching it in the living room for a while.

    After breakfast we went to The Mayfair By The Lake in Lakekand. Celebrating its 50th year this year it is a huge Craft Fair situated around the lake.

    Small gazebos were set up selling all sorts of crafts including Ceramics, Jewellery, Art, Sculptures and much more.

    On our walk around the lake we were surprised by how many different sorts of wildlife there was.

    On the way back to the car we bought some freshly made Lemonade.

    The little town where this was held seems like a traditional American small town and had some really nice houses.
    Read more

  • A Day At Leisure

    May 6, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After a lie in and a trip to Walmart to stock up on supplies the remainder of the day was spent at rest.

    Martin and Mark tried out the pool again Fiona caught up with some Guide work and I just chillaxed.

    We sat outside in the evening with a glass of something by the pool.
    Read more

  • Epcot part 8, the final chapter.

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    To say the Firework display was great would be an understatement, it was Fantastic.

    There were fireworks, laser displays and music, it lasted at least 30 minutes and could be seen from anywhere around the lake.

    After it finished there was a mass exodus for the exits, not looking forward to this but it went a lot more smoothly than expected, I will say this Disney sure do know how to organise things.

    All in all a Fabulous Day.
    Read more

  • Epcot part 7

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    We now return to Germany and wait for our allotted time slot for our meal at the Beir Garten, an all you can eat German buffet with entertainment from an Umpa Band.

    We had a selection from German Sausage, Veal Escalopes, Meatballs, Roasted Meats. Starters were Salads or Cheese and Beer Soup, that was a strange one. The deserts of course included Apple Strudel, Black Forest Gateaux and Cheesecake, all washed down with either Wheat Beer or Grapefruit flavoured Beer.

    After this it was back outside into the heat to try and find somewhere to watch the fireworks.
    Read more

  • Epcot part 6

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Forging through to Italy now with a Pizzaria and Gondolas on the river.

    We pass right through Germany as we are returning here later for our meal tonight.

    Our final country is China where we again watch a 360 degree film about the county.

    Next two countries are Norway and Mexico but by now we have lost the will, we have aching backs, aching feet and I have a blister on the bottom of my foot the size of a 50p piece.
    Read more

  • Epcot part 5

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Moving on to Japan next, where we sat in the shade overlooking the gardens.

    Next up is the good old US of America. Here we indulged in an Ice Cream before going in to watch The American Adventure, an explanation of how the USA came about, using automated puppets which looked really lifelike. 3 out of the 4 of us nearly fell asleep.Read more

  • Epcot part 4

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    The next country on our journey is France. We checked out the new Ratatouille ride but there was a 70 minute wait and we decided that was too long.

    Onwards to Morocco, by now we are beginning to wilt as the temperature is 94 degrees and shade is hard to find. We keep popping into the shops not to buy anything just to cool down in the air conditioning.Read more

  • Epcot part 3

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Now we are heading around the world visiting various countries which are all situated around a huge lake in the centre of the park. This lake is also where the fireworks will be displayed tonight.

    First country is Canada where we watched a 360 degree film about the county and its highlights.

    Next country is good old United Kingdom, complete with red phone boxes and pillar box, a pub and Fish and Chips shop, this is where we had lunch.
    Read more

  • Epcot, part 2

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Next was 'Living With The Land' where we floated along in a boat learning about how the growing of food is evolving and how Disney are helping with new methods of food production, including growing vegetables without soil and in upright flower beds to save space. All the food grown is then served in the park's restaurants.

    Next up was 'The Seas, with Nemo'. We sat in giant shell's and floated along through an underground aquarium with commentary and added animation from Nemo.

    Onwards to 'Mission Space' our last 'big' ride. This is where we split up with Martin and Mark heading for a trip to Mars with excessive movement and G Force involved, needless to say Martin felt a bit queesy afterwards. Fiona and me head for a shuttle trip around the earth.
    Read more

  • Day out at Epcot, part 1

    May 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today is our trip to 'Epcot', the only theme park we are visiting. We head off early to make the most of the day.

    On arrival the first thing that hits you is the size of the dome. Our trip also co-insides with the flower festival so there are topiary style statues of the Disney characters dotted all around the park.

    First stop is 'Spaceship Earth' where we travel on a train with narration by Dane Judy Dench and learn about how space travel came about.

    Next up was 'Soarin' where we sat in chairs which were raised off the ground so our feet were dangling free. We watched a film as we flew across the contenants of the world complete with sound, smells and movement.
    Read more

  • Disney Springs

    May 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After breakfast we set off for a trip to Disney Springs for a stroll around the shops and a drink in The Boathouse.

    There were all sorts of shops, even a Christmas shop completely full of Disney tree decorations.

    We came back after a couple of hours so Martin could get ready for his round of golf. Mark is going with him to drive the buggy. The temperature this afternoon reached 90 degrees, what is it they say about 'Mad dog's and English men'.

    While the boys were at golf Fiona and me went shopping to a lovely little place called Cracker Barrel and two craft shops.

    Tonight we went to an all you can eat buffet called Golden Corral.
    Read more

  • Mark Cooks Breakfast

    May 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning Mark helped cook the breakfast, apparently a rare event. It was of course completely healthy, we had scrambled eggs and bacon, the fat that came out of the bacon was unbelievable.

  • Lake Alfred

    May 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After we finished lunch we went for a walk down to the lake to see if we could see any, 'gators. We did see some dragonflies and turtles.
    On the way back to the car we did spot a' gator but it was too far away for a picture.
    On the way back home we called at the Golf Club so Martin could book a time for his game tomorrow.
    Back to the villa and Martin and Mark have a dip in the pool, we stayed in tonight for our meal.
    Read more

  • Lavender and Lace

    May 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    After a light breakfast Fiona a I went shopping in search of new plastic tableware for the villa.
    We then took a drive to Lake Alfred to a lovely tea room called Lavender and Lace.
    The house where it is situated was beautifully decorated with floral swags and glittery Christmas decorations and hundreds of cups, saucers and tea pots.
    The meal we had was beautifully presented and very tasty and the cakes was fabulous.
    Read more

  • Harry Leu Gardens

    May 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After waking at 3.30am I managed to doze until a reasonable hour but I did get to see my first beautiful sunrise of the holiday.

    Today we are visiting The Harry Leu Gardens in Winter Park north of Orlando. On the first Monday of every month, in the summer they open the gardens for free.
    We wandered around the 12 different sections of the 50 acres of gardens which contain an oasis of over 40 different plant collections. The house and garden were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr Harry Leu and his wife Mary Jane. It is now looked after by a board of trustees.
    Read more

  • Harry Leu Gardens part 2

    May 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    After leaving the gardens we went in search of new Golf shoes for Mart, which he found so now he's all set for a game.
    We came back to collect a 'Hot Table' meal from Walmart on the way home and had a quiet night in.Read more

  • We*re on our way

    May 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Well after booking, cancelling, 're-arranging Fit To Fly testing we are finally on our way to Florida with Fiona and Mark.
    The taxi arrived on time to take us to Manchester airport. Good journey with light traffic. After expecting long queues and extra security checks for booking in passport control we were pleasantly surprised with how smoothly and quickly it was done, leaving plenty of time for shopping and breakfast.
    The flight was mostly smooth and with all the drinks and food service and in flight entertainment passed quickly, we landed an hour early, (this was then wasted queuing for the car.)
    After landing and again what seemed to be no extra security checks we picked up the car and started out journey to the villa.
    The villa is beautiful and very comfortable, Fiona and Mask are so happy to be back and I can understand why.
    A quick unpack and then out for a meal at Manny"a a favourite haunt for Fiona and Mark and what an experience it was. Huge beers, tender steaks and a never ending salad bowl.
    Back to the villa to bed , around 3.30 English time.
    Read more

  • Bognor S*ole rating

    September 25, 2021 in England ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Sat ere on the Club's Rowan Park site avin a smirk to meself as them off to Bognor on the bus, what are they thinkin? They get back about 4 and it is official - Bognor is a first rate shit ole! Here is their story......

    Bus is on time which is a great start to our day, however its a bit concerning the driver won't stop to pick anyone else up, and keeps muttering something about a moving target. From the High Street to the sea front and Bognor has a prom which we have walked both ways along with the rest of the walking dead, East to a prison with high walls and barbed wire called Butlins and West to absolutely nothing. It has the shortest worst looking pier in the world but which has an exciting edge that you hope you can get back to the prom before it collapses into the turd laden sea. A land train runs along the prom conveying the heavily overweight tattooed inmates from Butlins the 100 yards to a cafe where it turns round, so they can get their burger and chips. We walk past a fairground big wheel, it has one occupant who wants a view of Bognor from the air, coming back an hour later he is still going round waving frantically at us. We find the micropub in the High Street which is OK, but better than the grim alternatives. We fancy a bag of chips so pound the streets of Bognor for seconds before choosing one which has a dizzy 2 stars for cleanliness. Having seen all that the town has to offer we decide to go back to Muttley. There are no buses till Monday morning. We try for an Uber, but our request for the journey is not took up by any drivers. Then our prayers are answered, a taxi parked kerbside with a lady driver who takes pity on our sobbing and gets us back home.

    Sun came out though........
    Read more

  • Boggin off to Bognor

    September 24, 2021 in England ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Hoo bleedin Ray! We are on move. Stopping here any longer and they would have to strim the grass around me wheels. Well his plan is to drive right along the south coast road till we hit Bognor. Sounds like a lot of brakes and gear changes to me but doh get me wrong I am up for it after standin about. First up Eastbourne followed by a drive up Beachy Head (med we sweat a bit) . Then right along Brighton sea front, hampered by queues outside petrol stations by bleedin Chelsea tractors trying to squeeze in an extra litre. Well we stop for lunch at the end of Worthing sea front, and they set off for a leg stretch along the prom towards the pier, 4 miles later them back, and agree they love Worthing, old fashioned resort, nice shopping, and clean (old people eh, what can you do!) Quick stop at Lidl and we am at Bognor site at tea time.Read more

  • The Waterworks Micro Brewery

    September 23, 2021 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    These are for you Mark, thought you might appreciate them. What's better than 4 halves just to get a taster accompanied by crisps and Pork Pie. Don't think I fancy pint of the beer advertised in picture 1 though, and the toilets were quite novel too.

    We've seen some fabulous sunsets while we've been away but this one was my favourite.
    Read more

  • Rail to Rye

    September 23, 2021 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Them off again on the chuffer this time to Rye, a Chinque Port town, whatever that means. Apparently it was a port among the historical Romney Marshes, but is now slightly inland from the coast still connected by river, with a tiny castle and enchanting streets of olde worlde buildings which are as they were and not converted to shops etc. There is still a gatehouse but no city walls, but as Rye is on a hill you can easily imagine it would have been a stronghold town overlooking the Marshes back in the day. A wander round the weekly market, and refreshments at The Waterworks a micro pub with an exceptional local beer and cider list. Back on the chuffer to complete a great day out.Read more

  • Beach Day

    September 22, 2021 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Sunny day and we have all spent the day together. Nice to ave a bit of company and I even get me sun canopy out for them, and there ay been many times this year I've done that. Book reading for them, and then they decide to go over the road to sit on the beach. He even digs out his kite to fly - what is he twelve or summat!Read more

  • Keeping an eye out in Hastings

    September 21, 2021 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Them up and off catching the 10.66 train to Hastings (see what I did there?). As usual they mek a beeline for the prom and walk towards the old town area, where the fishing boats still launch from the beach by tractors and hoists. Fresh fish huts everywhere and they ave bought some fresh smoked mackerel and salmon back with em to stink me fridge out! After a leisurely pint they mek their way to Maggies, a well recommended fish n chip restaurant in a fisherman's hut for a late lunch. Bostin was the verdict. A further wander up the prom to St Leonards where they kept an eye out for Harold, and battled back on the train. (jokes again, I'm getting good at this blogging lark!).Read more

  • Lewes Brews

    September 20, 2021 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Right so them both up early this morning ready for a trip to historic Lewes on the train which involves a train connection at Eastbourne. Anyroad they get there ok and walk along the main High Street where the buildings are all olde worldly and interesting, and he does quite well keeping er out of the clothes shops. He then drags her round Lewes castle and museum to have a look around and climb up the ramparts for the views. She ay very keen but he seems to enjoy it anyway. Back down again they walk over the bridge to inspect Harveys historic Brewery. We'll that is a surprise! Harvey's have been brewing since 1757 and they've got a brewery tap so they sit themselves down to sample some various beers (all excellent) complete with a panini and chips. This is a recurring holiday theme if seems. Another wander round the town then back on the train changing again at Eastbourne with enough time for an ice cream Bostin.Read more

Get your own travel profile

Free

QR code

FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android