May 2022

Florida Extravaganza

1st trip to the U. S. A. Read more

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Trip start
May 1, 2022
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Day 1
Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 6:00 AM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 128 ft
United States Lake Boomerang 28.1131, -81.624128°6’47” N 81°37’27” W
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
Houston we have lift off.......after a 3 year wait! So happy to be "um" cheers and here's to a great 3 weeks ✈️😊💕 [Fiona]
5/3/22Reply
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Day 1
Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13213, -81.6275428°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
Mark and Fiona's Villa
May 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Our home for the next 3 weeks and Mannys Bar.
Looks a nice place, can we visit sometime?! [Fiona xx]
5/3/22Reply
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Day 2
Monday, May 2, 2022 at 12:00 AM
🌙 21 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13217, -81.6275428°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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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
Eeny, meany, miney andmo! [Fiona]
5/4/22Reply
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Day 2
Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13219, -81.6275428°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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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
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Day 3
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 12:05 PM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13214, -81.627628°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
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Day 3
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13219, -81.6275528°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13215, -81.6275928°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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.
I love their bacon, but it's really not the healthiest! [Fiona]
5/6/22Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13216, -81.6275828°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
1 2 1
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
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 8:30 AM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13217, -81.6275428°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
Our favourite Disney park, not that we visit the parks alot now, but beautiful flowers everywhere and topiary dotted around. Loved soarin over various continents too! [Fiona]
5/6/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13213, -81.6275128°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
Cannot believe we got Deb on not 1, but TWO boats! Glad we chose World tour, not Mars! [Fiona]
5/6/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 1:00 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13216, -81.6275228°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
Bostin fish and chips!! English cottage garden and Peter Pan in topiary a little touch of UM [Fiona]
5/6/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 2:45 PM
☀️ 33 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13224, -81.6274528°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
Around the world in a few hours.....Mr Fogg has nothing on us!!! [Fiona]
5/8/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 3:15 PM
⛅ 33 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13219, -81.6275428°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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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
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 34 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13218, -81.6275328°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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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
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 6:00 PM
⛅ 33 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13219, -81.6275228°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
1 1 1
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
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Day 5
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13211, -81.6275128°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
What a day! We packed so much in and fireworks ended a wonderful Disney day.......Now we need at least a day to recover! Shall we do Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios tomorrow 🤣🤣 [Fiona]
5/8/22Reply
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Day 6
Friday, May 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13219, -81.6275328°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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
We definitely needed this, though only managed 36 lengths due to the pool guy dropping by to clean! A good chill out day🩱🎧📺📚🛒🕶🍷🍻🏊‍♂️❤ [Fiona]
5/8/22Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 157 ft
United States Tower Lake 28.13222, -81.6275228°7’56” N 81°37’39” W
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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
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Day 7
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 8:00 PM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Glen Ridge 26.6701, -80.0546926°40’12” N 80°3’17” W
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
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Day 7
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 9:00 PM
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Glen Ridge 26.67002, -80.0546626°40’12” N 80°3’17” W
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Blackpool On Speed
May 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
A few highlights of the Fair
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Day 8
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Glen Ridge 26.67005, -80.0546726°40’12” N 80°3’17” W
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Palm Beach
May 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Up early today as we are leaving Fi and Mark at the villa and heading off on our own. (They really could do with a rest from us, bless them.)

We are heading off to Palm Beach, to Bates' Motel, no not really but we are staying at a 1960's Motel.

Traffic was not too bad so we made good time, think we may need a car wash though after getting covered in MayFlies.

We arrived early but were able to check in, room is very good much better than I expected.

We pop next door for a spot of lunch before calling a taxi to take us into town.Read more
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Day 8
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 1:00 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Glen Ridge 26.67007, -80.0546826°40’12” N 80°3’17” W
Lake Worth Lagoon
May 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
The taxi dropped us off at the bike hire shop and we set off on the trail around the Lagoon. All was going well until we reached the farthest end and Martin's chain broke, good and proper, no riding that anymore so we head back with Martin either free wheeling or scooting along the trail, he looked a bit like Jackson on his balance bike.

Back at the shop we thankfully only get charged for 1 bike. We then head over the bridge, having to wait while it raised its drawbridge to let a sail boat through.

Highlights of the day we then found a bar selling craft beers so of course we had to try them.

The bar was a Beer Garden and Butcher's shop combined with 6 huge Tv's showing sports including the F1 in Miami.

Back to the motel for a shower before tea.Read more
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Day 9
Monday, May 9, 2022 at 8:30 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 26 ft
United States Whitehead Spit 24.54969, -81.7980424°32’59” N 81°47’53” W
1 1 1 1 2
The Drive To Key West
May 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
On the road again, (that's just for you Mark). We're up and off early today as we have a fair way to go and we want to get past Miami before there's too much traffic. What is it they say about best laid plans.. We end up sitting in a traffic jam for over an hour due to a 'fender bender'.

Once past Miami the traffic thins a bit and the journey becomes less tense.

We stop in Key Largo for breakfast at a Cuban café and Martin has his first stack of pancakes, with sausage and syrup.

Driving down the I1 through the Key's was interesting, the sea is an amazing colour and the town's have lovely houses situated right on the seafront, but there doesn't seem to be many beaches. The town's are literally either side of the road.

We stopped at Robbie's Marina for a leg stretch and to watch people feeding the Tarpon fish and to watch the Pelican's trying to pinch the fish.

Onwards over the 7 mile bridge and we stop again at Bahia Honda Park for another leg stretch and a paddle in the sea. We also snuck in an Ice Cream, Mart's was Moose flavoured.Read more
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Day 9
Monday, May 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 26 ft
United States Whitehead Spit 24.54971, -81.7980224°32’59” N 81°47’53” W
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1 1 1 1 1
The Speakeasy Inn
May 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
We're stopping at The Speakeasy Inn on Duval Street, which is the main street in Key West.

It is a Rum Bar with rooms, a lovely white wooden building with balconies all around the upper floor.

The room is very comfortable and has a mini kitchen so we can make our own breakfast.

After a rest and freshen up and a rum cocktail in the bar we head off into town for some food.Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 26 ft
United States Whitehead Spit 24.54968, -81.7980524°32’59” N 81°47’53” W
1
Key West Butterfly House
May 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
After a good night's sleep and a leisurely breakfast on the veranda we head out into the heat, it's cloudy but still very hot.

We're going to the Butterfly House first, not the biggest I've been to but there are certainly a lot of butterflies. As we walk around we are surrounded by fluttering butterflies of all sizes and colours, the blue ones are the prettiest. They are flying so fast it's hard to get any decent pictures.

There were also beautiful flowers and little birds flying around and in the little pond were a couple of Flamingos called Rhett and Scarlet.

The lady on the admission desk told us they do settle on some people, but not us, we did get a sticker to say we'd been.Read more
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