Spring Break - 2008

Sunday, March 2, 2008

We are mostly spending today getting the motorhome cleaned and ready to leave on our Spring Break 2008 trip with Austin.  His Spring Break is actually Monday, March 10 thru Friday March 14, but his parents are allowing him to stay out of school on Thursday and Friday, March 6 & 7 also.  Our plans are to leave on Thursday, and arrive near Orlando by Saturday afternoon, the 8th, and leave to return home on Friday, the 14th.

Main thing on the agenda while there will be to go to a performance of Cirque du Soleil on Wednesday, the 12th.  Other activities will probably include Epcot Center, Sea World, and other similar attractions.  We took Austin to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and other places a couple of years ago.  But, there are so many things to see and do, I am sure we will find plenty new stuff. 

Thursday, March 6, 2008

We were up and going about 6:30, finished loading the motorhome, and pulled out of the yard to the street to go ahead and get hooked up by the time Scott brought Austin over.  Scott got there about 7:30, we finished putting the rest of Austin's stuff in the coach, and left about 7:45.  Only a couple of stops before getting to Baton Rouge about 2pm.  First at the Louisiana Welcome Center on I-10 and then about 15 miles before Baton Rouge in a nice Rest Area.

Traffic was very light in Baton Rouge, and we made it to I-12 without a problem, but immediately saw a sign that said I-12 was closed about 20 miles ahead.  I got on the CB, found out there was a big wreck about 30 minutes earlier, and that we should detour to US 190, which turned out to be two lanes and bumper to bumper. (I guess we weren't the only ones with a CB LOL).  The detour took about 1 1/2 hours, probably less time than it took to clear the bad wreck (or actually 2 wrecks we did hear).  Not sure we made the right choice, but at least we made it back to I-12 safely. 

At that point we were still about 200 miles from the Florida Welcome Center, but we made only a couple of more stops.  Donna drove for about 30 minutes while I took a quick nap. 

We got to the Florida Welcome Center (about 560 miles from home and 12 hours) about 7:45 or so, and have settled in for the night.  Right now its about 8:30 and Austin just said he was ready to go to sleep, so off he went.  He has been really good today, except for a couple of pouting sessions, but then that's just Austin.  Part of his Wi was left at home, we stopped at a Wal-Mart (somewhere), but the thing we bought was not right.  Will try again tomorrow.

After I finish this posting, and maybe read a few web sites, I may have to play a Poker Tournament (Play Money, of course).  Donna talked to Diana earlier, and it was raining in Lufkin and snow predicted for Tyler tomorrow.  Guess we will miss the snow again this year.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Right now its about 6 am, and I am up, but I am the only one.  Still mostly dark out, but beginning to show a little light.  From about 11 am until just a few minutes ago it rained all night, sometime quite hard.  Guess we will probably leave here in an hour or so, depending on when every body gets up. 

We actually left about 7, continuing on East on I-10.  About 9, we stopped at a Wal-Mart right off the freeway, and returned the controller that we got yesterday that had the wrong connection, and got the right one.  Donna also bought a few snacks of thing that Austin likes.  He has really been doing a lot of eating (unusual for Austin).  Then back on the freeway, the next stop being near Tallahassee for fuel at the Flying J.  By then it was about 11, and as we got back on the freeway, we caught up to the rain. 

Our route would take us down I-10 to I-75 through Gainesville, where they were already experiencing heavy thunderstorms and tornado watch.  Our intent was to get through Gainesville and Ocala and get on the Florida Turnpike to the first service area to spend tonight. We were hoping to catch a break in the storm movement and make it through there during a lull in the weather.  We stopped a couple time, ran up the satellite dish, checked the radar and trying to time a break in the weather. 

We actually almost did.  We went through Gainesville right after a major downpour, caught a traffic jam, and saw 9 multiple vehicle wrecks on the next 5 miles.  Although the rain was light at that time, the wrecks must have occurred while it was much heavier.  Going through Ocala we caught one heavy rain for about 5 miles, then it suddenly stopped, and the highway was actually dry for a bit.

We got on the Turnpike and are now stopped at the first Service Center (5 o'clock Texas time or 10 hours on the road and 414 miles).  We moved watches up an hour to 6 o'clock Eastern, and have now been here about 30 minutes.  The parking lot was dry when we arrived, but looking out the windows, it is beginning to rain lightly and I can see a few dark clouds moving in.

We have about 50 miles to go in the morning, so will be in no hurry to get away, and maybe the rain will all be gone.

It's now about 7:30 eastern, been here for an hour and a half, been raining pretty good.  We don't have satellite connection right now but will post this when I can.  Every body is ready for bed, but no one is headed that way yet.  If this rain don't let up, I won't get to a Poker Tournament tonight.  Finished 12th last night, but 'out of the money'.  Only places 1 - 9 earn 'Play Money'.  Usually, if I make it to the final 'two' tables, I can make to the 'final table', which means at least a ninth place finish, and 'in the money'.

Well, right now it's almost 11 and I just finished a tournament.  I am pleased to report I finished 5th, and won 1800 dollars (points).  Entry fee is 250 dollars (point), so I made a profit of 1550.  Donna just got up and is reading the Lufkin Daily News.  I will be hitting the bed in a few minutes.  It stopped raining a couple of hours ago, but just started back.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

I got up about 6, actually slept good last night.  Donna and Austin got up about 7:30, after Austin tried to get Donna up at 5:30.  We are still in the Service Plaza on the Florida Turnpike with only about 50 miles to the park where we will be staying for a week.

10:30 am -  We are now parked in the RV Resort.  Got things hooked up, satellite is up and running.  We will probably go do a little exploring as soon as we get a quick bite of lunch.

After lunch, we headed down to the Old Town Kissimmee to spend most of the afternoon.  One of the first things we did was for Austin and I to drive in a Go-Kart race.  Course I did the driving, he rode with me and did the yelling and hollering...  Go!  Yeah!  Laughing!  He loved it!  Great fun and we actually held our own against the others on the track.  Austin wanted me to tell about watching an older couple racing each other.  They were the only ones on the track and they had a real battle spinning each other out.

We then strolled the streets some, and wound up at the Game Room, Austin's favorite place from the last time we were here when he was 6.  He won over 650 tickets and got a little metal show truck for a prize.  We then went into a A& W Root Beer place where they also had home made ice cream.  I got a little single dip cup, and we all shared a large french fry.  We then went to carnival ride area and Austin convinced Donna to ride the tilt-a-whirl.  Again he was yelling and carry on (and Donna was turning green). LOL  Austin told me that Nonna said the S-Word!

We then drove down the main drag for a while, noticed a lot of closed up restaurants and shops, but also a lot of new ones.  The traffic was just as crowed as it was 2 years ago. 

The wind has really be blowing hard all day.  Its only in the 60's, but the wind chill made us wear jackets.

Then back to the coach about 5 pm, Donna took a quick nap, then I did the same.  Donna fixed a nice supper of beef tips, green beans, corn and peaches with cottage cheese.  Of course, Austin had his own meal of Chicken Nuggets and french fries. 

Plans for tomorrow are to go to Epcot Center at Disney.

Sunday, March 9 2008

Well, last night we had quite a little small disaster.  Austin and Nonna went to bed about 9:30 ( already on Daylight Saving Time ).  I stayed up quite awhile, then laid down about 11 watching the news.  Suddenly I heard major noise from the bedroom.  Austin was sick at this stomach and threw up in the bed.  He spent the next little while hanging over the toilet while Donna changed the sheets on the bed.  After a little Sprite he was fine, and slept until after 9 this morning. 

Donna scrambled eggs, fried bacon, and fixed biscuits for breakfast.  Austin ate real good, so I guess he is over whatever caused the problem.

We were later than expected leaving for Epcot, but actually got there about 11:30 and started strolling the grounds.  Epcot is not near as large as some of the other parks and is a collection of various areas about other countries in the world.

<=========Near the entrance to Epcot=========>

<=====  On the 'Nemo' Ride

Austin pointing out a Starfish ========>

<============Outside with Nemo and Friends

In the France area.  Austin knew it was the Eiffel Tower, which can only be seen in France.=====>

<=========A new friend for Austin.

Looks like we may be in the Japanese area.========>

<=======Guess you would call this a Viking Aggie.

Austin and another friend======>

Monday, March 10,2008

Again today we weren't in any big hurry to get away and left the coach about 10 or so and headed to Sea World.  We got our tickets and were in the gate by 10:45, not to bad considering the crowds.  It's not a long drive, just east on 192 (the main drag from Clermont to Kissimmee) then a few miles east on I-4.  Crowds were pretty large, but mostly around the shows as they let out. 

Austin was not so much in a 'posing' mood today, so I didn't get a lot of pictures of him.  But I did get a few in the various shows.  Maybe I can get a few posted on here toward the end of the post. 

We saw several shows.  First was the Whale and Dolphin show called Blue Horizons, a really impressive show.  Then the Sea Lion and Otter show, which was cute.  Then we went to see "Believe" at Shamu Stadium, probably the most impressive show of its type we have ever seen any where.  Even after seeing it two years ago with Austin, we were just as impressed and Austin was just as excited, yelling Shamu !!  Shamu !!  Shamu !!  After "Believe" we went to the Nautilus Theater for an acrobatic circus type show.  Then we caught the 'Pets Ahoy' show with the cats, dogs, birds and even a pig, all adopted from shelters and trained by the people that put on the show.

By this time it was getting near 6pm, so we headed back to the coach, declining to stay for the fireworks, which we had seen a couple of years ago.  Donna fixed a good supper, and then later we decided to go to Wal-Mart to see if they could fix Austin's glasses that had lost a screw.  Fortunately the Optical office was still open and the guy did fix them, and even declined to charge anything.  And, naturally while there Austin did manage to find a couple of Lego toys that he didn't have, so of course we bought 'em !  After all, what are K-poppa's and Nonna's for, anyway? Huh?

<======== Petting a Sting Ray

Some Mantee's at the Manatee Rescue Area =========>

<========== See the performers on the nose of the whale.  Amazing !

Shamu giving the crowd a 'shower' =======>

<====== This is Shamu, the biggest and oldest.  He's Huge !

At the Nautilus Theater waiting on the show =======>

<======= One of the acts at the Nautilus Theater

From Pets Ahoy ========>

<<<<<<< Donna and Austin as we leave the park

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

We didn't get a very early start today, either. But that was on purpose.  We left the coach about 11 and were inside Disney Hollywood a little after 11:30.  Disney Hollywood ( previously Disney MGM ) is all about movies and movie making.  Now I bet that is a real surprise.  Star Wars stuff in one of the main attraction, and the first thing we did was go to a 'Jedi Training' presentation.  The Jedi Master had a bunch of kids from the audience put on Jedi robes, he gave them 'light sabers' and for about 20 minutes taught them how to use the 'light saber. 

Then Austin and Donna went to ride the 'Star Tour', during which Donna said she mostly just looked at the floor. -:)  The ride is apparently a screen on which is projected travel through space, but, of course, the vehicle they were in simulated the trip also.  I think you get the picture !  Of course the ride dumps you out into the Star Wars Gift Shop (how strange) where Austin took advantage of the opportunity to buy some Star Wars paraphernalia.

Indiana Jones is also a huge show at Disney Hollywood and the show carries on with the theme of 'movie making'.  Was actually three segment of action that simulated the filming of Indiana Jones in some typical Indiana Jones action. Some of was actually very realistic, with fights, explosion, and lots of fire.

We then hurried to "Light, Motors, Action", another thrill show, again emulating the making of an 'action movie'.  This one involved a car chase through city streets with the bad guys in pursuit of a 'secret agent' carrying a very important envelope.  The scenes also involved trucks, motorcycles, water craft and street vendors.  Lots of tire smoke, car and motorcycle jumps, fights, shooting (yes, blanks) and some big time fire scenes.  Quite loud, impressive, and a lot of fun.

Regardless of all the action, Austin said he liked the Star Tour the best of all, although he did admit he liked it all.

We finished our visit with a 30 minute outdoor show of 'High School Musical 2'. Austin is really not into this, but he sat patiently during the show.  Then to package pickup to get the Star Wars purchase, then to the truck and back to the coach.

Still behind on getting photos posted, maybe in the morning, since we will be around the coach until about 2, before going to Downtown Disney and going to the Cirque du Soleil show at 6 tomorrow night.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Today was a rather lazy day, at least the first half or so was.  We sat around the coach, Austin played with his Lego's, watched movies, rode his scooter for a few minutes, and generally just took it easy.  Actually, it also provided a much need 'rest' catch-up.  About 1:30 we left for Downtown Disney, where we had tickets for Cirque du Soleil show at 6 pm.

We were amazed at the light crowds at Disney Downtown, and just couldn't figure out why.  Then we saw a map of the property, and realized that a whole new section had been added since we were last here two years ago.  We also realized there is a Lego store in the new section.  About 3:30 or so we had lunch/supper at Planet Hollywood, a movie-themed restaurant.  Really good food and atmosphere with prices to match.  Donna had a Chicken Pasta, I had Blackened Mahi Mahi, and Austin had a Hamburger with Cheese French Fries.  The meal for the three of us cost, with tax and tip, about $90.  Like I said earlier - that's what Kpoppa's and Nonna's are for.  We made a deal with Austin that when the show was over we would go over to the Lego store.

The show was fantastic, and Austin loved it.  It is really hard to explain the show.  It is basically a circus, without animals, and with very strange and weird costumes.  Lots of feats of acrobatic nature, high wire, trapeze, trampoline, bike riding, but the star of the show was 4 little Asian girls, all less than 10 years old from appearance, that thrilled the crowd with their prowess with some yo-yo type things.  Donna just told me they are called Diabolos.  Unlike a circus, there was no announcer, and actually no speaking roles whatsoever.  Just the wonderful music that accompanied the acts.  Oh, and we have no pictures because photography and video are strictly prohibited.

Then, as promised, we took Austin to the section with the Lego store.  Ok, we found the crowds.  So many people, it seemed like we were at one of the theme parks.  Austin did manage to find a couple of Lego Building Toys that he didn't have...  After all, what are Kpoppa's and Nonna's for anyway.  -:) . So far on the trip he has built at least 5 or 6 items.  We also bought his birthday gift, a 1326 piece Star Wars.

Tomorrow we will probably go back to the area of Downtown Disney that we missed last night.  There is also a Rainforest Cafe there, so who knows.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Well today is our last day in the area.  Tomorrow we hook up and head back to Texas.  It's about 10 am right now, Donna is fixing breakfast, although Austin has already eaten 1 1/2 sausage biscuit, a donut, and part of a Blueberry muffin.  Guess in a couple of hours or so we will head back to Downtown Disney to the Market Place, the area that we saw only very little of yesterday.  More later.

We left to go to Downtown Disney, and the new Market Place area about 12 or so.  We wandered around parts that we missed last night and Donna found a few things for Courtney and Conner.  Austin helped make the selection, and we sure hope they like them.  Of course we did stop back by the Lego place.  Anybody surprised?  Austin found a couple of items he liked.  Anybody surprised? 

After a little more strolling, we came back to the coach, did a little straightening up for departure tomorrow, then drove over to Celebration, a really neat town started by Disney with lots of fine homes and shops.  Much larger than when we were here 2 years ago, but didn't see any new construction.  Maybe we just didn't find it.

Back to the coach again, then we decided to drive over to Winter Garden.  We even drove by one subdivision with 'Homes starting at $1,500,000'  Wow !  We didn't really see much 'town' but lots of new subdivisions all over the area.  Actually it was kinda typical of this area with large areas of open land, or with pine trees or fruit trees, and then adjoining were these fine subdivision.

Plans are to leave in the morning as early as possible, trying to get home sometime Saturday afternoon.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Man, what a day today!  We left the park at 7:15 EDT this morning, and finally stopped for the day, just before sundown, at 7:15 CDT.  That's 13 hours on the road and about 750 miles.  We have about 250 miles to go tomorrow.  We are actually about 30 miles East of Baton Rouge in a Rest Area where we have stopped for a break many times.

We were in some rain for quite a while, mostly from Gainesville to Tallahassee.  Temperature was in the 50's this morning, cloudy most all day.  Was still in the 60's by noon, and about 73 when we stopped for the night. 

We pretty well just snacked most of the morning and early afternoon.  We did stop long enough for a quick sandwich.  But supper tonight was really good.  Donna fixed baked potatoes and a salad with Romaine lettuce and Honey Mustard Dressing.  The potatoes were baked perfect, but Donna would not take any credit.  She said all she did was put them the Convection / Microwave over and push the 'Baked Potato' button.  Guess if I had known it was that easy, I might have requested it earlier this week.

We did stop for fuel at the Flying J near Biloxi, Ms.  Diesel was $3.859, but we got a 6 cent discount with Good Sam Card, making it $3.799.  We got right at 130 gallons costing about $480 or so.

Austin just got off the phone with his mother and daddy, and 'told on me'.  He told them I said the 'S' word.  So I guess he now has something on Donna and I both.  At least I managed to make about 8 days, Donna only made it 2.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

We left the Rest Area this morning about 6:15 with about 250 miles to go.  We arrived home about 11:15, got un-hooked, and got the coach parked and all set up.  Quite a bit construction today in Louisiana, and particularly between Orange and Vidor.  That part was one lane for about 15 miles, and really, really slow.  It just happened that Donna was driving that part, so my nerves got a much deserved rest.  -:)