Happy Birthday to my oldest buddy Wayne. I don't mean he is the oldest in age (although he is quite antique) but I have known Wayne longer than any of my other friends. I have known Wayne for almost 70 years. Actually Wayne is more than a friend and although we are not from the same womb he is truly my brother and I love him dearly.
Today we took a ride to downtown Orlando. We have come to this area a number of times over the years but never went to downtown Orlando. I guess we were not attracted to downtown and the traffic but now it was time to check it out.
There were a few nice parks downtown but we didn't get out to walk around and just took pictures from the car.
We are glad we took the trip even though the traffic was bad downtown and there was a lot of construction. We took the northern scenic route to Orlando and made good time but took I - 4 back. Route 4 was grid lock the whole way.
This week is the main tourist season and the crowds are everywhere. All the attractions, including Disney, were filled to capacity and they had to close the parks because there was no room to let any more people in. The people inside the parks had to wait hours in line for rides. People interviewed on the news were complaining that it cost a fortune to get in and they could only get on 3 rides the whole day. News helicopters were taking pictures from above and the people were jammed in like sardines. They even kept the parks open later than normal because of the crowds. What a mess trying to leave the parks at the end of the day. Bev and I are sure glad we decided not to go to Disney this week.
On the way back we passed the Holy Land. I believe this is a religious theme park because they have entertainment and attractions. We have not been there but I checked it out on the Internet. If you are interested google Holy Land Orlando.
From the grid lock on Route 4 we were able to see the balloon rising from Disney Downtown. It is a large balloon on a tether giving rides. I believe it rises to 400 feet.
Back at the campground I checked out the RVs on display. Every week they have a different dealer in the area displaying their rigs. It was fun checking them out but nothing interested me.
After I checked out the rigs it was time relaxed on our patio. As you can see below we are on a corner lot and I get to see most of the people in the campground walking, riding golf carts, or bikes. Of course when the many little dogs walk by with their mommies and daddies I get my puppy fix.
This is the view I get from our patio.
Thursday 12/29 we took a ride to Silver Springs. We followed U. S. 27 north instead of the Florida Turnpike and the scenery was great although we did hit a lot of traffic and construction along the way.
Many years ago Bev and I went to Silver Springs and we wanted to see if had changed. Did it ever change!
When we first went the only attraction was a cruse on the river in a glass bottom boat. The glass bottom boat offers a view of the underwater life in the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. Along with major formations there are dozens of species of fish as well as alligators, clams, craw fish, shrimp, snails, six different kinds of turtles, and tiny fossilized shells from 70 million years ago. Along the shores we saw monkeys leftover from a Tarzan move filmed many years ago.
Today along with the glass boat tours there are amusement rides, wildlife exhibits, botanical gardens, shopping and dining. Of course the admission price has to reflect all this.
To enter the parking lot we paid $7.00 just to find out how much the main entrance fee was.
We did take these pictures walking from the parking lot to the main entrance.
Yes, that is me by the sign. See the alligator below, he must be waiting for visitors to feed him.
Yes, that is Bev ready to head for the entrance.
To enter they wanted another $31.95 per head with our senior discount. I THINK NOT! We will just have to live with our memories from the past so we left.
On the way back home of course we had to eat so we stopped at a Chili's in The Villages. Thank you Pam and Kent for the coupon to Chili's.
The Villages are billed as Florida's friendliest retirement hometown. Everything a retiree needs is in this community.
It was an enjoyable trip even if we didn't enter Silver Springs. It's always good to get back home to the camper and put our feet up.
Tomorrow 12/31 we will be getting up at the crack of dawn to head down to Cape Coral to spent New Years Eve and day with our dear friends Don and Joni. Thank you for inviting us, we really enjoy your company.
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