Christmas 2019 Day Six Epcot's France /  by Dave Hileman

The very best pastries in WDW are in France. Great chocolate bread, eclairs and croissants among many other choices however, I would not know cause I keep getting these. Others among us try different things. The area was ready for Christmas with this cute hollow ornament that invites you to “Tour” (if they are not on strike).

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Christmas 2019 Day Four Yacht Club /  by Dave Hileman

Yes, a rare appearance by most of the Two Lane Touring staff. This tree was very nicely done with two types of sailing ships as the prominent ornaments. Note how Cindy’s clothes blend and compliment the color scheme of the tree so well. I on the other hand appear to be looking for a garden to weed.

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Christmas 2019 Day Two: Wilderness Lodge /  by Dave Hileman

We were on a quest to see all the gingerbread houses and as many trees as possible on our “off” parks days along with Rusty and Janet. This tree is in the Wilderness Lodge and was my runner up of the tour. There were large decorations with themes related to the WL like tepees and tools and symbols of Native Americans. It was also huge, maybe 60 feet tall. RH, JH and CJH are at the base of the tree while I take this shot from the fourth floor. A full view of the tree is the second photo.

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Christmas 2019 Day One: Animal Kingdom /  by Dave Hileman

We spent a few days in south and central Florida. This is the primary tree at Animal Kingdom, it featured large snowflakes, stars and a large number of animal themed ornaments. Like all Disney things it was impressive. Sorry I was unable to get the moon sharp - would have been a better shot.

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Degas /  by Dave Hileman

An undiscovered canvas by Edger Degas, The Water Ballet Student in Blue, shared today for the first time. The classical education on this site continues and still no fees, Amazing.

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Repaired! /  by Dave Hileman

Headed in the morning to park number 266 or so, Biscayne National Park. We did not really do this park justice as we missed the early boat out to an island and could not take the later one. So, we watched the movie, toured the museum, walked the 1/2 mile trail and enjoyed our view of the bay and its clear waters. Then heading to Boynton Beach where we were staying at another Harvest Host, Bedner Farms. On the way I took a stab at a repair shop for the thermostat on our trailer was not showing any numbers. I called one, no luck, tried a second, and he was able to see us. He was a mobile unit but located near where we were going so we stopped. He fixed an issue, interior fuse I did not know was there. It turned out that he was a Christian and prayed for people to show up who needed help and for those in ministry he would not charge. He even invited us to dinner with his family and friends. We were unable to because our Harvest Host locks the gate in the evening. I suggested coffee in the morning and he agreed. We showed up after 9 and ate with Chris, Kimberly and their friends Jared and Sarah and their 8 kids between the two families (and four dogs.) We had a great time with wonderful people. Also, since the repair did not hold, as Chris mentioned the day before, something may have caused it, he then investigated further and found a bad connection which he fixed. Now we have heat and air. If you are in south Florida and need assistance on an RV call Chris at TravelTech RV (www.traveltechrv.com). You will be blessed & your RV fixed!

The Engaged Cadillac

Finally we left the lizards or whatever. And the snakes and the heat. We drove past, again, the ice cream place something about not needing ice cream at 8:30 in the morning. Ridiculous. We wandered to some other water spot and then went to another fruit stand, this time no ice cream but lots of good things to eat. I was inspired by fresh corn. I am thinking crushed and squeezed, boiled down a bit to thicken add some fresh herbs and some hot peppers for a new ice cream base. Wow, I can hear your hunger rumbles from Florida. 

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Another day feeding the mosquitos /  by Dave Hileman

Today was our last in the Everglades NP. So we rode out to a couple of trails near the entrance (we are 40 miles from there at our campsite) and they were excellent. Because of our late night we did not start early but that was ok. We arrived in time for a ranger talk with an energetic ranger that may have been a frustrated actor. Nice job! Then a walk down the Anhinga Trail where there were abundant gators, lots of neat birds, turtles and fish. On the way back we saw an Anhinga with a large fish speared on its beak and watched the show as he worked to get it off the beak and down the long throat. Amazing. Out of the park we went to the famous “Robert is Here” fruit stand full of exotic fruit and fruit milkshakes. My key lime / strawberry combo was the perfect choice. A few more stops back down the park road and we called it a day except for another round of the game Janet usually wins - predictably again tonight. Someday!!!

The Engaged Cadillac

We were minutes, inches, milliseconds from milk shake heaven and instead we sat for two days in 800 degree heat dodging large angry reptiles. I’ll never understand. 

The good news is I have personally discovered a treasure of unusual fruits and the flavor palate is working overtime. Stay tuned. 

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