MetalDad

Day Two

Sorry about the delay.

Some serious life events at hand.

Including but not limited to staffing, elderly parents, sports, garage sales, illness, and a weekend trip to MK!

More on that later!

Back to the TR, Sunday after breakfast and church.

We did the vehicle dance to locate our carts.

The first stop was up to the settlement for Hot Chocolate and Pibb.

We had two carts that will be loaded with kids.

But for now, it was just Ben, Annie, and I on a mission.

I stayed in the cart parking lot under the guise of watching the carts.

Truthfully, It’s a few minutes of quiet that I get to just look around.

Pioneer Hall at high noon(ish)!

I’m in my mid 40’s, but somehow I still find mirrors curious. I'm still dumb enough to take mirror photos!

Here comes Ben and Annie with the goods.

Those two have become quite the buddies.

Back to the site to pick up the rest of the crew.

The girls picked up matching blankies at Wal-Mart.

One of the items on the docket was to go up by the guard gate to meet up with one of my clients.

He is a CM, works with characters.

Initially the plan was to surprise the kids with a private visit to our site from CnD on their way to the fire.

Unfortunately, the timing and logistics of such a rendezvous made it a dead issue.

Instead, he handed me a fistful of park hopper vouchers.

Enough for me, my wife, and kids!

I’m totally OK with that!

As I mentioned before, we haven’t been to a park since 2007.

Now we had something to plan for.

I’m pretty sure we weren’t supposed to have our carts up that far, but no one gave us any issues.

Now, this next picture was from that meet-up whilst we were waiting.

It’s got some back story.

Ya’ see Timmy, my kids got into WebKinz a few years ago.

It’s a stuffed animal that has an online habitat, where you feed and care for the virtual pet, but you have a real stuffy to account for it’s existence.

Follow?

Annie got her first one this Christmas from my mother (whom knows nothing about this here collective of Disney campers).

To mine and MetalWife’s surprise, Annie opened up what looked like a cross between Snarky and me.

Like Snarky in that it’s a purple flamingo and me because it’s plump with really short legs.

So naturally, she named it…Snarky!

I’ll have you know that like FF.net, Annie’s virtual Snarky is thriving in his online environment!

While we were up by the front of the Fort, we swung by the Outpost.

Next, we looped a bit, went to the Settlement for some hula-hooping, shoe tossing, and checkering!

Check out this random teenager admiring my son’s horseshoe skills!

Annie rockin’ the hoop!

The trees…

The girls workin’ the checkers!

Some old friends at Crockett’s.

Actually, they’ve brought in some new labels, which is cool.

I always go for the stranger on the shelf!

We looped a bit more.

Hit the 1600 CS where we snapped this shot.

We didn’t hang around so much on 1600 as everyone that way was very sick, some violently ill.

We did stop by on NYE, photos on that later!

Almost at the photo limit, we’ll continue at the Meadows Trading Post after these messages.

Good Lord, my pants have now made it into a third TR!

I do have the photo you mention and it will show up shortly!

Cool! I like it! I'm still trying to get my TR back into shape. Crazy life stuff at the moment.

I discovered a lot of cool local off-Fort stuff this last trip. Went shopping 3 times, lotta mouths to cook for!

Out of habit, our first list we make when set up is "what'd we forget?"

On our 2010 trip, my oldest daughter veered her attention away from packing, and packed NOTHING!

Everyday she had to wash clothes by hand in her bathing suit. She hasn't NOT packed since.

The kids forget sneakers or flip-flops, whichever one they're not wearing.

And they lived happily ever after.

Nice work.

I'm thinking of hosting a watch party this year for Daytona. I've been getting more and more into it each, but apparently my driver can't get past 8th.

And it just seems that much warmer, when you come in from the cold. 'Cause things ain't always better up the road.

So how far is the church from the Fort?

You weren't taking pictures during the actual Mass (you weren't right?) so, I think you were ok.

He totally was. Totally irreverant this guy. And I'm allowed to say it...cause the metal clan and the bear clan, we are tight.

Shame. Shame. Though he was probably quieter than a lady here who answered her phone during the Easter Vigil Mass and proceeded to loudly carry on a conversation.

Hey MD, check out my new avatar...it's me with my koozie!!!

Actually the one photo is before mass began, and the rest is in the lobby.

But don't let that take away any lack of respect for me, I'm still an irreverent dirt bag. It's a virtue!

Brandy, I love the pic! I noticed that this morning.

Day Two

Sounds: Marshall Tucker Band, James Gang, Mumford and Sons, Punch Bros.

Smells: Candles and Grilling!

Tastes: 9.

Rise and shine!

It’s Sunday morning!

As per usual, I was up with the dawn patrol.

No one else even budged as I awoke and prepared for the day.

One thing I needed to take care of, was a trip to Publix, the brand new one.

As I was grabbing my keys, my son opened his eyes and said he wanted to go with me.

So off we went to grab some donuts, milk, ice, and some fruit.

On the way there I noticed you can see the 4 Sleezin’s creeping up out of the trees.

On the way back, I wanted to grab a shot.

This is the view from the other side, as opposed to the view you see from the Fort.

You can also see a bit of it here, between the red car and the tall tree.

In case you’re playing detective, that second shot was taken after we returned to the Fort and headed out for our Sunday morning activities.

Today, we would be attending church at Mary Queen of the Universe Basilica.

We saw the blimp fly over head, and I thought…

“Cool, the big showdown between God and the devil, this church knows how to compete with the other big entertainment centers in the neighborhood. I wonder if it will be in ESPN?”

Then I realized there was a big college football bowl game across town.

Mr. ofBears was in attendance at the game.

It was refreshing to see the place packed, considering it was filled with people that are taking time out of the parks and vacation to exercise some faith!

How irreverent am I taking pictures in church?

They had a whole room set up with the nativity.

MW and the kids. Check out the ducks over Annie’s shoulder!

BM and the fam were there too!

After mass, we headed to a big Wal-Mart along I-4 to get some provisions, gloves, beef jerky, and some more beer.

Whilst I was trying to navigate, my son picked up the phone, thinking he was playing birds or ninja, he was testing out his photog skills!

Here’s a sample of his work…

He’s gotten really into pickup trucks now, and is especially interested in duallies!

Back at the site, it was Sunday brunch time!

After cleanup, BM shows up, we got our carts, and it was time to do a little looping and exploration!

First of all, yes TCD found the key! MH9 will get me everytime.

The kids in camo works too!

The Gator shot...only #15.

Wow, Wide Right...really? That's cruel.

I'm working on the latest updates. Trying to get photos from BM, his wife, and daughter.

He's roughly the equivalent of trying to get something from the DMV.

Awesome. KOA. Good tip, I want to take my son over there for a race, maybe camping can be involved afterall!

Hey, Lamont you big dummy!

Thanks all! A rare day off. Caught up on sleep, working on chores and errands, and will finish by the fire this evening!

Can you really have demon eyes while dancing around like that to Piano Yeehaw Bob?

First of all, I warned 'ya about the correction there pal!

Demon eyes are part of my basic DNA!

Fun evening!!!!!

It was. He's never disappointed.

OJ running through airports........... :lmao1:

Nice dancing! Was it the music or the margarita that got you moving?

The margarita got me warm. The music is the big silly magnet!

Love the Piano Bob photos!

Glad to see that everyone had fun.

I'm glad I wasn't there to see the dancing.

TCD

You should have been there. Mr. ofBears rocked the train of leapin' lords. He was the leader.

I was also picked to run up and down the aisle with invisible binoculars for the "...that you ever did see..." part.

Nice! That looks like a fun evening.

There was food too Dave! Wings and Chili Nachos. Ok, but not picture worthy. We jumped on them like vikings in a raid. Sauce and napkin shrapnel everywhere!

It is nice that the adults and kids could both have a good time in the same place.

It sure looks like fun.

It's cool. It's a bar, but open and part of the lobby so kids can participate. No language issue, safe for all ears!

Sweet!!!!!!!

I wonder how that hab margarita was compared to the one at Margarita Shack at DTD? Only regular salt there.

How did Bear like the Rye Beer?

I know she had more than one. Not sure on the margarita. I'll have to go back and have both. I'll do it for the Fiends...who's with me?

Anywhoo.

We left off with preparing for a night out with the FamilyOfBears.

We made our way to POR by car, as I can’t see a practical way to do it by bus.

We got there about 8:30 or so.

It was packed.

Go figure a Saturday night!

We stood towards the back, and just as Bob turned on the stage lights, a group got up from their table.

I was on it like OJ running through airports.

Even sat on the lady’s coat as they were trying to leave.

A round of hi-fives and drinks ensue!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the FamilyofBears

Now, I know his stage name is Yehaa Bob, but he’ll always be Piano Bob to us, so leave your corrections in that box over there to the left.

Bob starts his show, doing his thing, gets the silly going.

A little brainbox lubricant, the highly recommended Habanero Margarita. Even the salt is spicy!

Brandy opts for the Terrapin Rye, a beer from Georgia, which is now Disney’s current micro-brew option.

Bob gets the kids involved with a little head, shoulders, knees, and toes action.

Gets the ladies Rockette-kicking to New York, New York.

Totally infectious and energetic.

Makes you do dumb stuff in front of a big crowd that you’ll never see again.

Here we’re 5 golden rings. We had dual roles! Later in the song we’ll be lords-a-leapin’, complete with a lap around the bar on every verse!

Only Bob can make YMCA sound cool on piano!

About that time, someone sneaks up behind me.

It’s Ben the BassMaster.

They checked into their condo, went to Wolfgang Puck’s for sushi to celebrate their anniversary.

Here they are by the POR fire listening to Bob. Ben with his wife and daughter.

After Bob’s first set, it was time to head out, a lot of kids with us!

That was my favorite Bugs episode with the orange hairy monster.

"My stars, where did you ever get that awful hairdo?"

Come.....back......here......you.......raaaaa......bit.....

Classic! Weren't they whacked on ether or something like that?

My other favorite cartoon monster was Watt A Ghost, the orange electrical guy that you see in the opening credits to Scooby-Doo.

Can't wait to read this one. So glad I got to meet your DW this time. Wish there was more time to hang out together, after all we have sooooooo much in common. I was feeling really crappy, so next time, I know there will be more time. But so glad you stopped by and waiting for more!!!!

It was good seeing you too! Having gotten my son out of the hospital with pneumonia two days prior to our trip, I heard that whole corner of the loop was sick, so we didn't want to increase the risk.

Going to the RV show this weekend?

That is an awesome play list for a kid his age. Heck, for a kid MY age!

I hear banjos...

Nice! I no longer play school dances because I'm sick of the "If it's over a week old, it sucks" attitude. The biz has really killed it, music on the charts has become disposable.

You're on to me....how do you think I've had so many VIP meets with them?

A "come-on"

The pretty colors and sweet, child-like jello, entice you in, then I finish you off with the punch.

You were pretty doused on Friday night...... I may even have a photo.

This was taken before I grew my hair out.

That is so cool! I always dug Gossamer, the big hairy orange thing with sneakers that lives with the mad scientist.

MD trip reports are always so much FUN!! Love them, can't wait to read more!

**I NEED a couple of your camping playlists, Alex (me too) would love them!** :banana:

Wow, thanks! I have a ton of one hour sets that I mixed over the past few years, usually mix out 3-5 new hours for each trip. I'd be happy to share some lists with you!

The "make our children wait so we can finish our beer" comment was fantastic. Enjoying your report. F&W is one of my most fav things at Disney. This year that was the main reason we renewed our passes.

That's why the rest rooms are air conditioned. Out of the sun, a place to rest, finish your beer, Clean up...

But ever try drinking beer in front of a mirror, you get this overwhelping sense of guilt. And I have no idea why!

We had our first GAG on this trip. I'll forfiet another night of hot dogs for that forever in our Fort trips. Now a staple.

Duelling Trip reports! I like it!

What a great photo!

Excellent! Curt had that rig setup in the spot across from us over New Years, we toured it, and bothered them during setup.

Wish I could've come back up to see the fresh crop of fiends that came in the few days after we left!

Your son has great taste in music. Mine do too! They'd rather listen to classic rock than any of the pop crap.

I like Mr. ofBears better too. No offense MD, but if Brandy had been there the night the hubs and I dropped by, he probably would've hung out longer!!!!

I wish you guys could have come out one night and hung by the fire.

My son is funny with the music.

He's young enough that he likes some of what his friends like, but he loves hanging out with me, so he's always hearing differennt stuff.

"Daddyman, can you put that on my iPod?".

His "go to" is Black Sabbath, Slayer, Kiss, and is developing a nice appetite for the Beatles.

But I think his all time favorite is 'Point of Know Return' by Kansas.

Yes, another first page dibs.

Lots of pretty faces that are new to me.

Excellent, come along for the ride!

You're a trip.

Can't wait for more.

Thanks! BTW, There's a Hoity Toity Tea sighting coming up at some point in this adventure!

For the record, that adorable "B" purse I am holding in the pic does not stand for Brandy but for Bella. It holds her mermaids. Looks like I have no fashion sense at all carrying around that handbag.

Fashion sense? On my campsite? Those two thoughts never crossed before!

That first night Bella showed up with a suction-cup bow & arrow, that was perfect. Never noticed a purse. Annie's favorite camping buddy!

Totally ready for more trip report!!! :jumpforjoy

Coming soon! POR and Bob!

Great report MD. Steph is a modern day Jim Jones with turning us on to BBS. I'm seeing a pattern here with her punch. Drink my punch and follow me to BBS concerts. Hmnnnn.

I'm. Great TR. as usual

I didn't douse myself in Steph's concoctions this time. I wanted to remember some of the good times lol.

Remember that little mad scientist on Bugs Bunny? That's what I'm picturing in my head!

First!!! Another MD report! Woo Hoo!!!

Nice. Thanks for your support! Dave, you'll be in here somewhere.

First loser!

Oh yeah!

I've been waiting for this one.

I'm in.

Great start.

Loved the Disney on Ice photo.

And the sprinkler story.

TCD

I had a stomach ache from laughing when I saw them all wet. My wife said they jumped 2 ft up and back.

Good work.

I'm in

And since "papa bear" doesn't participate on the boards and we all think Mr of Bears is way funnier, lets make it Mr of Bears.

That sounds like an official OK to me!

I'm in too! Great start!

Well at least i am on page one

Welcome aboard!

Disney on Ice!!!! :banana:

Been waiting for this report. I thought about you and BYOB at Crockets. But never made it down there when open. Boo. Next time!

You have some of the photos already, You'll have to bear with us whilst we spin the yarns of epic BTS (Beer Tasting Sessions), several varieties in tow on this run!

Cool!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

You're in it too! This trip was chock full o'fiends!

Good stuff MD!

I was going to call you a Saint for taking 3 young girls camping, now it's Rock Star Saint for blasting them with the sprinkler. :rofl2:

I would have peed myself laughing!

The girls were great. Good campers. It's Ben and my son that are the pain-in-the-ass!

Page one of 2 TRs in one week! :banana:

"Disney on Ice" = fantastic

"Bexting" = my new favorite word

"Sprinkling" the kids = HI-larious

Mr ofBears = sticking

:doublebeer:

How do you top that post?

I'm in... did I make page 1 ?

Edit... Oh yeah save me a Pumpkinhead !.. I'll drink it up on Cripple Creek !

Yes, on page one, but the edit is great! My wife is the pumpkin-lover, not me, however, I'm a big fan of that record.

If you're a fan of them at all, check out the cover of "This Wheel's On Fire" by a band called Guster. It's on a tribute album to The Band.

One of the few covers that I like better than the original!

Awesome report!

Great report!

Thanks for hanging in there on this one. It took a holiday break!

Cool. Thanks for finishing this one.

Looking forward to the next!

The first update is posted on the NYE trip!

Makes me even more excited for Summer to get here so I can get there.

Thanks for the TR.

That will be a great trip! We end up there occasionally in the summer bcuse it's a little easier to get a spot. And the proximity to one of the best beaches!

We camp with a bunch of Catholics, too……and beer is a requirement. You know you go to a good Catholic Church when every event has plenty of beer. Gotta love those Knights!

Sorry to hear MW fell again. I have hurt both knees pretty badly a couple of times (believe it or not, one time from genuflecting and hitting the edge of a marble platform!) - both times it took forever to heal and I had occasional pain long after the incidents. It took a long time but they seem fine now, so hopefully hers will eventually.

Enjoyed this TR, but I always love your commentary. You could make a trip to Walgreens sound interesting. I look forward to your NYE TR!

Thanks! You're in the NYE TR! I'm gonna try the Walgreen's TR, but I need to find something really absurd to shop for, gum won't do it. Yes, booze and catholic go hand in hand! Afterall, who made the first beer run? Well, wine anyway!

Bravo, MD!

Good job finishing strong!

Great report.

Great.

TCD

Why, thank you! Going to the RV show this weekend?

Enjoyed as always!

Your bro seems like my kind of guy...minus the arson tendencies.

We come from a long line of reckless people, and my sisters married gents that fit right in!

Good job buddy.

Can't wait for your next one!

Thank you for sharing. :yay:

Love the report! AND the rock band photos! ;D

Thanks all for checking it out, new one's posted.

Kim, I'm looking for a current photo of the band to compare, same guys, way different look! It's on the PC at home.

Day One

Sounds: Yes, The Band, Badfinger, BBS

Smells: Fresh baked Subway rolls, Canvas, and cool crisp air!

Tastes: Tuna, Habanero Margarita.

As I sat around the fire with the old BassMaster during one of our regular Friday Night Fire sessions, we were discussing our upcoming trip to the Fortress of Wilderness.

We were planning on ringing in the Year of Our Lord, 2013 at the Fort.

We were scheduled to arrive 12/30, leaving on 1/3.

Partial.

The 30^th was a Sunday, and the rates dropped substantially.

But, why waste a whole Saturday NOT being at the Fort.

So, we called Mickey, right there from the fire to add a day to the front of the trip…he was all ears!

It all comes with consequences to be sure.

Now, there’s a slight change in the cast of characters.

Ya’ see Timmy, BM’s Mrs, and daughter for that fact, will not camp in the popup.

Something about plumbing, and other people.

So, Mr. smarty-engineer-britches hatches a plan.

Rent a condo off property.

His intentions were to sleep and eat there, and keep a cart at our site for fishing and looping.

For our purposes, that opened up the North Bunk, so we allowed Gracie to invite her two best friends to join us for her birthday.

So now, we’ve added days and people to the trip.

Saturday morning starts with the friends showing up, and packing.

We decided we’re dropping Josie off at the kennel, as we have no room in the truck or camper.

Plus, I’m a big enough jerk, who needs partial hookup neighbors giving me grief because of my dog!

After I was all packed up, I came across one more item that I had to bring, but couldn’t squeeze in, so it rode to the Fort like this…

Wheel’s up!

East bound and down.

Because of the extra goils, John II gets to ride up front.

Which he loves because he gets to sit next to me, man the music, and gets a cup holder!

He toured all over the flash drive that stores the music.

He loves him some Black Sabbath

But, he made stops at Yes, Badfinger, Kansas, The Band,The Whippoorwill by BBS, and he has a new love for the Trammps – Only Takes A Minute.

Wacky 8yo.

I ended up with The Band stuck in my head.

You know how there’s that one song that stays with you, and you’re looping and end up singing it over and over.

King Harvest has surely come…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxzQChNxQQ8

The Goils!

And the Mrs.!

He insisted on a solo photo.

We told him we have limited film.

He said “What’s film?”

Nevermind, it’s a phonecam.

About halfway between Tampa and the Fort, we stopped at Subway.

We had a ton of coupons, plus they had that $2 sub deal during December.

7 people ate for about $15, good start.

We had it to-go so we could eat at the site before we set-up.

Heading to the Fort, smell of fresh sandwiches, Disney signs let us know we’re approaching nirvana.

Alas, we’re here.

I never get tired of that shot!

MetalWife and I were chatting about past TR’s that have had our photos with weird colors by accident.

I have a new phone, and it has sepia tone as an effect, so she grabbed a few sepia shots, came out pretty cool!

I really dig the way this looks!

Need this shot every time too!

He couldn’t find MetalDad, so I gave him my real-life name, couldn’t find that either, so I gave him Ben’s

Got the thumb’s up!

Waiting in line for check-in, we took some pics!

It was our turn. Set me up!

1500!

Sent a request on Christmas Day!

Yes, but you added a day, we can’t get you in 1500 until Sunday.

I’m not re-setting camp, so I’ll take my lumps.

I know someone that did get a 1500 spot on Sunday, you’ll see him later!

So, we’re on the 2000 loop.

2015 to be exact.

Now, I know the layout down there, the key is to be closest to the CS closest to the entrance/exit.

Plus, if you’re close to the end, you don’t have to navigate the whole loop to get to your site.

Could we move towards the end by the second CS?

Yes, 2065.

Hold on, we need new card keys.

Hold on the machine’s broken.

Go to your site, we’ll bring them to you.

I was totally OK with 2000, we had a lot of kids, and no one can “out-menace” me!

So, I was at home back there!

Plus, I was at the Fort, what’s wrong with that?

I unhitched, kids started to eat, my son and I headed up to the Meadow for ice!

Saw this theming sign, seems so unlike Disney, but funny.

I liked it!

Token mouse shot!

2000 attracts a lot of rangers, so I figured I better get a shot before I was scolded.

Never happened!

See the moisture on the ground?

That’s not from a site cleaning, that’s from a pretty heavy blast of rain we got on the day before.

The whole front of the site was underwater.

I flagged down a CM driving picnic tables around on a loader.

When he got a chance, could he ask someone to bring a big broom by so I could whisk away the standing water?

About 2 minutes later he came back with a broom and a blower and dried it all up, better than I expected.

The site hadn’t been cleaned, as we were supposed to be in 2015, and were now in 2065.

No biggie, wasn’t a mess, a little soggy ash pile in a grill I wouldn’t use.

I don’t fret over things like that, if dirt bothered me, I wouldn’t camp!

Next item of priority…

DISNEY ON ICE!

This is where I started driving my fiend pal Genia crazy with beer texts (or bexting, as we now call it!).

They would be in next week after us for her birthday.

We also brought in some pumpkin ale, as total Wine was blowing it out at $3 per 6-pack after Halloween.

Wife loves it, I love her, sold.

My daughter and her two best friends.

Now, timing is everything.

My wife made a call on my phone, then snapped a photo of the goils exploring, then returned my phone to me.

I was setting up the kitchen, and washing up station (bed of the truck), and ready to hook up the hose to the camper.

Problem was, the second hose was already occupied.

See the black hose?

What the heck kind of campsite has two hoses, with one going straight into the ground?

Of course.

I had to try it.

I turned it on… you see where this is going right?

As per the photo above, the girls were inspecting something sticking out of the ground.

I apparently just fired up sprinklers at full blast, and got all four of them in the face!

As darkness approached, Genia sends me a text that FamilyOfBears wanted to know if we were going to Port Orleans to see Piano Bob?

Absolutely! That was a day one plan since we started.

We wouldn’t get carts until Sunday, so they stopped by to visit!

They told us how they had that same exact site before, and there was a terribly bright flood light that shone through the tenting, two lights actually.

In the middle of the night, Mr. ofBears, whom prefers to be called Papa Bear, stacked a table and a few coolers so he could stand on high and extinguish the offending light source.

They’re still out, so thanks Papa Bear.

I still think Mr. ofBears is funnier, but he’s bigger than me, so Papa Bear it is!

You may also recall our urban tagging expedition from my 4^th of July TR.

Mrs. ofBears is still rocking the Slyce koozie.

WooHoo!

We all decided to freshen up and head out to POR to see Bob.

Annie went with the Bears since she and Bella are thick as thieves.

I said “Honey, seem funny to you that we just sent our child off with strangers that we know from the internet?”

Are they really building a bouncy house castle over there?

Day Three & Four concluded:

Music: Stones, all day

Drink: Nothing, just some empty cans!

Smell: Fresh sea air and old German Autos

Seeing as I now have a Fort trip from New Year’s Eve, chock fulla fiends and such to document, I suppose I should finish this one up lest both of my readers wonder what happened.

We left off the last update from late Saturday afternoon.

We had just had a long bike ride, had ice cream, and saw a guy catch a hammerhead shark in a cast net.

By the way, Santa came through. I got a new Schwinn Pillow Top Gel-cushion seat for the old bike.

Fat bastard still didn’t bring me a camera, so you guys will continue to see everything in real perspective, or super-grainy zoom.

Anyway, back to the site, freshen up and back to the bike trail for mass on the beach.

Remember, this was a big catholic campout (in which we smuggled-in beer and battled coons by the light of the punch buggies in less than adequate vestments... page back if you’re confused.)

Now, MetalWife is a terrible cyclist.

You may recall in my 4^th of July TR that she crashed into the bridge by the 1500 loop and tore open her knee.

Who can forget this image?

It seemed funny at the time, but it took forever to heal, and still gives her pain now and again.

She says it’s because she’s from the city and never had much opportunity to ride bikes as a kid.

She always says “ride ahead… I’ll catch up!” And in this case, we were running late, the priest already started.

And here she comes now!

She was all flustered and covered in sand.

She’d fallen again, this time in a much softer LZ.

No damage this time.

After getting good with the Lord, we biked on back to camp.

Josie was ready for us to feed, water, walk, and marshmallow her.

Another nice surprise was waiting at the site for us!

My niece!

I’m her Godfather… Bet they regret that decision!

Getting the evening’s fire going.

The more people show up, the bigger the circle gets, perhaps it’s time to consider two fires!

As dinner rolled around, I grilled up some steaks.

Discovered a new steak seasoning at ALDI, freaking amazing!

We were leaving the next day, so I actually cooked everything we had.

We brought the hot pickles again. Hard to imagine, but they actually make beer better!

My view of the fire, with the red hot poker stick. I was ready for those raccoon-bastards now!

By the way, I bought my mom one of these washtub buckets for a firepit as well.

We stayed with them for Christmas, and fired up to watch the boat parade.

My BIL brought over some old wood that he’d stored in the attic, molding and flooring scraps.

The wood burned so hot it was popping and cracking and jumped out of the pit.

I burned my Gander Mtn. slippers, a hole in my new Coleman chair, and we actually burned the bottom out of the pit.

I asked him how old the wood was.

He said he put it in the attic when he bought the house.

16 years ago!

He’s also the guy that lit his lawn on fire trying to kill weeds.

Safety!

Sisters in the smoke!

We’ve been ‘smoring a bit differently lately.

Instead of traditional style with the graham cracker, we just use the giant marshmallows, pierce it, slide it a wedge of Hershey bar and roast.

The inside looks like this!

We called it a night.

The next day was packing up and heading out day.

I was up early, guess who!

MetalWife and I were the first to start wiping it all down, rolling it all up, tucking, folding…

Once we were loaded, wheel’s up and I was backing in to my driveway in about 45 minutes or so.

A quick breakfast and it was football time!

While there is no theme park or characters, no pool or bar, it is still one of my very favorite places to camp, and offers a great Florida-style camping experience.

New Year’s trip will be posted shortly.

I have to collect photos from four people.

Thanks for reading along.

See ya real soon!

Cool. A new Stef report. Missed you guys by just a few days. I dreamed I heard that Whippoorwill sing...

Got another good one going here, sir. It's funny to read several fiend's posts that have us all weaving in and out of each other's camping trips.

I'm just collecting the last few pics from BM and I'll be ready to launch my New Year's TR shortly. You show up in it a few times.

Easy on the Van Halen bit there pal...Aerosmith is perhaps even more un-Disney!

They got a ride!

Very cool TR! I am shocked though! All that beer...and not a single text!

Wish we could've come up to say hello. We still haven't finished unpacking from NYE.

Happy Birthday!