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BigTom

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  1. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Tri-Circle-D in Other attractions   
    I know this board is mainly about Fort camping, but there is a lot of other things to do in Florida besides the Mouse, Harry Potter, Legoland and the beach. We have a lot of history in this state that is sometimes overlooked by theme parks. When visiting our state, check around and there may be something interesting close by. Check out Lighthouses, if you have never been in one, there are several that have been restored and made in museums you can go in and see how they were built and maned. How about a deep sea fishing trip, a tour on a glass bottom boat, or an air boat in the everglades. May a resort dive, (a short class and a shallow dive with scuba tanks). A lot of history, Oldest town, Saint Augustine, is very interesting and you will learn a lot of history on a tour.
        Maybe a week in the Keys, you can rent a house for about the same as a week at Fort Wilderness and stay on a tropical island and still be in the USA. Take a charter boat if you enjoy fishing and enjoy fresh seafood, it tastes different from what you get from the stores. A visit to Fort Jefferson on Dry Tortugas is unforgettable and worth the trip. Pigeon Key give a look into how the oversea highway was built.
        There is a lot to do and see, we have had Indian battles and civil war battles, dinasour bone museums, rail road and ship yards. You can find shark teeth and on beaches and Manatees in the wild, natural springs with glass bottom boats, and many other things that are interesting besides theme parks. Plus most of the people are friendly and are willing to share their knowledge about where they live if you just ask where there is something interesting to see or do.
  2. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from BradyBzLyn...Mo in Other attractions   
    I know this board is mainly about Fort camping, but there is a lot of other things to do in Florida besides the Mouse, Harry Potter, Legoland and the beach. We have a lot of history in this state that is sometimes overlooked by theme parks. When visiting our state, check around and there may be something interesting close by. Check out Lighthouses, if you have never been in one, there are several that have been restored and made in museums you can go in and see how they were built and maned. How about a deep sea fishing trip, a tour on a glass bottom boat, or an air boat in the everglades. May a resort dive, (a short class and a shallow dive with scuba tanks). A lot of history, Oldest town, Saint Augustine, is very interesting and you will learn a lot of history on a tour.
        Maybe a week in the Keys, you can rent a house for about the same as a week at Fort Wilderness and stay on a tropical island and still be in the USA. Take a charter boat if you enjoy fishing and enjoy fresh seafood, it tastes different from what you get from the stores. A visit to Fort Jefferson on Dry Tortugas is unforgettable and worth the trip. Pigeon Key give a look into how the oversea highway was built.
        There is a lot to do and see, we have had Indian battles and civil war battles, dinasour bone museums, rail road and ship yards. You can find shark teeth and on beaches and Manatees in the wild, natural springs with glass bottom boats, and many other things that are interesting besides theme parks. Plus most of the people are friendly and are willing to share their knowledge about where they live if you just ask where there is something interesting to see or do.
  3. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from DaveInTN in 1 night in Disney and 2 at Legoland   
    I think they have a ski show on the lake in front of the hospital one Saturday a month with the skiers from  the old show for free. It is on a lake side and you need to bring your own chair.
  4. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from shaffecv in The Fort and Firearms, new policy?   
    I can not think that anyone would travel especially in a motor coach and staying in different places without some kind of protection. I would assume everyone would be armed in some way.
  5. Like
    BigTom got a reaction from Lantana in Weather Alert   
    I have a question, since I have lived in Florida for almost 74 years, maybe some fiend can answer it for me. Why does anyone want to live in a place with that kind of cold weather? My father always claimed they were just yankees and just didn't know better, but there must be a better reason, somebody clue me in on what it is.
  6. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Tri-Circle-D in Date for hall of pres. opening? (ETA: Open now)   
    HOF is one of my favorite shows at WDW and I think every parent should take their kids to see it when they are old enough to understand it. I watched the show twice on U tube and think they did an outstanding job on the new show.
  7. Like
    BigTom got a reaction from tonyg30 in IRMA   
    Don't think there was any insurance for the bedding, most of his equipment will be good, it is mostly mechanical, not powered so will dry out and be all right with a little lubing, he just can't use it until the ground dries out enough to be able to use it. He has some low ground as most of interior Florida is and you can't farm mud, we will be good, farming is an addiction just like  smoking and break away from.  
  8. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Avatab.... Steve in IRMA   
    Just got internet back on, got gen set running, it quit yesterday, we had to replace head gasket. Lost about 1/3 to 1/2 orange crop, but we are all safe and well. Some clean up to do, had to cut the trees so we could get barn open, but they did not hit the building . All in all everything is well and we are rebounding back to normal if they would just get the electricity on. We have all gas appliances so no problem with cooking and if I can eat ever thing else is just an irritation. 
  9. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from PGHFiend in IRMA   
    Just got internet back on, got gen set running, it quit yesterday, we had to replace head gasket. Lost about 1/3 to 1/2 orange crop, but we are all safe and well. Some clean up to do, had to cut the trees so we could get barn open, but they did not hit the building . All in all everything is well and we are rebounding back to normal if they would just get the electricity on. We have all gas appliances so no problem with cooking and if I can eat ever thing else is just an irritation. 
  10. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from caveat lector in IRMA   
    We made it through safely, Lost at least one barn, last oak tree in yard, it withstood Donna in 1960 and was a big tree. Some water intrusion damage, a few shingles of roof, but we are all well and safe,  have a generator going so have power and water. Wind was over 100 mph about midnight last night. Haven't been out to check grove, but know I lost most of my crop and probably some trees. Need to do a lot of clean up now.
  11. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Tri-Circle-D in Reading   
    Don't know if any fiends like to read, I go through 3-4 books a week, at my age not a whole lot more to do, and especially enjoy books about Florida. I found one that anyone interested in Florida Keys will enjoy. It is titled Charlotte's Story, a Florida Keys Diary. It is about a couple that go to live on Elliot Key in the 1930s. Very interesting and a true story that will give a view of how wild South Florida used to be. You can still get on Amazome, it is out of print and was never printed in a large number but anyone interested in Florida History should read it. Tom
  12. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Katman1356...Jason in Fort camping in June?   
    One thing about Florida heat, the sun is the main problem, if you stay in the shade and have a fan to make a breeze it is not too hot. The problem is being too active during the hat part of the day, why do you think they have siestas in Mexico. At night it usually cool off after the sun goes down and being surrounded by water there is often a breeze after dark. We haven't even turned on the ac yet this year, out of the house all day and it is cool enough at night with just a ceiling fan. 
  13. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Roberta in How much candy at Halloween?   
    There is usually a crowd come in that are not staying at the Fort and even local people will come in just for T or T. 2000 loop is not in the center of things like 1500 so not as many outsiders come around there.
  14. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Roberta in How much candy at Halloween?   
    I also have a tent site reserved, we might be neighbors but I want 2000 loop, it won't be as crowded with outsiders as 1500
  15. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Roberta in How much candy at Halloween?   
    I suggest that you don't but too much, you want to not have any left. Just give it out until  you run out and don't worry about not having any, there will be plenty there and no one will fuss at you.  
  16. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Roberta in How much candy at Halloween?   
    We were in 2000 last year and passed out about 5 lbs of assorted candies. Just bought the bags of assorted individual wrapped candies and enjoyed sitting in loop entrance and meeting the people. Was not a big group but had a good time. Have another reservation for this year and hope to get same site again, we were at the very first of the 2000 loop. This year should not be too crowed as Halloween is on Wednesday and not the weekend.
  17. Upvote
    BigTom reacted to PeacefulCamper in New Fiend / Cute pre-Matthew pic   
    Small world! We're in Clermont as well! Raised our family here. Both daughters are married and settled in Orlando! My husband retired from teaching and then worked for Disney. He retired from there a few years ago. I retired from 38 years of teaching last year. Planning to do a lot of camping throughout Florida with (of course) as many Fort trips as possible!
     
  18. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Katman1356...Jason in Need advice on time of year   
    I would choose May over August. I think Judy is still a travel agent, but Jason is the one most reccomended and helps support this board.
  19. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Beckers in Need advice on time of year   
    I would choose May over August. I think Judy is still a travel agent, but Jason is the one most reccomended and helps support this board.
  20. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from PureTcrazy...rita in Need advice on time of year   
    I would choose May over August. I think Judy is still a travel agent, but Jason is the one most reccomended and helps support this board.
  21. Upvote
    BigTom reacted to bdm in Dear, its time to start shopping   
    We don't hate the bunk house, but with a 2 year old and a new born in planning we don't think we will "need" a bunk room for 4 or 5 more years, and it could be time for another new camper by then.
    The biggest problem we have with bunk house floor plans is the lack of windows in the family room / kitchen area.  We camp at a lot of state and federal parks and love to see the out doors if we are stuck inside.   We are also currently stuck looking at campers in the max weight range of 14,000 lbs due to limitations of our tv
  22. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from mouseketab.....Carol in Ford F150 eco boost motor   
    You need to remember, most 150 series truck buyers only use them as passenger vehicles and only ever now and haul a small load like some mulch or fertilizer a few times a year. If you are going to work one hard you will get a 250 or larger. Therefore the durability of the bed is not a big concern.
  23. Downvote
    BigTom reacted to Travisma in Bulldozing River Country?   
    https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/
    PROHIBITED ITEMS
    The following items may not be brought into the Parks:
    Recreational devices such as drones, remote control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates or shoes with built-in wheels.  
    Also on the Fort  Vehicles, Carts, and Recreational Devices Rules page they hand out at check -in it says no drones, and on the back side under unauthorized vehicles it has a picture of a drone.
    But it also says cart operators must be 16 and licensed...
  24. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from swimmarz in Ford F150 eco boost motor   
    You need to remember, most 150 series truck buyers only use them as passenger vehicles and only ever now and haul a small load like some mulch or fertilizer a few times a year. If you are going to work one hard you will get a 250 or larger. Therefore the durability of the bed is not a big concern.
  25. Upvote
    BigTom got a reaction from Avatab.... Steve in The nerve of these people, this is so friggin wrong!   
    If they want to party at the Fort, they should get a site and camp at the Fort
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