c_line's first stay at the fort

[c_line 1]

So...  I guess this is where I tell you how we got here and what we've done so far.

 

We left late Sunday afternoon.  We had freezing rain Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  We knew they were calling for it to end late Sunday afternoon so we were waiting for a break in the weather to get away.  If we'd put too much faith into the reports on the radio we wouldn't have got away when we did.  They were saying the 401 (the main highway) was in poor condition.  When we left home we didn't get far before doubting our sanity.  The roads were bad in our (rural) area and it was slow going.  The secondary highway was a little better, and by the time we hit the 401 it wasn't too bad.  Not perfect, there was some slush and snow, but not terrible.  With the ice storm a lot of people in Toronto were without power - it was weird to see dark high rises.  It's bad enough to be without power in the country - I can't imagine what it would be like in the city.  We stopped to fuel up and the lady at the gas station thought we were nuts.  Nuts to leave that and go to Florida?  That's not nuts at all.  I saw a total of one other RV the whole first 24 hours, and they appeared to be heading south too.

 

Little Man (youngest son) fell asleep before the border and when he woke up we convinced him that he had missed the whole border crossing.  He rolled down his window, stuck his hand out, and said, "Huh, it really is warmer here."  We were still in Canada at that point.  It was a few degrees warmer than home, but nothing worth stopping for.

 

Drove until after midnight, grabbed a few hours of sleep, and continued on again.  Drove all day Monday, grabbed a short few hours of sleep, drove until lunch time Tuesday when we picked up Middle Man (oldest son) at a friend's house because they had travelled down together.  Had a home cooked meal with them, which was nice after being on the road for a couple of days.  It was especially nice vegging on the couch after sitting in the middle bench seat of a pickup truck for all those hours.  Stopped at Publix and rolled into the Fort around suppertime on Christmas eve.  We had booked a preferred site but got bumped up to a premium, which was a nice surprise.  

 

The whole trip down was alright, no weather after we left Ontario.  No crazy traffic or drivers, although Atlanta was a bit hectic.  We're travelling with three dogs, and they were all super on the way down.  I'm sure they wondered what was going on - they've had long drives like that before but they've been in the car.  This time they travelled in the fifth wheel.  Our old dog had a spot where he was right beside the window and sometimes someone would pull up beside us grinning and pointing so we knew he was being noticed.  :)

 

Set up camp Christmas Eve.  Had a quiet Christmas morning.  Middle Man cooked breakfast outside and we ate at the picnic table.  Christmas breakfast outside - first ever for me.  I didn't go any further than the comfort station Christmas day.  BBQ for supper.  

 

Today we ran into town to pick up a few odds and ends.  Was so nice to pull back into the campsite afterwards.  Old Man and I went for a walk over to the pool by the Meadows Trading Post (is that right?) - I hadn't been over there before.  This evening we had our first GAG.  It was fantastic.  Old Man has been coming to WDW since he was a kid and has spent so much time here but had never had a GAG.  He was impressed - thank you all for that!  :)  We had enough for 4 of us with leftovers.  

 

After that we  hopped on a boat and went to the Contemporary.  We had a look around - Little Man wanted to see the arcade.  We were going to hop on the monorail (I'm so sorry Lou) but it was so crowded that we gave up on that.  We took a stroll past the outdoor movie and along the beach back to the boat and Old Man and I caught one to Magic Kingdom (I think, it's been a long night, there may have been a second step in there).  The kids headed back to the campground to feed the dogs.  I hadn't seen Cinderella's castle at night, so it was cool to see it even from a distance.  From MK we caught another boat back to the Fort.  On the boat I saw someone that looked familiar.  I explained to Old Man but I was too shy to say anything.  We got off the boat and stopped at the Settlement trading post.  Old Man went out ahead of me and when I came out he was sitting on a bench talking to Ken and the kids, who were waiting for Judy to come out of the store.  We had a fantastic little chat, then Judy came out and we chatted some more.  It was so nice to meet someone from here!  :)  

 

After all that Little Man and I rounded up the laundry and got it washed/dried/folded.  Good to have that done.  I wish the washers and dryers had countdown timers on them so we had an idea when to go back though.  Oh well.  I won't complain - it's super to be able to have laundry facilities so close.

 

We're here until the 11th I guess, so we're in no rush to go into the parks yet.  Hopefully after a few more days they won't be as busy.

 

I know I should have pictures.  I get involved and forget to take pictures.  I'm more living in the moment than capturing it.  :)

 

Couple of random thoughts:

 

Someone a couple of campsites down from us has a couple of old, loud muscle cars.  It may irritate some when he starts them up but I love it.  I need me a car that sounds like that.  :)

 

I know it may seem selfish, but Christmas away is nice sometimes.  No trying to fit three turkey dinners into two days, double booking yourself, driving through all kinds of weather, etc, etc.  We had a totally relaxing day.  Downside is I didn't bake anything this year or make any treats or anything.  Our waistlines will thank us.

 

Now I understand why older people flock to Florida.  If I was retired and knew what Florida weather is vs what I'm used to I would definitely be tempted to become a snowbird.  I'm so not looking forward to going back to the cold.

 

Some kids shouldn't be driving golf carts.  Especially if they don't understand what a backup beeper means.

 

Really impressed with the comfort stations.  I wasn't sure what to expect.

 

That is all.  :)

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Sounds like ya'll are having a great time!

 

One comment though, you said you took a boat to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary?  There usually no regular boat service to the MK from Contemporary. That usually means a walk or monorail ride.

[dvccamper 32]

Wow, you had a long drive! But it sounds like you've had a nice relaxing time since you arrived...I'm jealous! Have a great trip.

[h2odivers...Ray 952]

Glad you were able to make it safely thru the ice. Enjoy the weather and your stay.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Also glad you made it safely.  Have a great time!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Yes, that sounds like a long drive, but totally worth it.  I assume you cross the border in Windsor?  What part of Ontario do you live in?  

 

Hope you continue to have a great time.  

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Now that's a drive!

 

Glad you are enjoying your trip and the weather.

 

Sadly, Atlanta traffic is always hectic. That's why I rarely go near the city.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 594]

Glad that you arrived safely.

Enjoy your trip.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Enjoy your vacation!