Well today was Busch gardens. March 16 2013

So up early for another fun filled day.

The weather is getting a little hotter here. Usually when we get up first thing in the morning it is a little chilly. Well not this morning. You could feel the warmth in the air already.

So up at the crack of dawn, down stairs and having some breaky. Then back up stairs to grab our stuff that we would need for the day. We then walked over to the sea world parking lot where we had a shuttle booked to head to Busch gardens. Not sure where that was suppose to be so wandered around the parking lot for awhile till we found the spot. We go up to the bus that is parked there and he says not this bus, another will be here in a moment. Finally the other bus comes. It is half full already and by the time all are on the bus is full along with another but
Bus behind which is filling up as well.

Off we head. Traffic isn't too bad we have a movie playing on the way over. Since you really can't see out the windows as they are blocked by pictures advertising on the outside. Might have napped a bit on the way over because it didn't seem like that long a drive.

Into Tampa we go. Straight up to the gate at Busch gardens. Now that is service and it is allot easier then driving. Off the us and in through the gat. Okay there isn't much of a lineup to get in and it is already after ten o clock. Maybe this might be a good day.not too crowded. Lets hope.

Now check the map and we are on our way. As we walk we get ourselves turned around a little and heading into a monkey area. There is a few little kids there watching the monkeys. A funny thing happened in there and cleared out all these kids in a big hurry. Parents rushing them out of the exhibit. It seem two monkeys are having a little knookie in front of the glass. Exabitionist and not shy about it. It sure did clear out all the parents with small kids though.

We come out if there and head for the train. This train is and old steam engin that goes around the outside of the park. You ride it around and get to see the areas that are blocked off to humans for walking. You get to see all the wildlife in this area. Elephant, giraffes, zebra and lots of elk. We road the train the whole way around and got ourselves oriented.

From there we got off the train back where we started and then headed to the sky ride. A tram that goes over the wildlife and you can get a birds eye view of the off limit area. You se a few different things from that height.

After we are off the sky ride we started walking around. Made it back to the front of the park and went in to see a show. This show was called Iceploration. There was skaters acrobats and a bit of a story line about going off into the serigetti. And music. The show was about half and hour.

After the show we headed over to get a bite to eat. My gosh was there allot of food to the plate I ordered. Three pieces of fish, six shrimp and frenchfries. Soooo good. I don't think I will be eating anything else tonight. You know I was right. I just had a piece of pie tonight and no entre. I am still stuffed.

After lunch was over we took the tram back to the back of the park. Checked out another show going on there. This was was full of lively music and ballroom dancing. That was allot of fun to watch. When that show was done we checked out the rest of the park.

Yeah yeah walking walking walking. That seems to be my new motto for these parks. We decided we where going to take the train back up to the front. But couldn't do it as two of the trains where out of commission. So I guess it is walk up to the front. Not that long a walk. We stopped for awhile and watch the people coming down the roller coaster and through the water. Then stopped at another attraction and watched the people getting wet there. The line ups where not long. You could get on any one of these rides today with out no wait at all.

So now back up at the front. We have a little time before the bus is to go. So we sit and listen to some jazzy type music being played at the theatre. When that was finisiphed I went and picked up a picture of the two of us and then out the front gate to hop on the bus that was already there. Allot of people already on the bus. No one wants to pay a 300 dollar taxi ride back to Orlando. Including us.

The ride seemed to be much linger on the way back. Traffic is just nasty. We just crawled along. Finally being dropped of at sea world and then having our little walk back to our hotel. Supper for me was just a peice of pie. Yeah was not hungry. But ate pie while hubby had something to eat.

Tomorrow is moving day. Time to get into the time share a friend has loaned us for a week. This is over closer to Disney area. So hopefully after the move we will be able to find shuttles to get us where we want to go over. Also hopefully there is wi fi there so I can keep up with my fun filled blogging.

I know no one is interested in this anyways, but it is a way for me to go back and remember oh yeah I did that. Like a journal

So talk again tomorrow from a different location. Bye for now

One glorious day. At discovery cove. March 15 2013

We spent today just relaxing.

Up first thing in the morning and heading over to discovery cove. This is something I paid for before we left home. It said swim with dolphins and well that's what I wanted to do.

So up at 7 o clock this morning. No breakfast as we are served breakfast in this park. And lunch as well. So off we go for a little walk to make it over there. Started out okay. Made it over to sea world and then started across their parking lot to get over to the other road were discovery cove is. Yeah yeah, walking, walking,walking. Across this parking lot. You wouldn't believe how big it is just to get to the other side. We finally make it over there and then realize that there is no way out of parking lot. So have to back track a little to get to an entrance. Then there is the part about crossing the road. This is a major road. Cars cars cars. Just kept on a coming. Finally across this road. it isn't like BC where cars will slow down for you. You are at the mercy of your own wits. Fun

Now that we are across the road we have to walk up a ways to get into the entrance. Now back along another parking lot. Such fun. Walking walking walking. Oh my feet. Well finally get to the entrance building. In we go.

First they have to find your reservation on the computer. Without spelling your name wrong because it would be pronounced differently then how it is spelled. Then they get to take your picture. Ha hubby really loved that. They made him smile as well. He he he. So now he had to carry around a bag all day with his nice smiling face on it. A credit card was attached to the badge so you did not need to take cash around the resort. Good idea if you don't loose your badge. Hmmm I can do some dolphin shopping. Hmmm that is later.

So finally all logged in and heading down the path to where we can get into a wet suit. Find a locker and be ready to tour around. Wet suit on after allot of tugging and pulling. Hubby had a better one then I did. He had his on in no time. Me I kept struggling to get it up over my butt then my big gut and then onto my shoulders. Gosh am I ever going to get out of this thing. What if I have to pee?

Well locker filled up and we have a towel and are on our way. I have an appointment at 10:20. To do my swim. So we take a little wander around and then sit down and have some breakfast. My goodness allot of selection. Eggs, ham, bacon, sausage and all sort of other things to.. Good harty breakfast to get you going.

By this time it is time for me to go over to where the dolphin swim is. I get there and have to sign a waiver. As usual. They are not responsible for any problems. A bit of a film as shown and then we head out to the water. Ten of us all together. We get introduced to CJ. A cross between two dolphins. It seems 20 years ago and male dolphin decided he could jump a gate and get into the adjoining pool. So bee it a hybrid dolphin came of that escapade. This is CJ.


He swam by us a few times to get rubbed down. Then he did a few tricks for us on had signals we made. A bit of jumping with his buddies in the water. Then we swan out to the deep water and grabbed a fin and CJ swam us back in. Not much but it is something I enjoy. Was with the dolphin for at least forty minutes. I enjoyed the whole time I was with them.

After this encounter we headed over to the lazy river ride. It is just a slow moving current that takes you around the park. The water was like bath water. Sooooo warm and just so nice to just float around. We came to a water falls and had to go under it. Well time to get totally wet I guess. Under we go and we are in a cave to where we come out on the other side and are in an avary. This area has allot of species of birds flying around in it. Then we come to another water fall and another time getting wet. Out the other side and are floating some more. We go around this lazy river at least four or five times before it is time to go do something else.

Well that something else was swimming in salt water. They called it a reef pond. Wondered why they would call it a reef until we got in with our mask and snorkel. You saw sting rays after sting rays. Pods of beautifully coloured fish. Lots of coral along the rocks. Such a wonder to see with out having to go out in the ocean. There was a blocked off area where they had some sharks. No one could go in there. There was a diver in there at the time that was feeding them. You could look through the glass enclosure and watch. It makes for a different picture when you are in the water snorkelling instead of on the surface looking down. There was dozens of fish to look at. We swam around there at least twice before I started to get a chill.

So that was our day. The best one I could think of. As I like dolphins that much. We got out of the water. Got showered and changed and did a little walking around. Went over to the avary were I feed a few birds, found the sea otters in another area and there was also about ten monkeys sitting on an island. They wouldn't cross as they do not like the water.

Last but not least. I spent a little money. A pair of dolphin earrings and dolphin necklace. A bag for carrying stuff since the one we brought decided to tear. And I got my photos of my experience with the dolphins. They also gave me a DVD of my time here.

So I can say this was one great day. Everything I wanted to do.

Tomorrow off to catch a shuttle first thing in the morning to go to Busch gardens. I think maybe just another ride park, but have tickets so will go. This is a bit of a drive, but I called about a shuttle two days ago to get us there and back. So far things are working out great for us.

Great vacation and now I am in my glory over dolphins. I know shut up about the dolphins, but I can't help it. Love it love it love it.

Well talk again tomorrow. I know you guys are enjoying your day as much as I am.

Well today feet telling me no more. Well still walking. March 14 2013

Hey all. Made it to universal studios today.

Walking, walking, walking and more walking. As I said before I am not much of a ride person, so there was just allot of walking today.

Got up this morning about 7 o clock. Headed down to have some breaky at the continental breakfast that the best western puts on. Mornings are just too early. With the sunshine we had yesterday just wanted to sleep. But had to get breaky in and then make sure we where out side for the shuttle that was coming around 9. Had a good serving of scrambled eggs and some sausage to get me through the day.

Then we head back up to our room to make sure we have al provisions for the day. Sweater in as the breeze is just a little cool. Camera and sun block. Yeah very important or will end up like a lobster and that will not be good. Put my shorts in the bag. Maybe it will get warm enough to wear them. Okay have tickets to get in. Put on me hat to keep sun off a little. All set lets go.

Down stairs then I realize no sunglasses. Great back up stairs I go and grab them. Anything else. No all set now.

The shuttle makes it there at right on the dot. Not two minutes before or two minutes after. The shuttle drives to a few other hotels for pickup. The drops a couple of ladies over at sea world. I guess they didn't realize it is only a short walk over to there. Well to each their own. After a drive down the freeway to universal we are there. Not too long a drive, but too long to just walk there. It would have been nice then we could have left anytime we are finished and check out international drive on the way back. Instead we waited for the shuttle to come back at 5:15. Not before and not after. Right on time.

Into universal we go. First thing you come to is city walk. Full of stores and restaraunts. A few souveneirs stores. Look at them later now just lets go in and see what the hub bub is about. Okay after having our bag checked to make sure no explosives in it we head on through the check in and have our finger scanned. That is so we can go to other theme park of island of adventure afterwards and also to come back another day as we have a two day pass. Who knows if we will use the other pass but hey we have it.

Okay the decision.. Which way do we go. Lets keep left go around the outside and see what we can see. We make it through New York and then come across construction. Making of a new theme area. Ride of back to future I think. Along the waters edge we go and around to other side of water. There we meat up with a few cartoon characters. There is a transformer and a little further down. Woody and curious George. People lined up just to have their picture taken with them. Last place before leaving universal studio is we check out the attraction of terminator. Stand in a line and in we go. Where we get moved into another room and shown a short clip on machines taking over to do things for you. Then we are moved into another room were we have a seat and watch a three d film with some action players running around the theatre. The chairs we are sitting in move around a bit and we get a little wet from some spray of what is suppose to be a machine blowing up. Water spray. Did cool us down a little. Then the world was saved as they blew up the facility. One big thunk of our chairs and we were let out of the room to walk again. Yeah no more machines ruling the world. Huh!!! Last place we walked through was memorabilia of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo that goes down memory lane for me. I loved watching her on tv.

So now are back walking. Leave universal and head over to island of adventure. The other half of the theme park. Yeah, yeah, walking, walking and more walking. This time we decide to go right. End up in dr seuse land. See all of whoville and Horton and the grinch. The next part of the park is mid evil. As we keep walking around. Then we come to Harry potter. Boy is it busy in that part. People, people , and just more people. Must really love Harry and his friends. We move on from there really quickly. Head into Jurassic park. There we watch the people coming off the log fumm. Splash and everyone is wet. Watched a few slide down before we headed onto cartoon area. There we see Betty boop and blondie and a few other cartoon charicters.

Okay the gate is coming up. And back into the city walk we go. Check out a few of the stores and have a little lunch type snack. Me just a few French fries. While the other half has a burger. Way too much food for me in those servings so the frenchfries did just fine.

Now still walking but this time towards the exit. Still too early for the shuttle so check out the upstairs but find that it is all just nightclubs that open up later. Back down and across the bridge to were we will go down to the shuttle. Need to reapply the sun block.. Sun is feeling a little hot on my neck. No want to be a lobster. That will ruin the holiday.

So now sitting at the curb waiting for the shuttle. Still a little early, but finally it gets here. On we get and back to the hotel.

Well another day down. Beautiful sunshine and almost warm weather. Still a little cool with that breeze. But loving every minute of it. Now just resting up in the room for a little while before we head out for something to eat. Wonder what we will come up with tonight. Will my poor feeties and legs be able to make the treck out again. Well time will tell on that

Tomorrow I get to do my all time favourite. Swim with the dolphins. Looking forward to that again. Going to discovery cove and spending the day there. It is close by so don't need to take a shuttle. Discovery cove they have a dolphin swim plus you can snorkel around another area or swim. Then there is a place you can walk around that has all sorts of exotic birds and such. Should be a nice relaxing day. Hope so anyways. Need a bit of rest

So that's it for today. From the warm dry weather of Florida. Signing out for the night. Will put up a couple of pictures from today on face book in a minute. Having a lovely time so far.

I am enjoying this nice sunny weather. Not going home yet. March 13 2013

That's right. Just spent first day at sea world.

Dolphins. Dolphins, dolphins and a little shamu on top. Obit was a glorious day.

A little cool first thing in the morning. Thought about the shorts going on then stepped outside for a minute. Back up stairs to put on me pants. Yeah just a little chilly. It had rained the day before so people where saying. We missed it.

Anyways after having a long restful sleep after a day on the plane. We got up about 8 o clock and headed down to the continental breakfast that they supply at the best western. A little crowded but still was able together a seat and have a little snack before we started our day.

Then took the walk over to sea world. In the gate around 9 o'clock and there was allot of people already there. The stores where open and doing a bit of business. We came across the first roller coaster. The manta. You lay in it upside down facing the ground. For me it is on your life.!!!! We didn't go there to do the rides anyways. Just wonder around and see what we can see. I am not much of a ride person. That is a fact of life for me. I will scream and holler and I haven't even been on the ride yet. A few people can attest to that.

This is what we saw as we walked around the park. There was alligators, manta, seals sharks and sting rays. Another area we saw a polar bear, beluga whales and walruses in the artic area. Just like being at on big zoo for sea life.

So decided we would go left and make our way around that way. Well low and behold first place to come across is dolphins. In my glory here. Walked through the dolphin cove and watch them being fed. See how they dance around and just enjoy themselves.

About that time was the first dolphin show. We went into sit down and wait a couple of minutes. Made sure we where up high enough so we where out of the splash zone. Don't need to get wet first thing in the morning. The music starts and out come the performers. They did highflying acts on bungy cords and swings. Dressed up like dolphins and birds. Then the dolphins came out and jumped and splashed and played. Made a heck of allot of water up into the audience. Great fun to watch and yes we didn't get wet.

So on we walked after that. Started heading in the area of the shamu show back passed roller coasters were people were screaming on. Yeah still not for me.

Over at the shamu show was another character show were people did some acrobatic stuff and then the whales came out did some jumping and splashing of the audience. Sat in a good place and no not wet again. That was good. The whales make a bigger splash then the dolphins did.

So now the day is starting to get warmer. Not enough for me to put back on my shorts but you could start to feel the heat. Hubby did not put on any sunblock. I bet he will be feeling it tomorrow. For now he doesn't look too bad.

Well anyways we kept wandering around. Making our way left as before. I think we saw most of the park. Had to backtrack a couple of times as we kept heading for the entrance. This is not the way we are suppose to be going. Turn around again and make our way back so we are in the park area again. Lets see look at the map again. Is there anything we missed. I think we haven't seem this yet. So off we treck again to see if we can find it. Now I think we have seen it all. Check the map again as it is getting close to when the next dolphin show is on.

So now start heading in the direction of the dolphin theatre again. I think it is time for a sit down. Pooped I is. We wait outside for the gate to open. Other people are gathering around to get in as well. At least it is a shady spot to relax in. Well finally the gate opens and we walkin. Go and sit in a different area to get a different view. Now sit on the hard seats and wait there for the show to start.

Well at least I am sitting down. Have walked and walked and walked all fricken day. The show starts. Same one as before. Acrobats and dolphins playing in the water. Lots of splashing and such. I got to see them once more before we head back to the room.

Well that was allot of sun and allot of walking for one day. It is only six thirty and am kinda sleepy. Maybe a nap is in order, but should eat first I guess before we settled for the night.

Okay now what to eat. Hadn't eaten much all day. A cinnamon bun with lots of cream cheese on. Oh soooo yummy that was. But it doesn't make for a meal tonight. Maybe we will head back to place we ate last night. Just beside the hotel. The serving was huge, but dang was it good. Many pounds coming my way on this trip. Great! Tonight the place has free pie and all you can eat fish and chips. I wouldn't make that worth while.

I guess that is it for today. Tomorrow we are going over to international drive and see the shops. So touristy we are. Just kinda a restful day. Stay out of the sun a little as not to get burned too bad and also so i can be ready next day to go to discovery cove and swim with the dolphins. Yep I booked that to do. Then the rest of the day around discovery cove swimming, snorkelling and walking around a rain forest to see all the exotic birds and such.

Okay snooze time for a little bit, then out for some food

Talk to you again tomorrow. Hope you are all enjoying your wet rainy weather or snowy weather depending on were you are. I just love were I am now. I know brag, brag, brag. But I am lovin it

Today and we are finally in warm weather. March 12 2013

Today was one very long day. Started out with being up at three in the morning. Such fun!!!

Well after walking the dogs in the dark and the rain and the having some breakfast we were on the road to the airport. Abbotsford airport is easy to get to. Especially since it is only a half hour drive away from where we live. I like going to this airport. You can get there in no time and the price for parking is a hell of allot better then Vancouver.

So now at the airport. Way!!! Too early. At least we are there and ready to travel. Luggage booked in and we are sitting there waiting for security to open. It finally opened and we are now sitting in another room waiting to get on a plane. Wait, wait, wait. Finally on the plane and as usual packed unlike cattle. Couldn't get the seat we wanted so had to settle for second best.

Now one flight in. We are now in Calgary. One hour flight. Oh this is going to be fun. We have to get out of security grab our luggage and the get back into security for the US. So we only have and hour to do this. Walking walking walking, pick up luggage at other end of airport. Walking some more to get to customs for US. Then answer their many questions and through to do a security check again. Drop off our luggage again and then do a bit of a strip. This time have to strip down to where we take off our shoes. Great. Vest off and hubby even had to put his glasses in the tub to go through the scanner.

Well being so little time. We made it just in time for the loading of the next plane. Sat there for a few minutes and then started on a loading into another cattle bus. This plane was more crowded then the last and the seats seemed smaller yet. Great sitting on a plane that feels so cramped and riding it for three and a half hours. By now I am just too sleepy to care. We take off and I try to read for a little while but then my head just starts bobbing. Brenda bobble head under way. So put away my reader and bobble my head the rest of the way to Florida. I do sleep and then I wake up and the I nod some more and then I wake up. Fun ride. Well at least on the way back it will still be a cattle bus but at least it is a shorter ride.

Not thinking about ride home already. I have at least two weeks here to think of warm sunny weather and places I can see.

Finally I orlando airport. Follow the signs for luggage pick up. Okay we're do we go? We followed the signs and now we are out of security. Standing in front of a shuttle and wondering what to do next. Well fellow the flow. We go to the main building and there we go down a floor and and get our luggage. Which is already out on the cariselle going round and round.

So. Ow luggage is back with us and off we go to ground transportation. Get directed to a taxi and head for our place of residence for this week. Best western near sea world. The taxi has a little fender bender with a bus behind him. Great we are paying for the rate while he argues with the fellow behind him...

Finally at our hotel. Unload our stuff and take a breather. Then we take a little walk. Have found sea world already. Will be going there tomorrow.

Well new vacation almost under way

I am all packed, checked in for the flight and soon ready for bed. Tomorrow morning is going to come early. About 4 o clock in morning. Lovely. But by tomorrow night will be in sunny warm Florida. Ready for sleep.

I do not sleep well on planes. But I think with this time of morning I probably will.

I am so looking forward to this. There is the same apprehension in it though. Do I get we're I am going, how do I get there, and how much will hubby and I get frustrated with each other on the first day. All will be answered tomorrow I guess.

Well time to get some supper and then worry for the rest of the night. Yeah that's me when I travel.. So now get over that and start thinking about the fun I am going to have.

Well tomorrow you will start hearing about my adventures in Mickey Mouse land.

Well all is planned and airmiles spent and now just to wait for the day

I think I have it all together now. Just a couple more arrangement to make and I am done.

I have been on the phone and on the Internet putting together this holiday. Gonna be a good time. Well at least I hope. It seems I plan out something to go to and it always ends up not being as great as I think it should be. It is fully packed with places to go.

First we where going to drive. Long way to go well at least it is not on the bike. The weather for this time of year might just be a little cold and snowy through the mountain passes. Then we got to thinkin. Well we only have five days to get to Florida before we have to be in a time share. Is that enough time to drive especially if we get caught someplace and not make it on time. There goes the time share and where would we stay then. At that time it will be spring break and busy as heck.

So stopped at the flight centre to ask a few questions. Got info on flights that would fly us almost straight through. One stop in Calgary and then onto Orlando. Worked for me. So talked it over that night and the next day was back and bought our tickets.

Next idea. Have to have a place to stay until we can get into the time share. So out of airmiles I got gift certificates to stay at a best western. We are able to stay there for a few days before. It is also close to sea world and universal studios. Not much of a walking distance to either of these places.

After the few days at the best western we then go over to the time share where we will be close to Disney and animal kingdom. So do not need to walk far to get to either of them.

So onto the Internet and onto airmiles sight. So I got is passes for five days at Disney, two days at universal, one day at sea world and one day at Busch gardens. The Busch gardens one may be a problem. It is 30 miles away. Not walking distance. So may have to find a way to get there. Might have to rent a car for a day or two and maybe check out a little more of Florida while we are at it. See what happens. So now most of my airmiles are gone. Time to start over again and start collecting.

So now, west jet tickets check! Disney tickets, check! Sea world, check! Universal studio, check! Busch gardens, check! Best western gift cards, check!. Airmiles all gone, boo hoo!!! Just one more thing to do. Need an overnight place to stay on way back. Between flights. Got to get that done next week.

Then it is the count down. Just over a month to go. Then we take off for the beautiful state of Florida. Check out the warm weather there. It is just starting to warm up here. So may have just about same temperature there as what we have here. Go figure. But weather may change back to cold at anytime.

Leavin on a jet plane. Yeah I know when I will be back again. But in the meantime is gonna be funfunfun. Well I hope so. May do allot of walking and end up all gimped up. That I hope won't happen. Or even flying might make me gimped up by siting too long on the plane. Okay talking like everything is going to go to hell while I am traveling. Lets think positive here. I might be gimped or I might just have a great time. Only time wil tel.

Well let the countdown begin. YEAH!!!,