GUMBO LIMBO.....

....is a nature reserve in Boca  Raton situated in a nice spot on the intra-coastal Spanish River. The centre specializes in turtle rehab, but they were all on holiday today at a different centre 

Boca itself seems a nice place, small Spanish architecture downtown, fairly quiet and tidy. It was the town that the forgers claimed we lived in when they forged our Wells Fargo cheques to buy a car. Weather still blistering 90+ and humid.

We haven't done a good job packing, no after bite cream, no moisturizer. Ah well, what can you say - old folks, not enough check lists.

STAR WARS

It was like a battle, up at early o'clock, breakfast on the boardwalk and then into Hollywood Studios. The park was heaving with people, the queues for the most popular rides were over 3 hours and the fast passes were no use either. It was nearly 90 degrees and there was lightning about so some of the shows had to be cancelled. Having said all that, the new star wars area is very good, just a shame we couldn't get on the rides. Tomorrow we leave Orlando for Fort Lauderdale to board the cruise.

MORE LEGO

Flight to Florida not too good - BA delayed flight by over 4 hours so didn't get out of the airport and to hotel until after midnight. Jetlagged & not sleeping too well.

Got a nice hire car this time, Cadillac 4 wheel drive, powerful, loads of bells whistles we can't work. Unlike the Volvo when you put the car in difficulties, collision, parking etc, it gives the seat a good vibrate to warn you. Playing hell with my piles.

First time in La Quinta hotel, and it's good, big rooms nice outlook over the lake, free brekkie, very quiet, centrally located next door to SeaWorld.

Been to Disney Springs today which has now finished it's upgrade - very nice. Thought we'd done with Lego, but no. Lego Mickey, Elsa & Anna (or is it Arna) 

Ask Elsie for me, she knows. Weather great but big rain coming.

WHAT NEXT, LOCUSTS?

Left the flat Saturday morning to be greeted by water pouring out from the middle of the road, last time we left for a holiday we had smoke coming out of the BT pavement cover. What biblical plague awaits our next holiday. 

Trip to Gatwick was very good, we took the bus to Oakwood, tube to Kings Cross, then on to the Thameslink to Gatwick. Less than 2 hours door to door & all step free. Stayed at Premier Inn, did a twilight bag drop & chilled out. Nice breakfast next morning, went to terminal & problems started, flight delayed 6 hours although it arrived on time from Orlando. Got BA compensation meal tickets, but that's not going to compensate for arriving after midnight in Orlando. Fed up now still awaiting news of our departure. Latest update due at 17:12 - let's see. Meeting up with friends at 11am tomorrow, wonder if we will be there.

ON OUR WAY AGAIN

Getting ready to travel off to the States to visit with some old friends and some newer pals that were fellow travellers on the never ending COVID cruise around South America. First stop is Premier Inn Gatwick, then Orlando for a bit of Disney using our no expiry tickets bought in 2005, hope they still work. Staying on I drive close by SeaWorld, wonder how they doing with no shampoo! We have a hire car that and will meander down to Pompano Beach & then on to pick up the transatlantic cruise to Barcelona from Fort Lauderdale. 

Have to get bed prompt, need to prepare for all-you-can-eat Prem Inn breakfast at Gatwick.

STRESS & TENSION

Got off the ship successfully, thank goodness, to join the shore excursion from hell. We were doing a tour of Miami & the Everglades dropping off at Miami airport. We met the tour guide, but the bus driver got lost in the port. Someone was sent to find him & bring him to us. So we started 40 minutes late. We went around Miami & made our way to the park where we were to pick up the airboat after a few missing of junctions & driving over the hard shoulder. Nice airboat in the swamp, no gators but osprey catching & eating a fish in the tree. Boarded but had to drop off first at Fort Lauderdale airport & then to Miami airport. Well, driver got totally lost & started heading up the freeway to Orlando. Time was starting to get tight for some folks leaving Miami & the passengers started to get annoyed, shouting directions to the driver, coming down the front. Arguments started with the tour guide & she offered to hand over the tour to the shouting people. Lots of anger, shouting, driver getting rattled. We finally made Miami airport but I don't know if the folk made their flight - they were close to 1 hour to take off. Nice & calm now, we've been shopping in Walmart, tomorrow off to Flamingo Gardens.  Home Monday.

PARTY NIGHT

The crew cleared the pool deck & put up tables for an evening B-B-Q & buffet. All the entertainers performed together for 2 hours. Captain steered the ship in a different direction to minimize the rock & roll from the ocean swell, all very good. Lovely night, even I danced - Wow!