Tag Archives: Travel Series

My Brightline Train Trip-Part 4

13 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

New Years Day (1/1/2024 Continued)

After we had boarded the train and found our seats, we discovered that the Brightline train is being used by a lot of people as a commuter train for the stations between Miami and West Palm Beach.  There was a large passenger exchange at our station, as well as at the Boca Raton and West Palm Beach stations.

Photo Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/people-waiting-for-train/

By the time we got to the Melbourne area, the sun was setting, and it was hard to see outside with the reflection of the lights in the train car.  I did notice, however, that the train whistle was not sounding as often heading north in the dark as the one did heading south in the daylight.  That seemed a little scary to me, when I thought of the many vehicles that have been hit by these trains since they started traveling this route at these higher speeds.

Photo Credit: https://www.fox35orlando.com/brightline/crash

The speed was slower heading north (Average 76 mph) thru the more congested areas, and we were able to see a few things we recognized.  We were able to see the big Cocoa water tower, and the SR-528 overpass as we turned west and passed under the highway.  Once the train was on the straight-away, parallelling SR-528, the train’s speed increased to about 125 mph (not much to see along this stretch) and before we knew it, we were pulling into the Orlando Airport Terminal “C” Brightline Station and the end of our New Year’s Day train trip.

Photo Credit: https://www.rail-tech.com/brightlines-orlando-station/  

Billy walked me to the Wally Park shuttle pickup area where we said our goodbyes.  I called for a shuttle pickup and Billy found his car and headed home.  It wasn’t long before the Wally Park shuttle pulled up.  The shuttle driver had other passengers to pick up at the different airlines, so it took almost 20-minutes for him to deliver me to my car at the Wally Park parking area.  I had forgotten to write down my parking “Row” and parking “Slot” so it took him a while to find the right “Row” and “Slot” and my car (How could I have forgotten to do that?).

Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/search=Wally/Park/Shuttle

Once we found my car, it was a familiar route home to Titusville via south on SR-436 and east on SR-528 approximately 35 miles.  This route runs right along a portion of the same Brightline Train track we had just been on.  By the time I arrived home, DiVoran had prepared a great “Welcome Home” supper for me and had it waiting.  She and that home-cooked supper were a welcome site after this long day with Billy to Fort Lauderdale and return on the Brightline High-Speed train.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

That brings to a close the adventures of “My Brightline Train Trip” with my son, Billy, on New Year’s Day of 2024.  I would have to say that this was a very interesting once–in-a-lifetime experience that I enjoyed sharing with my son, and am looking forward to doing it again (with Billy) once Brightline has finished the Orlando to Tampa leg of their system.  In the meantime, I think I will continue to do my trips to the south Florida area by car (Road Trips).  Thanks for joining me for this short one-day Brightline train trip.  It’s been fun!  See you next time.

Image Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/goodbye/

—–The End—–

ill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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My Brightline Train Trip-Part 3

6 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

New Years Day (1/1/2024 Continued)

Our next RideCircuit driver, for the ride back to the Brightline Station,  regaled us with the history and stories of the areas of Fort Lauderdale as we passed thru them, such as what was presently going on in the neighborhood where he lived.

Photo Credit: https://observernewspaperonline.com/2021/11/01/brightline-offers-door-to-door-transportation/

As we passed an old church building, he pointed at it and informed us that it had originally been built in 1921 as the St. Anthony’s Catholic church.  When that parish moved to a larger building in 1949, they sold the building to the Lutheran Evangelical Church and the building’s facade was moved to its present location.  The building was registered as a “Historic Landmark” by the city fathers, and sat vacant for many years.  In 2017 the building was sold to a local developer and the “Holly Blue” Restaurant & Lounge project was begun.  The restoration was finally finished in 2023, and that’s what I call a unique building transformation story.

Photo Credit: https://fortlauderdalecra.com/theabbey/FortLauderdale/neighborhood/

At one point a bunch of young kids on bicycles came riding at us, acting as if they were going to crash into us.  I grabbed the back of the seat in front of me when our driver didn’t slow down, and the cyclists peeled off around our shuttle vehicle, laughing and shouting at us.  When I asked him what that was all about, he told us about the gangs of young kids on bicycles that were stopping and terrorizing motorists in certain areas of Fort Lauderdale, causing the local law enforcement folks a lot of headaches.  He said several cyclists had deliberately run into cars, and then sued the motorists for damages (No money had been awarded to the cyclists that he knew of).

Photo Credit: https://wsvn.com/news/video-shows-dangerous-behavior-involving-bicyclists-cars-in-fort-lauderdale/

Our RideCircuit shuttle driver dropped us off right in front of the Brightline Station.  Billy and I had purchased coach tickets for our return trip, so we didn’t have access to the 1stCClass Lounge at this station.  However, we did inspect the lounge and found that it wasn’t as plush as the one in Orlando, but was still quit comfortable.

Photo Credit: https://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com/fort-lauderdale/

At first, we heard an announcement that our 3:25 train was going to be a few minutes late, but then heard the call that the train was arriving pretty much on-time.  We proceeded to the track-side waiting area, with the other passengers, and watched the train pull into the station.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

We had purchased a coach tickets for our return trip to compare 1st class seating, comfort, and amenities with that of coach.  Of course, the price was half that of 1stclass seating and that had something to do with our choice of return tickets also

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

As we boarded the coach car for our return trip, we found our reserved seats (side-by-side with no table) and discovered that coach seating was a little more crowded than 1stclass, and not as roomy as first class seating (No tables between some seats, so less legroom).

Photo Credit: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/brightline-

The train left the Fort Lauderdale station within a minute or two of our original 3:25 departure time and we were surprised to see that the car we were in was full.  Once we left the Fort Lauderdale station, Billy accessed the “Speed” and “Google Maps” apps on his iPhone so we could keep track of our progress and speed for the return trip.

Photo Credit: https://apps.apple.com/speedometer-speed-tracker

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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And Yet Another Cruise-Part 5

25 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Our stateroom was typical of most of the Disney ships…perhaps just a smidgen larger than the older ships.  But it has all the amenities that the other ships has.  Over the bed was a print of a scene from the movie Frozen.

Over the sleeper-sofa is a print from Frozen as well – Anna and Elsa.

There is always a TV in the room – and always with our stateroom number (6664) and our name on it.

We could watch TV movies, see where the ship is headed, the weather, the activities onboard, etc.  A wealth of information at our fingertips. 

The remainder of the room is much like all others – desk with built-in shelves and drawers, along with a small refrigerator. 

 Also the closet…two sides separated by shelves with a safe.

And the two separate “bathrooms” that we enjoy so much.  One side with the tub/shower (this one had a glass door rather than a shower curtain!  Yay) along with a sink, mirror, and glass shelves.

Separated by a wall is the other room – with the toilet, a sink, mirror, and glass shelves.

So easy for us both to get ready for the day with our own mirror and sink.  One of the greatest aspects of Disney ships!

We had a room with a veranda, but the weather was cool/windy enough that we didn’t have opportunity to take advantage of the veranda.  Shucks!

There are three main dining rooms/restaurants on each ship – excluding Palo and Remy, the high-end eateries that cost above the cost of the cruise.  One interesting thing about the Disney restaurants – the servers “follow” those eating at their assigned tables from restaurant-to-restaurant each night.  So you get to know your servers, and they get to know you and your eating habits.  For instance, we had been assigned table number 119.  We sat at table 119 in whatever restaurant we were assigned each night.  We also had the same table mates at each restaurant.

Our first night, we were assigned to eat at Arendelle, table 119.   Here is our table number in brass.

There is some of the “decorations” on that brass, that goes along with Frozen.  It is the same as that flower embroidered on the napkin.

 And here is the sign for Arendelle.

I think we sat “in the round” surrounding an elevated stage, for when we were eating, the performers were above us, and we were seated around the stage.  Interesting.

The second night we were at a more “formal” restaurant – Roy Disney 1923.  I neglected to get a picture of the sign for the restaurant, but here is a dinner plate and salt and pepper shakers with 1923 on them. 

 I tried to get a picture of our table number (119), but the lamp was not lit, so it’s difficult to see it.

Our third night was at World of Marvel restaurant. 

 Here is Fred holding up our table number. 

Since neither Fred nor I have seen any of the Marvel movies, this “interactive” restaurant was a bit of a disappointment to us.  Not the food nor the table mates nor the servers.  But there really wasn’t much “interactive” going on – not like Animator’s Palate on the older ships.  However, toward the end of the meal, Spiderman made his appearance – and the children loved it!  He would go to the table where there were children and strike a pose with the children so their parents could take a picture.  Cute.

The food is always good on a Disney ship…that’s something you can count on, and we always enjoy our meals.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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My Brightline Train Trip-Part 1

21 Feb

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

New Years Day (1/1/2024)

This day started early for me as I needed to drive to Orlando, Florida to meet my son, Billy, for our first ever Brightline High-Speed train ride.  After a quick breakfast, I made the 35-mile trip from my home in Titusville to Orlando on SR-528 and found the Wally Park off-site parking (As I mentioned in the Prolog, I chose the Wally Park off-site parking because the Brightline Station parking directions at the airport Terminal “C” seemed a little confusing, and I didn’t want to deal with the potential of being late for our 8:50 Brightline departure).

Photo Credit: https://m.facebook.com/WallyPark

It only took the Wally Park Customer Shuttle about ten minutes, after picking me up, to take me directly to the Brightline Station entrance located in Terminal ‘C’ at the Orlando International Airport.  That included two stops at airlines to pick up other passengers.

Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/search=Wally/Park/Shuttle

I took the escalator to the 3rd floor where I met my son, Billy, at the Brightline Station ticket area.  We used our e-tickets to enter the 1st class lounge to wait for them to call our 8:50 train.  I was surprised at how comfortable and spacious the lounge was.

Photo Credit: https://touringplans.com/brightline-train-to-orlando/

We were able to avail ourselves of an assortment of self-serve complimentary breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, sausage, home-fried potatoes, cheese cubes, and sliced ham.  Coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water were also available.

Photo Credit: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/brightline-train-review/

I was impressed with the eco-utensils provided to us to eat with at the 1st Class Lounge, and later on the train.  Even though everything provided to eat with was recyceable, the wooden cutlery was so different from the plastic utensils I am use to receiving at most fast food places (and even at some restaurants) now days.  It was a unique experience.

Phot Credit: Bill Lites

When our 8:50 am train to Fort Lauderdale and Miami was called, we took our bottled water from the lounge, and proceeded thru the entry turnstiles (with our QR Code), down the stairs to the train on Track One, and entered the 1st- class car.  We found our reserved seats on the single seat side with a table between the seats.

Photo Credit: https://thepointsguy.com/news/brightline/

Billy got busy setting up his Speed Tracker App in his iPhone so we could track the speed of the train on our journey.  The train was only lightly loaded with passengers, and I was amazed at how smooth the train ride was from the Orlando Airport (Terminal ‘C’), east along SR-528 to Brevard County where the track turned south toward Miami.

Photo Credit: https://apps.apple.com/speedometer-speed-tracker

Billy said the highest speed he recorded along this straight stretch of track was 125 mph!  Billy also loaded the Google Maps app in his iPhone so we could track our progress as well as the train’s speed.  As the train slowed down for the turn south, we began looking for familiar sights along the train route adjacent to US-1.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/cocoa-florida-water-tower/

We saw the big Cocoa water tower, and Rockledge Square.  Then somewhere along this southern portion of the route, we must have moved onto a short piece of the FEC track, because the train began to rock and roll enough to make a few people sick.  That was the only short stretch of rough track that I remember during the entire trip.

Photo Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/motion-sickness/

Luckily, this didn’t last long, and we were back on a smooth ride.  Then we passed over the Eua Galle River, Crane Creek (Melbourne), Turkey Creek (Palm Bay), St. Sebastian River (Sebastian) bridges, and thru the small towns of Wabasso, Winter Beach, and Gifford.  Then we passed thru Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, skirted the St. Lucy River inlet, thru Port Salerno, and Fort Pierce, before arriving at our first stop at West Palm Beach.  As the train was slowing, there was an announcement telling passengers who were getting off at this station to gather their belongings and prepare to exit the train, as“This stop would only be for a few moments.”

Photo Credit: https://www.theledger.com/brightline/

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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And Yet Another Cruise-4

18 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Another thing about Disney ships that I enjoy is all the tile mosaics on their walls.  I’ve always enjoyed the ones they did in the Cabanas (huge curved wall). 

Photo credit – Judy Wills

The ones on The Wish are just as wonderful.  This one of Cinderella and the Prince is quite large,

Photo credit – Judy Wills

while the two of Pinocchio are smaller but still amazing.

  • Photo Credit-Judy Wills
  • Photo credit – Judy Wills

And then there is this mosaic on the floor just before entering the Walt Disney Theatre

Photo credit – Judy Wills

There are some other things about the Disney ships that I enjoy.  Take a look at this light fixture in just an ordinary hall on The Wish.  Cinderella’s pumpkin coach and horses, along with stars.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

And here is an ordinary water fountain, trash bin, and towel dispenser…but decorated in something not-so-ordinary.  More of those “little things” that I enjoy so much.  This is up on deck 11, where the Marceline Market is, and the pool area, etc.  Sorry, I don’t remember what the “ff” stands for.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

One thing I have always enjoyed on any of the Disney ships is the carpet – there is always a neat design.  Sometimes it’s just “sea” life pictures.  But we found, on The Wish, it was more theme types…such as this Cinderella’s castle and coach.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

It was on a long carpet on the landing on our deck 6.  This castle is the center of the design.  This other design, which has the pumpkin carriage (look closely), was on the carpet on deck 6, as you step out of the elevator, and was the center of the design.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

The carpets on many of the Disney ships (especially the older ships), have a design that tells you whether you are going starboard or aft.  The carpet on The Wish didn’t seem to have that design – unless I just can’t see it!  This is the main design down the long hallways…pumpkin vines perhaps?

Photo credit  – Judy Wills

And these designs are a repeat in the pattern.  This first one has hidden pmpkin carriages in it (look closely again)

  • Photo credit for all three carpet photos – Judy Wills

The other two designs are just stars and flowers.  Quite unique and beautiful.

On deck 3, is a unique little watering-hole, that was inspired by the movie The Princess and the Frog.  It is called The Bayou.  It is a short little place, but has live entertainment during the evening hours.  It’s cute and looks inviting…if you are into that kind of thing.

  • Live entertainment in the evenings

Photo credit for all three photos – Judy Wills

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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And Yet Another Cruise-3

11 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

AND YET ANOTHER CRUISE – 3

One of the first thing one sees when first entering the ship is the Atrium.  The Atrium on The Wish is different from the other four older ships.  I remember – on the four older ships –  there was a “theme” on the carpet as well as the bronze near the curved staircase leading up to the upper deck. 

The Atrium on The Wish is different, in that there is a “stage” just as one walks in.

Picture credit – Judy Wills – The Wish Atrium

It’s in the space where there is usually an elevator on the four older ships. 

Photo credit – Judy Wills – the Atrium elevator on the Fantasy

In the Atrium on the Magic, the bronze is of Mickey Mouse as a boat helmsman.

Photo credit – Judy Wills  – Helmsman Mickey – on the Magic

On the Dream, the bronze is of Donald Duck as a sailor.

Photo credit – Judy Wills – Sailor Donald – on the Dream

On the Fantasy, the bronze is of Minnie Mouse, all decked out in her finery.  And the carpet (shown from above) shows the “peacock” effect on the carpet.

Photo credit – Judy Wills – on the Fantasy

Photo credit – Judy Wills – Atrium carpet on the Fantasy

On the Wonder, the bronze is of Ariel.         

Photo credit – Judy Wills – Ariel on the Wonder

The bronze on The Wish is of Cinderella and Lucifer, the cat.  I was not able to find a time where the Atrium and the bronze were empty of people enough to get a good picture of the bronze.  But this is a pretty good example of it.  While I didn’t get a picture “from above” on The Wish, here is a bit of a look at the carpet and tile in the Atrium – not much of a “theme” there that I could make out.

Photo credit – Judy Wills – on The Wish – Lucifer the cat trying to capture the mouse

Many of the older ships have beautiful chandeliers in the Atrium, some that remind me of Chihuly glass. 

Photo credit – Judy Wills – the Atrium chandelier on the Magic

 The chandelier on The Wish is no less beautiful, but very different.

Photo credit – Judy Wills – Atrium chandelier on The Wish

I really enjoy all the artwork that Disney puts on the walls of the ship.  On each staircase between decks, on the landings before the stairs turn, there is always some sort of Disney art.  And since there are 11 or 12 decks – that’s a LOT of artwork!  Therefore I won’t show any of it.  However, we found some of the following on The Wish that I found fascinating.  These two are in wood, and covered two entire walls and showcase Alice in Wonderland.

Photo credit – Judy Wills – The Wish

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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2023 Road Trip-Part 20

7 Feb

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 20 – August 3

: After breakfast this morning, I got my things together and met Billy, who was already waiting for me in the lobby of the motel.  I had wanted to visit a couple of museums in St. Petersburg today, but Billy told me he needed to be home by the early afternoon, so, we would have to save those museum visits for another trip.  I asked him if he had had his breakfast and was ready to start today’s activities, and he said, “Yes, let’s get going.”  We headed east on SR-688, across the Howard Frankland Bridge (SR-60), to pick up I-4 (east) for 25 miles to visit the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum in Plant City, FL.  This museum is housed in the original 1909 Union Station Depot building and displays antique railroad artifacts and memorabilia.  Museum visitors can view passing trains up-close from the museum’s Viewing Platform located adjacent to the museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now we continued east 25 miles on I-4 to visit the Fantasy of Flight Museum located in Polk City, FL.  This amazing aviation museum has 50+ beautifully restored civilian and WWII military aircraft that all fly.  The owner of this museum, Kermit Weeks, has restored most of these aircraft over the years and flys one of them every day that the museum is open.  After landing, he will sit on the wing and tell his visitors the complete history of that particular aircraft.  Some of his tour guides are dressed in vintage costumes as ‘Rosie the Riveter’ and ‘Gracy the Wing Walker.’  Best looking tour guides I’ve seen at any museum.

     Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/fantasy+of+flight+museum/  

Continuing east another 30 miles on I-4 we wanted to visit the Warbird Air Museum located in Kissimmee, FL. but when we arrived at the address, adjacent to the Kissimmee Municipal Airport, we discovered the museum had been closed and all the aircraft moved to somewhere in South Carolina.  That was quite a surprise!  So, since it was almost noon, and we were in Kissimmee, I asked Billy if he would like to have lunch at the Columbia Spanish Restaurant.  DiVoran and I had enjoyed lunch at the Columbia Restaurant (located at the St. Petersburg Pier) back while we were on vacation there, and really liked their food.  I had their Pork Chops with black beans & rice and plantains, and Billy had Ropa Viejas with Spanish rice and plantains.  It was excellent!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that delicious dining experience, we took our ‘Take Out Bags full of leftovers and continued north on I-4 thru downtown Orlando traffic (not bad at this time of day) for about an hour to deliver Billy home in Orange City.  Lisa was glad to see us and told us about her trip back from Atlanta.  After a bathroom break, I headed east on SR-46 the last 55 miles of my 2023 Road Trip to my home in Titusville, FL.  The first thing DiVoran said was, “Where did you get that beautiful red van?”  I hadn’t told her about my troubles, because I was afraid she would worry about me.  After helping me unload the van, she cooked me the first home-cooked meal I’d had in almost three weeks.  Yummm!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Of course, I had to tell her the whole van breakdown story, and when I was through, she said, “You know I have always wanted a red car, but I never expected to get one this way.”  We laughed about that, and I told her I thought I had earned the ‘Old Things R New’ (our blog website) ‘Most Adventurous’ award for this trip, and that I didn’t think I would ever plan another trip this long again.  It was just too long.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

This brings to a close the narrative of my 2023 Road Trip.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my adventures (most of them) as much as I have enjoyed remembering (most of them) and writing about them.  Join me again next time as I explore new areas of our wonderful country and visit new historical places and museums.  Keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.

Photo Credit: https://www.clipartmax.com/cartoon-driver-waving/

—–The End—-

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2023 Road Trip-Part 19A

31 Jan

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 19 – August 2 

(Continued) The drive from the MOSI Museum to downtown Ybor City only took us about ten minutes, where we wanted to visit the Ybor City Museum located in the historic 1923 Ferlita Bakery building within the Ybor City State Park, but it was closed.  However, we did find out that the building was used as a bakery until 1973 when it was refurbished and taken over by the museum as part of the Ybor City State Park.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As we toured the Ybor City State Park, and its many restored buildings and casitas (workers’ cottages) dating from the 1890s, we noticed the many colorful chickens and roosters scratching and crowing most everywhere we looked.  Then we saw a ‘Warning’ sign telling us not to feed the chickens, and that they were protected by the city.  What an interesting old city tradition that is!

Photo Credit https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;Ybor+City+roosters

 After that interesting stroll thru the history of Ybor City, we drove into downtown Tampa to try to visit the Tampa Police Museum, but it was closed.  Since we were in downtown Tampa, we drove a few short blocks to visit the Tampa Firefighters Museum.  This museum is housed in the original 1911 Fire Station #1 that was restored in 1974, before becoming the Firefighters Museum in 1978 when the new Fire Station was built.  The museum’s centerpiece is their beautifully restored 1927 American LaFrance fire engine and the museum also displays a variety of antique firefighting artifacts and memorabilia dating from the 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Since it was getting late, and our motel was in Clearwater, FL this evening, we decided to head that way to make sure they didn’t give our room to someone else.  I gave Greta (my Garmin) the address of the motel and she took us right to it with no problems.  When we checked in with our reservations at the motel, the desk clerk told me, that as a ‘Platinum Member’ our rooms had been upgraded to Suites (that hadn’t happened before).  I thanked him and when we arrived at our second-floor rooms, we were both shocked to find large two-room suites with kitchenette, dining area, two TVs, and with balconies overlooking their central garden.  Billy said, “WOW, some upgrade!”

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/Clarion+inn+Clearwater+Beach+fl

 After we got our things in our rooms, I told Billy that I would like to eat at Crabby Bill’s located in Indian Rocks Beach (DiVoran and I had eaten there once during a vacation) and I knew he liked seafood.  He said that was fine with him.  By the time we arrived at the restaurant, the entire dining area was jammed with people, but luckily, we found seats at the bar.  I had their fresh Frog Legs plate served with sweet potato fries and their special seafood sauce.  It was great.  Billy had Blackened Fish Tacos with Creole Remoulade sauce.  We traded bites of each other’s dish and we had to say they were both excellent.

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/frog+legs+crabby+bill’s+indian+rocks+beach+fl

 After that great dining experience, and before we left the restaurant, asked a waitress to take our picture with Crabby Bill’s mascot, “Crabby Bear” to remember the occasion.  Billy wanted to walk off some of his dinner with a walk on the beach, so we ambled down to the beach, and enjoyed a moonlight stroll among the sea oats with the gentle sound of the waves in the background.  Relaxed from the day’s activities and all the good food, we headed back to the motel for a good night’s rest.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

 

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2023 Road Trip-Part 19

24 Jan

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 19 – August 2:  

After breakfast this morning, I packed up my things and met Billy in the lobby of the motel to start today’s museum hunt.  We headed south out of Valdosta for 35 miles on US-129, across the border into Florida, to visit the Old Jail Museum located in Jasper, FL.  This museum, also known as the Hamilton County Historic Old Jail Museum, is situated in the original old 1893 two-story jail building that served as Hamilton County’s only jail until 1984.  This museum displays antique jail exhibits, artifacts, and photos to help visitors get an idea of how prisoners lived at the turn-of-the-century in rural Georgia.  The building was originally designed, as many jails were in the 1800s, to house not only prisoners but also with living quarters for the local Sheriff (Warden) and his family.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now we continued south another 20 miles on US-129 to visit the Live Oak Union Passenger Depot Museum located in Live Oak, FL.  This museum is situated in the old 1861 Savannah, Florida & Western Railroad (SF&W) freight depot and was restored in 1885 to serve Live Oak and the surrounding Suwannee County area’s expanding railroad business.  The museum displays antique railroad artifacts, photos, and memorabilia related to the influence the railroad had on the growth of this area in the mid-1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After leaving Live Oak, we headed southeast about 25 miles on US-90 to just west of Lake City, FL where we picked up I-75 and turned south.  We had gone about 35 miles south on I-75 when ‘nature’ called, and we pulled into the nearest Rest Stop.  After that refreshing stop (we needed some exercise), we noticed this sign for the Snake Wall, and checked it out.  It turns out that it is an inclined walkway that is described as “A unique piece of functional art (curving 325’ long) that successfully combines protection of the surrounding ecosystem and the roadway” and also provides access to the Payne Prairie Overlook.  An impressive design, and it gets your blood pumping at a good rate, all at the same time (sorry, but the info marker was weathered).

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now it was another 45 miles south on I-75 to visit the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing located just south of Ocala, FL.  I had visited this museum on another road trip, but Billy hadn’t been there, and he wanted to see all the racing machines.  We spent a long time looking at the 90+ drag racing machines and another 50+ beautifully restored antique cars in the Antique Car building.  WOW!  What a collection!  We learned that they race R/C model drag racing machines at the museum once each month, and Billy and I are planning to visit that event as soon as we

can.  Sounds like a lot of fun.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Leaving that amazing museum, we continued south on I-75 another 15 miles to visit the Florida Carriage Museum in Weirsdale, FL and the Florida Pioneer Village in Dade City, FL but they were both closed.  So, continuing another 35 miles south on I-75 we visited the Mission Base Museum & MOSI located just west of Thonotosassa, FL.  This hugh facility Is a scientific playground for all ages, with 100+ hands-on activities including the Mission Moon Base Lunar Colony, VR Simulator and a planetarium.  It was obvious from the number of kids in the lobby that school was out, at least for this bunch.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

 

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2023 Road Trip-Part 18

17 Jan

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 18 – August 1

 After breakfast this morning, I packed up my things and called my son, Billy, to let him know I was on my way to pick him up.  We said our goodbyes to Lacey (she had to go to work) and Lisa (she was driving their car back to Florida) and Billy and I headed south 25 miles, thru morning rush-hour traffic, on I-85 & I-285 to visit the Waffle House Museum located in Decatur, GA.  This small museum is located on the site where Joe Rogers and Tom Forkner opened their first Waffle House Restaurant in 1955. Since we didn’t have a tour appointment, we just took photos and headed for our next museum on today’s list.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now it was only 15 miles southwest on I-20 & I-85 (more morning traffic) to visit the Hapeville Depot Museum located in Hapeville, GA but it was closed.  So, we continued south another 10 miles on I-75 to visit the Old Train Depot Museum located in Jonesboro, GA.  This museum is situated in the old 1867 M&W Railroad depot that replaced the original 1846 M&W depot and was restored in 1880.  The museum displays early 1800s railroad artifacts and memorabilia, as well as being the home of the ‘Road to Tara’ Museum, which has a collection of ‘Gone with the Wind’ artifacts, costumes, and movie memorabilia.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that interesting museum visit, it was only about 15 miles south on US-41 where we tried to visit the Army Aviation Museum located adjacent to the Clayton County Airport in Hampton, GA.  We had no trouble finding the airport, and the sign for the museum.  We followed the arrow on the sign, over some really rough roads and behinds some airplane hangars, but we just couldn’t find the museum anywhere.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

So, we gave up on finding that museum and continued south about 100 miles to visit the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum located in Leslie, GA.  For some reason Greta (my Garmin) took us over many back roads on a circuitous route (supposedly on US-19) to get us to this museum.  We finally arrived at the museum and found it to be one of the largest and most interesting museums we have visited on this road trip.  There were literally thousands of telephones, arranged in pretty much chronological order, dating from that instrument’s inception, in 1875 by Alexander Graham Bell, to the present.  This is a very impressive museum!  It was worth the trouble we went thru to find it.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that amazing tour of the Telephone Museum, we discovered we had ended up almost 20 miles west of I-75 (the reason for all those back roads to get to Leslie).  Now we needed to head back east on US-280 to visit the Cordele Rail Museum located in Cordele, GA but found that it was closed when we got there.  So, we continued south another 40 miles on I-75 where we visited the Tifton Terminal Railway Museum located in Tifton, GA. This museum is situated in the old restored 1910 Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) depot and displays antique railroad exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia dating from the mid-1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

By now we were getting hungry, and I gave Greta (my Garmin) the address of the motel 50 miles south, in Valdosta, GA and she took us right to it.  I had told Billy the night before that I had a leftover Pork Chop dinner from the night before, so Lisa had made him some ham and cheese sandwiches for his dinner in the motel tonight.  He told me that he was tired and was going to head to bed after we finished our dinner, so I warmed up my leftover Pork Chop plate and enjoyed that delicious meal again.  What a treat that was.  As usual I couldn’t find anything on TV to hold my interest, so I just recorded the day’s activities and went to bed.

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/pork+chops+greenbean+cassarole+potatos+gravy

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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