Interim stay in Orlando/Kissimmee

 

THE GREAT WINTER ESCAPE CONTINUES…

    We made our way out of the Everglades National Park via way of Ft. Lauderdale/Plantation staying at a Hampton Inn.  In looking for an RV park for the night – the good ones were booked through April and the ones that had openings did not have good on-line reviews.  No need to spend a night in an RV park that is not safe and/or clean. Did that last year at two KOAs around Memphis – lesson learned.  Hampton Inn in Plantation/Ft Lauderdale did not disappoint.  We settled in and then went to find a place to eat.  Tried to get a table at Smokey Bones BBQ, but staffing must have been an issue.  With empty tables and other tables that needed bussed, the greeter said that it would be 20-30 minutes for a table.  We looked around, shook our heads and went to Five Guys for the default. 

 

    Wednesday morning, we left Ft. Lauderdale with light rain and “rush hour” traffic until we were north of Ft. Pierce.  All was going well until the front window on the RV fogged up.  Pulled over on a busy Florida Turnpike to let that clear.  From there it was relatively uneventful for the rest of the trip north. We made it to the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA RV Park which is a classic small park that is well cared for and one that we’ve stayed at before.  Setting up was a breeze, then we were off to give Smokey Bones BBQ a 2nd chance, trying the one in Kissimmee.  It is good BBQ.  After dinner, it was for me, a haircut and Nancy a pedicure.  Another good day in the south for our winter escape.

    Thursday, we got around at the RV and then it was off to UPS to send oranges to family.  UPS Kissimmee was amazing in their price and helpfulness in packing. We then spent several hours at Disney Springs.  We parked in the Lime garage and walked up to the Polite Pig BBQ at a little after 11:00.  There was little to no line and full-service seating was available at the bar.  This rarely happens and we took advantage.  Best decision we made!  We ordered the Butcher’s Board with sliced pork (tender & moist), chicken, sausage and brisket (smoke & no need for sauce) along with baked beans, Caesar salad, Cole slaw and jalapeno corn bread muffins.  2nd best decision we made.  I suppose I should be taking photos of the food for social media.  After that we went to several of our “go to” stores – and picked up some clothes at Ron Jon’s, Under Armour® & Shore along with stops at several others.  The rest of the afternoon was spent at the pool and doing odd jobs around the RV.  Spent the evening watching the 2022 Winter Olympics – the first time we have watched television in the RV this Winter Escape.

    Friday, we made a short road trip to meet up with Larry & Nyla Grose from Bradenton.  Nyla and I co-taught Senior High Sunday school at Arkansas City First United Methodist.  This was my first appointment in a church and I had much to learn.  Nyla was a person with grace and understanding as my mentor and now life-long friend.  Without social media – this meet up probably would not have been possible.  We spent time catching up on families, travels and ate a great meal at Portillo’s in Brandon.

    On our way back to Kissimmee we made our 2nd trip to Plant City – Parkesdale Market to find Florida grapefruit, strawberries, lemons & limes.  Grapefruit had been asked for by both of our girls.  A trip to Parkesdale Market is never a lost proposition.  With it being strawberry season and the market having fresh picked strawberries, what could be better?  If you are on I-4 between Lakeland & Sarasota it is worth the stop.

    Saturday, we spent the day with my cousin, Larry Ray and family (kids and grandkids).  In the morning, we watched grandson - Eddie at hockey practice at the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, an amazing facility in Maitland.  Late afternoon, we watched granddaughter - Caitlin dance at Ocoee High School in the Inspire National Dance Competition.  We then ate dinner at a Kissimmee BBQ joint called Fatboy’s.  Seems we are hooked on either BBQ or seafood on this trip.  It was then off to the 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo’s - 11th Annual Monster Bull Ride.  16 bull riders with only 2 hitting the 8 second mark to qualify for the finals and 2 others being injured on their rides, created a challenging but interesting bull ride.  The finals saw 8 riders (6 were added by selection) with none hitting the 8 second mark. Ultimately, points determined the $5,000 grand prize winner.  A good day with the Larry’s family.

    Sunday morning, we went to Orlando’s Peace United Methodist church – which had a combination of traditional and non-traditional worship in contemplative form.  It was a small crowd gathered for a good service.  Walking in from the parking lot, we met another snowbird couple from Warsaw, MO who have roots in Parsons and Russell, KS.  It is a small world.  I will say, that after 3 weeks of visiting other United Methodist Churches, I am not sure that hospitality is a strong point of the church and could be an issue with retention of visitors.  

    After church it’s time for everyone’s favorite – laundry and naps.

    Sunday evening, we met up with Wayne & Vi Darsnek, friends from Stilwell who now live in Illinois outside the quad cities.  We spent some time catching up on families and life.  The four of us then made our way to Orlando's Delmonico’s Italian Restaurant for an early Valentine’s Day dinner.  Nancy had salmon with risotto and I had portobello pork chops with angel hair spaghetti.  Our food was amazing and the bill amounted to $50.00 plus tip.  It was a great way to celebrate.

    Monday was moving day, as we left Orlando/Kissimmee KOA for St. Augustine via way of I-4 and I-95.  Traffic was heavy but manageable.  The wind & wind gusts were a bit more challenging.  It was a 2-hour drive, so all in all, not that bad of a move.  

    We are staying a full two weeks at St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday RV Park, 50 yards west of A1A and just a mere 1 mile east of the Atlantic Ocean.  If the weather cooperates, it will be another great 2 weeks of the Great Winter Escape.