Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Down 95 we Go

[FtW Mike]

Our extra day to spend adequate time at BUC*EES proved to be both a blessing and a curse. We got everything we were looking for and some things we didn't know we couldn't live without. We also BUC-found a WalMart on the way back to pick up some essentials that BUC-EES doesn't carry.
The next day we were back on the road, continuing our trek south. I had checked the Weather Channel site and everything looked good. About 1/3 of the way thru South Carolina things went to hell. The "LIGHT" rain forecast, turned out to be much more intense than called for. The wind also was a good bit stronger. I was taking 40+ mph gust full broadside. Slowing to 45mph many times was the only thing that kept me in my lane.
We stopped at Creek Fire CG just south of Savannah Ga. for the night. The idea was to visit The Mighty 8th Museum a few miles away the next day.
Sorry no pics right now but I was pretty spent by the time we arrived. The Girls, were upset and wouldn't settle down, even after a long walk and extra time in the dog park.
This campground is very nice and rather spread out. The Sites are a very good size but could be a bit more spread apart IMHO. Caution needs to exercised in the dog park as the leaves from the surrounding trees hide an excess of land mines. The pools are open and heated but not something I wanted to check out. The LAKESIDE CAFE is open year-round. We tried it and I can HEARTILY recommend the Gator Bites and Po-Boy. The people at the table next to us raved about the Chicken Fried Steak they had but it looked like they scrimped on the Sawmill Gravy

 

[FtW Mike]

Sorry about leaving everyone hanging but things have been hectic. Now ack to our regularly scheduled
Thursday, we went down to the St. Mary's Jacksonville North KOA. This has become a regular stop for us. It falls within my 300 mile a day travel Philosophy. When I booked it there was only 1 premium patio with private dog park site. We have had that one before and so I jumped on it. As it made things a tad easier for me with the Girls. Well, they did some remodeling and now there are two. We did not get the one I thought i was booking. Premium, in my opinion as a far stretch from what I would call this site.
The Dog Park was a whopping 12 x 12 . After their first time in it , they refused to go in. Sky tried to drag me to the main one the next time I took them out
The patio was 7 x 24 with 6 ft of broken and cracked pavers.

The furniture was nice but took up most of the patio.

 

[FtW Mike]

The next day we ended up making a Walmart run. Katie's hip problems are making it very difficult to get around and stand up on non-carpeted floors. We have some runners for her but, they lack a non-slip backing. we found some rubber backing and I found a replacement for something I left home. We also hit the local car wash to get rid of the road grime we picked up over th last few days. Since PUBLIX is there we hit them for extra cold cuts to assist with giving the girls their meds.. For dinner we hit SEGALS in ST Mary's.. Food was not bad, though I have a sneaky suspicion the scallops i had were pressed from Skate. They were a little too uniform in size and the overall texture was off, None of the flaking. I associate with Scallops

 

[FtW Mike]

Our third day here was the one we primarily booked a 3-night stay. First up was the noon Santa Train Ride. During most of the year it is advertised as a ride to observe the native wildlife but they retheme for a variety of holidays. Ed, sorry I forget if they use a coal or diesel engine. After a short preshow we boarded the train. They do offer some Enclosed cars, but we opted for the open one.
I did learn some very interesting things during the trip. I was completely unaware that, not only does Cindy Loo Who, but some of Santa's Elves have Tats. Seeing That Frosty the Snowman was in need of a serious Tummy Tuck after what I can only guess that he had a Gastric Bypass procedure. That thought was disconcerting for me to say the least. 
It looks like the Gingerbread Man found all the weight Frosty lost.

I have seen plenty of deer in my time but never one with Blue Eyes but Rudolph does , along with a tongue as bright as his nose.
Seeing that Santa was spending a splitting his time between a Tanning Salon and The Gym was too much and I could bring myself to take a picture. Elsa with a Jet-Black dye job likewise was a bit too much. For the younger children it was fun but more than a few of the adults I suspect therapy may be needed.

 

[hardcorestitch]

So, 2 weeks from now we'll be in Williamsburg Va at the ANVIL CG . This will be our 1st stop. Normally I would stop at the KINGS DOMINION KOA but Lucille wanted to do something different this year. So we will check out Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays and go see the holiday village in BUSH GARDENS over the weekend.
I had considered traveling down route 1 and crossing the Bay Bridge and Tunnel but the restrictions and narrow tunnels are something I would prefer to avoid. Hence, we'll run the 95 to 64 route. Mileage both ways are about the same so no real difference other than the added tolls.
Our next travel day is dependent on the weather. We will either stop at Carolina Crossroads or push on to South of The Border. As we do like to take our time in
BUC-EES, we are planning on doing 2 nights at SOB. No sense in leaving at the crack of dawn just to be able to find a parking space.
Once again depending on if we stopped at Carolina Crossroads we will step somewhere near Savanah Ga. so that the next day we can stop at the MIGHTY 8th ( 8th AirForce ) Museum. This is a place I've wanted to visit for several years now. Not only because I am an AF Veteran, but I was privileged to meet General Jimmy Doolittle once.
Next stop will be the KOA in St Mary's Ga. We plan to see the local Santa Clause Boat Parade followed by the Christmas tree contest and lighting in the town park

You mean Christmas Town. I absolutely recommend going on Invadr while you’re there.

 

[FtW Mike]

The main event was the town's annual SANTA CLAUS BOAT PARADE, followed by the Community Tree lighting ceremony. Someone decided to kick things off 20 minutes early. Happily, we arrived just in time. While it was significantly smaller than years past it was still worth it to attend. If , like it has been when we have gone, ie on the rather cold side, dress warm.

 

[FtW Mike]

YOUR LICENSE TO CHILL, HAS BEEN SUSPENDED

Sunday morning we headed back down 95 enroute to Camp Margaritaville. As we left early enough, I risked it and went thru Jacksonville. Happily, no problems encountered. Our prior trip to BUC-EES in FLORENCE SC. , meant we had no need to stop at either the Jacksonville or Daytona locations.
Following the advice of our friend Pa. Hunter I skip I 4 and stay on 95 to exit 212 and take, 409 t0 58 to 417 to I 4. This brings me in one exit past Disney. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most congested sections of I 4. Still we made very good time and todays 280 miles only took 5 hours. Of course the fact that all the rest stops from south of Daytona were closed.

 

[bama_ed]

Glad you made it to Central Florida finally, Mike.

Merry Christmas!

ED

PS - I appreciate the updates....

 

[FtW Mike]

ED I am doing my bestest to play catch up.

 

[FtW Mike]

So, prior to our arrival I recieved a message that for $5 more a night we could upgrade to a premium site. I opted to by pass it and ask what it entailed after we arrived. The answer I got was, Same as any other site in the category , just closer to The Green, Bar, Snack Bars, and Pool. Not sure what the normally ask for them now but I'll pass.

Monday was spent in EPCOT. When they announce the narrators for the Candlelight Processional Gary "Lt. Dan" Sinese came up. We have seen him before so I grabbed a Park Reservation. At the 60 day mark I grabbed a reservation in Chefs De France for the Guaranteed Seating. The only time available was for 12:10pm so our morning was a bit rushed. I-4 was it's normal back up so when we arrived all we had time for was to head directly for the restaurant.
Once we were done eating, we jumped on the Friendship Boat for Future World and began walking back into World Showcase. Stop 1 was Canada. I did look into the offerings at the food kiosk but the soup I was hoping they offered wasn't offered. The Canadian Holiday Voyagers were about to come out so we quickly found seats. Now while the basic show hasn't changed but the talent does. Hence every year you get a new show.

 

[FtW Mike]

Next stop was THE UK. The MDE App said Father Christmas was due in a few minutes, so we decided to stay for him. Something went wrong as he never showed. Instead, 10 minutes after he was expected, out came the Rock Band came out. The drunk woman dancing to each song they played provided a better show than they did.
In France we had already watched Pere Noel so I went to check out the Ratatouille ride. Happily there was no line and the single rider line was empty so I was on and off in 10 minutes.

 

[team bradfield]

We arrive at CM on the 5th, looking forward to it, Merry Christmas

 

[FtW Mike]

We arrive at CM on the 5th, looking forward to it, Merry Christmas

We'll see you on the 6th

 

[FtW Mike]

Prior to leaving France we took the time to make a head call as we were headed for the waiting line to enter the amphitheater and find some seats. Even at an hour before they let people in the line was back to between Japan and Morocco.
I am biased about this show. We saw Gary Sinese as the Narrator the 1st time we went in for me he is the best. I walk away feeling that the story he tells is very important to him personally.
We were happy to see that Disney has once again brought in High school and College choirs from around the state to perform

 

[FtW Mike]

Lt. Dan Himself

The Voices of Liberty who Perform every show

The high school choirs who were chosen to perform that evening.

Once the scripted part of the program is done, He does advocate and promote his Lt. Dan Foundation. Praising those that work and volunteer for it as well as let everyone know what they do.
He also praises and acknowledges the veterans and first responders in the audience by asking them to stand up.

 

[FtW Mike]

Tuesday had us up early. Unfortunately, the girls didn't cooperate. They wanted extra trips and time in Barkarittaville. That put our day all off schedule. Instead of conducting of concluding our business by 10am, it was closer to 11:30. Delivery was delayed till late afternoon, but worth it.

The decision to get this was made after the news that Disney is now requiring insurance. As we like to go to Margaritaville I checked with them about their policy. No outside rentals can come in and proof of insurance in your name is required. Lucille is also determined to get into a 55+ type community to become snowbirds. We went 6 seater as Lucille gets motion sick in the rear seat and Club Car wont have the new 4 Forward model available till mid 2025. Some of my nieces and nephews now having kids and willing to visit if we are close to Disney made it a more sensible idea.

Wednesday we were having the Coach detailed by INCREDIBLE DETAILING. When he does the roof, the girls get upset. So we took them to the Barkaritaville SPA and SALON. When they saw the one they are familiar with they wanted in. Taking them up to the SPA left them confused.
Margaritaville has 2 Dog Spa's. We like the one adjacent to the fancy dog park and behind the pool area. This has a dog park with artificial turf that we bring them to after their baths and no rolling in the dirt.

 

[FtW Mike]

When we got back, he was done with the roof and about to start the waxing portion of the job. I took this opportunity to make a PUBLIX and Walmart run. In the evening, I took some me time and hit a meeting of the Good Mommy and Daddy's club.

Thursday, after the girls were taken care of involved a trip to DISNEY Springs to renew our AP's. Lucille thought she had found a route quicker than I-4 . It wasn't.
The process in the Springs was simple. Total time spent was less than 90 minutes. We thought about checking out a few places but as I had to pick up a trailer from U Haul at 3 pm we decided to head back.
Coordinating with C.M.'s security paid off. They told me where I could park when I returned so things went nice and smooth.

 

[bama_ed]

Lucille is also determined to get into a 55+ type community to become snowbirds.

Whew! Good thing you both have finally turned 55yo then, huh?

 

[FtW Mike]

Whew! Good thing you both have finally turned 55yo then, huh?

Ed, we both passed that mark, more than a decade ago.

 

[FtW Mike]

Friday was move to the fort day. I was up early and took the girls to the BARKARITAVILLE PARK. Then loaded the cart in the U HAUL. I was at the fort by 8am and was checked in buy a very nice woman. We weren't getting any of the sites we requested, just the loop. She did indicate that 2 of my requested sites would come free the following day and made a quick call to arrange for us to be transferred the following morning.
For the night we had to take a completely different loop . One night no big deal. I dropped our cart at this new site and headed back to Winter Garden to return the trailer and then CM to complete the move to the FORT. Took a bit longer than I expected but everything worked out.
Once back at the fort we did only the essential hook up required and took the girls to the dog park. Saturday, we moved up to the Overflow low and waited till nearly 1:30 for our text. I couldn't be happier. Site 1807 works very well for us and that's what we got.
Once we were settled in, Lucille set up her Windshield display while I did our 2 Blow ups and sign.

Pete the Polar Bear keeps getting into the Egg Nog and will likely need to go to rehab after we get home to get sober and cleaned up

Buc-ee had a small mishap with his new Red Ryder Carbine.