Mini October 09 Trip Report

[FlaFortCampster]

Just got back from the Fort yesterday. It was the annual Oct. trip which is usually the best because the weather is such much better. And yes, the weather was spectacular Monday and Tuesday. A little too warm Wed. and Thur., but much better than Sept. NOTE - I have to date trip reports now to keep them straight.
Will post 3 pics now and more later. Posting these first as it looks like they are up to something again. While walking the Settlement area and then heading to Wilderness Lodge via the exercise trail, I saw these!!!!
Now what??? When they survey, it usually indicates there is some change on the way. Also, it looks like they are changing the fences over by the "point" where Bay Lake meets the canal. Orange spray paint along the ground and circles where it looks like posts would go in. Could be the area where they turn the wagons around is getting too close to the canal and this is a safety measure. Lastly, the bridge that links the "point" with the 300 loop (the one that is just outside the loop by the canal and crosses the small creek heading towards the lake) was closed off. One of those stupid PVC gates was up with orange cones and a truck was parked on the bridge. I could squeeze by on foot, but a bike, no way. Sorry, no photos. I had fishing pole in hand. The only other way to get to the this spot would be a long walk along the nature trail that starts by the Settlement Trading Post. Not sure why they did this unless people are abusing the NO CART rule and just driving past the NO CART signs. Here are the 3 pics.

The first survey point was across from the Tri Circle Ranch close to the old depot.

This is the second survey point, unmanned, near the golf cart parking.

Second survey point now manned.

Third one I saw was at the entrance to the path leading to Trail's End, marina, Settlement Trading Post right near the 100 loop.
Briefly spoke to the surveyor and asked if the monorail would be adding a station here, got a laugh on that question. Then I asked if the train was coming back and got a glare on that one. So, moved on at that point.
Will post more pics later.

 

[OK GRUMPY]

Love the Fort in October! Wish I could be there this year but I'm holding out for a different experience New Years!

 

[freshlybarked]

We just got back yesterday also. The reason the bridge was gated off was due to the fact that they decorated for the haunted carriage ride. Since we took the ride on Friday night I might say decorated is kind of strong, but the swamp trail was open early in the day and then closed late afternoon. They probably didn't want any one wandering around before the carriage rides started.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Great job FFC!

If I had to guess what they were surveying for, I would guess that they are going to do some work on the entrance/exit point to the walkway behind the 100 loop. This is where the surveying equipment is set up in your third photo. That entry is too narrow for all the pedestrians, bikes and golf carts coming in and out of that area.

And, Freshlybarked is correct about the reason for the bridge being blocked off. That happens every year when there are Haunted carriage/hay rides.

TCD

 

[FlaFortCampster]

That makes sense with the bridge and I'm thrilled. Didn't want to walk the long way around with fishing gear in hand.
Yep, their up to something again, hope it's an improvement and not a fee hike, like a little gate on that path and you have to pay to use it......