Our very first official trip fort wilderness over christmas 2013

[RVMH]

Know all too well that awful feeling when the motorhome isn't running right! It will work out OK and I know you'll have a wonderful time at the Fort It's a place that is meant for making memories and you will have some special ones I'm sure...

 

[serenitygr]

Hello everyone! It is now Saturday night- we arrived safely at Camp Macks very late Thursday night, amidst backfiring that sounded like gunshots. (we apologize to those poor construction workers who must have thought someone was shooting at them ) Starting Wednesday afternoon, the old girl(our motorhome) decided she wanted NO part of slowing down anymore. Personally I think she was just in a hurry to get south, but Joe thinks it's related to a carberator. (not sure how to spell that) Whenever we would slow down, she would start backfiring like crazy, and forget anything under 40- the engine would die.

THIS BECAME A VERY FAMILIAR SIGHT ON OUR ADVENTURE....



But we did make it! And got settled in- we are right across from my brothers site- we've spent 2 wonderful days here with him. It has been something I will treasure the rest of my life. His wife and daughter (my niece) are both here, and we will never forget this time we've had together.. Always in my mind is the thought that this may be the last time we have together, and tomorrow leaving tomorrow is going to be heart wrenching for that reason. But I will always be thankful for this time we've had. Here is our whole group together

MY BROTHER BOBBY IS ON THE FAR RIGHT- I AM IN THE MIDDLE WITH THE BLACK BASEBALL CAP....



Today Bobby bought all of us a ticket to go on an airboat tour here at the camp- it was simply incredible! I've never done anything like that- we live in northern MN- land of 10000 lakes and all that- we go out on our pontoon in the summer and fish and swim in the lake, so water is nothing new to us. But this- it's impossible to imagine a more different world- the birds, the wild animals- and the ALLIGATORS! It was simply amazing..

ONE OF THE ALLIGATORS...



THIS LITTLE GUY (0R GIRL) IS HANGING AROUND OUR MOTORHOME ALOT!



The last 2 nights we've had a hot dog roast and a fish fry. (All fish Bobby and Cathryn caught right here!) Roasted marshmellows....made smores....made memories...
Now tomorrow morning it's time to pack this old girl up and head to Disney. Joe has worked on the carberator (there is that word again) and hopefully it will get us there w/o too much problem. We got all the kids and Joe a new bike at Walmart before getting to Camp Macks, so we've got to load all our bikes up (I brought my beautiful pink "old lady" bike from MN, as Joe calls it.. So if you see a family of 4 kids, and a lady with a pink bike- that is me! Wave me down to say hi! We will load them up.... tie down the awnings..... get my mom and her stuff loaded up....secure everything in here.... and hopefully head out around 10am.... Stay tuned for more adventures from *as Bobby calls us* the Grizwolds.....

 

[snocrossmechanic]

I'm glad your trip is going well considering the RV tuning. Your very blessed to be able to spend time with your family and the memories will last forever. Glad your brother is able to live his dream.

Enjoy your trip. We will keep the snow and cold here waiting for you until we head down on the 8th. Leave us some sunshine!!!

Mark

 

[michly]

Looks like you had a Sandhill Crane buddy. They're such lovely birds. I miss seeing them. The easiest way to tell what sex they are is when they're paired. The males are slightly bigger than the females. (*studied all sorts of wildlife in FL for 6 years... I like to randomly share knowledge)

Hope your RVs excitement to get to Disney is safely expressed! No funny business!

I'll be arriving Tuesday, so you may have some random waves... provided my sisters don't drag me away from the campground all the time.

 

[serenitygr]

Looks like you had a Sandhill Crane buddy. They're such lovely birds. I miss seeing them. The easiest way to tell what sex they are is when they're paired. The males are slightly bigger than the females. (*studied all sorts of wildlife in FL for 6 years... I like to randomly share knowledge)

Hope your RVs excitement to get to Disney is safely expressed! No funny business!

I'll be arriving Tuesday, so you may have some random waves... provided my sisters don't drag me away from the campground all the time.

I will watch for random waves! And would love to meet you, so dont' be shy! We are on the way right now- still backfiring, so if you are there now you will hear us coming!

 

[serenitygr]

OK- finally trying to get caught up! I have about 10000 pictures on my laptop so far- hopefully it won't just crash and die on this trip! Yesterday we had the simple joy of watching the golf cart parade so in the update tonight I'll post pictures of that. Tomorrow morning I'll try to get our other things posted with pictures too! So far we've gone to MK sunday night and did the Dessert party and watched the fireworks, Epcot Monday, MK again Tuesday, and Hollywood Studios this afternoon and evening. The Fort is simply perfect- we've had the most wonderful time so far, and are making the most amazing memories.... Haven't seen any other Dis'r signs or people yet- still hoping to meet some!

 

[tiggerdad]

Great job on the pics and thanks for taking the time away from your vacation to post them. That one cart with the giant Rudolph looks awsome. Bet they had a time getting it around as tall as it was.

 

[2goofycampers]

Awesome pics.

 

[serenitygr]

Great job on the pics and thanks for taking the time away from your vacation to post them. That one cart with the giant Rudolph looks awsome. Bet they had a time getting it around as tall as it was.

It was the favorite, I do believe! And funny thing is- we see them driving it around the fort from time to time yesterday! LOL It really is awesome! Wish you guys could be here to see it!

 

[LindaBabe]

LOVING your report! Thank you for writing.

 

[North of Mouse]

Thanks for the pics!! My vote is for the 'gingerbread house'

 

[serenitygr]

Sunday was the day we checked out of Camp Macks- heartbreaking to leave my big brother, but thankful to have Disney ahead of us... Good bye was the worst- trying to be positive, yet knowing it could be the last time we are together again- at least in this world... Here is a picture of me, my big brother, my mom, and my other brother. (he's here at Disney for a week staying at POP with my mom)


After our goodbyes, it was about an hours drive to the Fort- shooting flames out of our exhaust the whole way



And just a tiny bit more and we were home.....



That first night we went to MK, and went to the Dessert party- it was so much fun! That was one of the surprised for my mom. We also went on Peter Pan, Small World, and Space Mountain, as well as Tomorrowland Speedway. What a wonderful first night!

HEADING TO MAGIC KINGDOM ON THE BOAT....









That is our first night- I'll work on the next couple days later! We just picked up a rental car, and even signed up for a 2 hour sales pitch at Wyndham Creek for next Thursday- we can get a one week stay for free just for listening, so I'm already planning ahead for the next trip.... One week there, and then moving right along to a cabin at the Fort! Hoping THAT works out! We are heading over to POP to pick up the kids from my mom, and having a bite to eat, and then coming home to hopefully watch the fireworks and electrical parade from the beach- still have not got to do that, and it's my best memory of all from our other trip.....

 

[bjschil]

Hugs to you. Perhaps a so long for now. I pray that you DO get to see him again. Be there on the 1st. So excited. Enjoy your time at the Fort. It is truly a magical place.

 

[bama_ed]

The castle looks pretty at night in those ice blue lights.

Bama Ed

 

[Disneypeach]

thoroughly enjoying your TR! thanks for sharing with us...
Peach

 

[North of Mouse]

We always enjoy the boat rides to MK. Keep soakin' up all that warm sunshine!

 

[ChrisinNJ]

Great pics! I am glad you were able to spend this time with your brother. I know it had to be a bittersweet experience, but you will treasure those memories.

 

[serenitygr]

Well--- Monday was our day at Epcot- we had our 3 rides planned for the morning hours, and that was mainly what we did that day there. Lots of fun, because my mom had never heard of soarin or test track, so that alone made the whole trip worth it Ate lunch at Sunshine Seasons, and walked as far as Norway. By then we were all ready to call it a day there- headed to the Fort for the afternoon to finish setting up our tent and Christmas decorations....

SITTING IN FRONT OF "THE LAND"



LOOKING DOWN AT SUNSHINE SEASONS AT LUNCHTIME



ALL OF US AT EPCOT



JUST ONE MORE OF THE MANY BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AT EPCOT



I LOVE THIS PLACE



KODY GETTING HIS AIR BED ALL BLOWN UP



OUR RESULTS FROM THE FIRST NIGHT OF DECORATION.....

 

[WorldWacky]

Your site looks great! I'm really enjoying the trip report. Have a blast!

 

[CDNCruiser]

Good to see that you're all having fun!

We're missing the place already!